At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage referrals and match placements to meet children's needs in a supportive environment.
- Company: Join Foster Care Associates, a friendly team dedicated to making a difference.
- Benefits: Enjoy 30-35 days annual leave, pension, medical cash plan, and employee discounts.
- Other info: Flexible hybrid working model with opportunities for training and career growth.
- Why this job: Be the first point of contact and help foster families create positive change.
- Qualifications: Good communication and organisational skills; experience in children's services is a plus.
The predicted salary is between 23535 - 23535 £ per year.
Foster Care Associates (The FCA) is seeking a highly motivated and enthusiastic Full Time Referrals Officer to join our inspirational and friendly team to develop and promote fostering services in Cymru South. Our office is based in Bridgend and we support a hybrid model of working with flexibility to work from home.
This role involves managing referrals received from local authorities and ensuring placements are carefully matched according to children’s needs. The Referrals Officer is the first point of contact between local authorities, foster families and social workers. The role requires good communication skills, the ability to develop positive relationships, and strong organisational and administrative skills. Previous experience in a children’s services sector may be an advantage, but is not essential. You should be capable of working independently, using initiative to find creative solutions to foster placement requests.
Benefits:
- Starting at 30 days’ annual leave, increasing to 35 days with length of service + bank holidays
- Company Pension
- Life Assurance x2
- Employee Discount Scheme
- Medical Cash Plan
- Free Parking
- Refer a friend scheme with a monetary incentive
- Opportunity to undertake additional recruitment events for additional payments
- An exceptional platform available for online and face-to-face training opportunities
- Inclusion to a comprehensive rewards package including access to discounts to hundreds of major retailers
- Opportunity to join, at a highly reduced rate, our foster talk scheme with all the legal and financial advice this provides as well as additional discounts to various schemes and retailers
What We Are Looking For:
As a Referrals Officer, you will manage referrals received from local authorities and use key information and matching criteria to ensure placements are carefully matched according to children’s needs. You will be required to use your initiative and be able to work independently when required to find creative solutions to foster placement requests. You will be the first point of contact between local authorities, foster families and social workers. You need good communication skills and be able to develop positive relationships with colleagues within and outside the agency, both written and face‑to‑face. While previous experience in children’s services is an advantage, it is not essential. Excellent organisational and administrative skills are key, together with a passion to make a difference to children and families.
Foster Care Associates is an equal opportunities employer and has been awarded the Disability Confident Employer by the Jobcentre Plus. The successful applicant will be subject to an enhanced DBS check if selected for the position.
Referrals Officer employer: Leaving Care Solutions Limited
Foster Care Associates (The FCA) is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and inclusive work culture in Bridgend, where you can make a meaningful impact on children's lives. With generous benefits including up to 35 days of annual leave, a comprehensive rewards package, and opportunities for professional growth through training and recruitment events, FCA fosters an environment that values employee well-being and development. Join our friendly team and be part of a mission-driven organisation dedicated to providing the best fostering services in Cymru South.
Contact Details:
Leaving Care Solutions Limited Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Referrals Officer
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the fostering sector, attend local events, and connect with professionals on LinkedIn. Building relationships can open doors to opportunities that aren’t even advertised.
✨Tip Number 2
Be proactive! Don’t just wait for job openings to pop up. Contact organisations directly, express your interest, and ask about potential roles. Sometimes, they might have positions in the pipeline that aren’t listed yet.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and understanding their values. Be ready to discuss how your skills align with their mission, especially in fostering services. Show them you’re passionate about making a difference!
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage with us directly. Let’s make it happen together!
We think you need these skills to ace Referrals Officer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Referrals Officer role. Highlight your communication skills and any relevant experience, even if it’s not directly in children’s services. We want to see how you can bring your unique strengths to our team!
Show Your Passion:Let your enthusiasm for fostering shine through in your application. Share why you’re excited about making a difference in children’s lives and how you can contribute to our friendly team at FCA. We love seeing candidates who are genuinely passionate about the work we do!
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it clear and to the point. Use bullet points where possible to make your skills and experiences stand out. We appreciate straightforward communication, so don’t be afraid to show us what you can do without fluff!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website for the best chance of getting noticed. It’s super easy, and you’ll find all the details you need there. Plus, it shows us you’re serious about joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Leaving Care Solutions Limited
✨Know the Role Inside Out
Before your interview, make sure you thoroughly understand the Referrals Officer role. Familiarise yourself with the responsibilities, especially around managing referrals and matching placements. This will help you demonstrate your knowledge and enthusiasm for the position.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
As a Referrals Officer, you'll need to communicate effectively with various stakeholders. Prepare examples of how you've successfully built relationships in previous roles. Practising clear and concise responses will also help you shine during the interview.
✨Demonstrate Your Problem-Solving Abilities
Think of specific instances where you've had to use your initiative to solve problems. The interviewers will be looking for your ability to find creative solutions to foster placement requests, so come prepared with relevant examples that highlight your skills.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
At the end of the interview, don’t forget to ask questions! Inquire about the team dynamics, the challenges they face, or how success is measured in the role. This shows your genuine interest in the position and helps you assess if it's the right fit for you.
