At a Glance
- Tasks: Attract and engage potential foster carers while promoting the fostering department.
- Company: Southend City Council, dedicated to supporting children and families.
- Benefits: Flexible working hours, 25 days annual leave, and excellent training opportunities.
- Other info: Hybrid working available with a minimum of 1 day on-site each week.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the community by helping children find loving homes.
- Qualifications: GCSE in English and Maths, knowledge of Children Social Care, and strong communication skills.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
Southend City Council are looking to appoint a permanent, part-time Recruitment Fostering Officer. The salary is pro rata'd to 25hrs. The Recruitment Fostering Officer's role is to attract, engage and convert potentially interested foster carers. The main goal is to increase the number of approved foster carers by promoting the fostering department and guiding applicants through the early stages of the fostering recruitment process.
Within this post, you will be key in developing, implementing, monitoring and evaluating the recruitment strategy for Fostering. This includes producing and distributing promotional material, developing relationships with the press, media, community groups and organising recruitment events. You will be the first point of contact to all prospective foster carers, as well as organising pre-approval training for them.
There will be the need to provide accurate information and advice about the different fostering schemes operating in Southend. This will involve dealing effectively with visitors and telephone callers to the service. You will also be required to collect information and complete initial enquiry forms as appropriate and subsequently send out up-to-date recruitment information packs.
The working week is 25hrs and these are flexible to your needs. Within this position, hybrid working opportunities are available. However, you are required to be on-site at the Civic Centre a minimum of 1 day a week.
What you’ll need to succeed: To be shortlisted for this position, it is essential that you hold a GCSE qualification in English and Maths. You must have some knowledge of the Children Social Care sector, preferably within a Local Authority environment. You must have proven advanced administration and customer service skills, be comfortable learning new IT systems and have the ability to communicate comfortably and effectively, whether at an event, one-on-one, or on the phone.
What you’ll get in return: When joining the council, you can enjoy a range of benefits including: 25 days annual leave, flexible working and excellent training and development opportunities. They are committed to ensuring that you are supported in this varied and challenging role with the appropriate level of training.
Please note that salaries and holiday entitlement will be pro rata'd in line with the advertised hours for this position.
If you’re interested in this role, click 'apply now' to forward an up-to-date copy of your CV.
Fostering Recruitment Officer - 25hrs per week - Permanent in Southend-on-Sea employer: Hays
Southend City Council is an excellent employer, offering a supportive work environment that prioritises employee well-being and professional growth. With flexible working hours, hybrid opportunities, and a commitment to training and development, you will be empowered to make a meaningful impact in the fostering community while enjoying a healthy work-life balance. Join us in making a difference in the lives of children and families in Southend.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Fostering Recruitment Officer - 25hrs per week - Permanent in Southend-on-Sea
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your contacts in the fostering and social care sectors. Attend local events or workshops where you can meet people who might know about opportunities or can refer you directly.
✨Tip Number 2
Be proactive! Don’t just wait for job postings. Contact Southend City Council directly to express your interest in the Recruitment Fostering Officer role. Sometimes, showing enthusiasm can put you on their radar before they even post the job.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by researching the fostering sector. Understand the challenges and successes of fostering in your area. This knowledge will help you stand out and show that you're genuinely interested in making a difference.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the easiest way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we often have tips and resources available to help you ace the process. Don’t miss out!
We think you need these skills to ace Fostering Recruitment Officer - 25hrs per week - Permanent in Southend-on-Sea
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Recruitment Fostering Officer role. Highlight any relevant experience in fostering, social care, or customer service that aligns with what we're looking for.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about fostering and how your skills can help us attract and support new foster carers.
Showcase Your Communication Skills:Since you'll be the first point of contact for prospective foster carers, it's crucial to demonstrate your communication skills. Use clear and concise language in your application to show us you can engage effectively.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It helps us keep track of applications and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates!
How to prepare for a job interview at Hays
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on the Children Social Care sector, especially within a Local Authority context. Familiarise yourself with the fostering process and the different schemes available in Southend. This knowledge will help you answer questions confidently and show your genuine interest in the role.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
As a Recruitment Fostering Officer, you'll need to communicate effectively with various stakeholders. Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and concisely. Consider preparing examples of how you've successfully engaged with others in previous roles, whether at events or over the phone.
✨Demonstrate Your Organisational Skills
This role involves managing multiple tasks, from organising recruitment events to handling enquiries. Be ready to discuss your experience with advanced administration and how you prioritise tasks. You might even want to bring a planner or digital tool to show how you keep everything on track!
✨Prepare Questions
Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare thoughtful questions about the recruitment strategy and the team dynamics. This not only shows your enthusiasm for the role but also helps you gauge if the position is the right fit for you. Plus, it demonstrates that you're proactive and engaged.
