At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage referrals and match children with foster families to meet their needs.
- Company: Foster Care Associates, a leading fostering agency with a family-oriented culture.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, 30 days annual leave, pension scheme, and employee discounts.
- Other info: Full training provided; join a passionate team dedicated to positive change.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while working in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in children's services and strong administration skills preferred.
The predicted salary is between 16806 - 16806 £ per year.
Location: Belfast
Permanent Part Time: 25 hours per week – working days expected Thursday and Friday, 9am–5pm; other working days are flexible
Salary: £16,806.83 per annum (£23,529.57 FTE)
- 30 days’ Annual Leave, increasing to 35 days with length of service, plus Bank Holidays, pro rata
- Company Pension
- Life Assurance x2
- Employee Discount Scheme
- Medical Cash Plan
- Free Parking
About Us
Set up by a former foster parent and former social worker in 1994, Foster Care Associates (FCA) is an established fostering agency which forms part of the Polaris Community – one of the UK’s largest leading communities of children’s service providers. The business was born out of an enthusiasm for delivering fostering services to make a positive difference to the lives of looked after children. Our first office was in the Worcestershire countryside, and that is still where our Head Office is today. We have come a long way since those early days. Over the years, FCA has built a strong reputation for excellence, and now offers a wide range of services to children and families. But our purpose remains the same: “to make a positive and lasting difference for children, families and communities”, and it is underpinned by a series of values designed to help us assist children and young people to reach their full potential. Today, we are one of the country’s largest and most experienced independent fostering agencies. Just because we are large does not mean we are impersonal. At FCA we are one big family, and we are committed to supporting every single child and foster parent, every single minute of the day.
What We Are Looking For
As a Referrals Officer, you will manage referrals received from Health and Social Care Trusts and use key information and matching criteria to ensure that placements are carefully matched according to children’s needs. You will have the ability to work independently and be able to use your initiative to find creative solutions to foster placement requests. The Referrals Officer role is the first point of contact between Health and Social Care Trusts, foster families and Social Workers. You will be able to develop positive relationships with colleagues and be confident communicating with professionals at all levels. It would be beneficial to have experience of working within the children’s services sector or similar and be able to evidence your administration skills, ability to follow regulatory policies and processes and the ability to work well within a fast-paced team. Full training will be provided.
We are a family of independent fostering agencies, all with our own individual areas of expertise, but with one shared vision. We want to give children across the country who have had a difficult start in life the support they need to build themselves a stronger and happier future. For our Foster Parents, we provide a close network of support that becomes like a second family.
Contact
For more information about this post, please contact Danielle Chapman on 07500 085 301. Foster Care Associates is an equal opportunities employer and has been awarded the Disability Confident Employer by Jobcentre Plus. The successful applicant will be subject to an enhanced AccessNI check if successful for the position.
Referrals Officer – Fostering in Belfast employer: Polaris Community
Foster Care Associates (FCA) is an exceptional employer dedicated to making a positive impact in the lives of children and families. Located in Belfast, FCA offers a supportive work culture that values teamwork and personal growth, providing employees with 30 days of annual leave, a comprehensive benefits package, and opportunities for professional development. As part of a large community of children's service providers, you will be joining a family-oriented organisation committed to excellence and innovation in fostering services.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Referrals Officer – Fostering in Belfast
✨Get Involved in Community Events
Dive headfirst into community events and social work fairs in your area. These are great opportunities to connect with potential employers like Polaris Community, grab some insider info, and showcase your passion for social work. Plus, meeting people face-to-face can really make you stand out!
✨Join Social Work Networks
Tap into social work networks and online communities, like local charities and organisations. Engaging in discussions or volunteering can help you build a strong reputation and could lead to part-time roles just like the one at Polaris Community. The connections you make could be the key to landing your next opportunity!
✨Make Your Passion Shine
When approaching part-time roles, be sure to highlight your passion for social issues in conversations and informal chats. Bring your experiences to life through storytelling – this can resonate well with organisations looking for someone who genuinely cares about making a difference!
✨Keep an Eye on Local Job Boards
Part-time roles in social work might not always be advertised in the usual places. Keep checking local job boards or community centres for openings, and don't hesitate to apply directly through Polaris Community's website – we love seeing proactive candidates who take the initiative!
We think you need these skills to ace Referrals Officer – Fostering in Belfast
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Social Work:In your cover letter, let your passion for social work shine through. Talk about why you're drawn to this field and how you've been involved in community service or support roles. We want to see your commitment and the heart you bring to the table!
Highlight Relevant Experience:Make sure to spotlight any hands-on experience you have! Whether it's internships, volunteering, or relevant coursework, detail how your past experiences relate to the role at Polaris Community. We love seeing candidates who have practical skills and a real understanding of social issues.
Certificates and Training Matter:If you've got any relevant certifications or training specific to social work (like safeguarding training or counselling qualifications), don’t forget to include these in your CV! These details can set you apart and show us you’re serious about your professional development.
Be Flexible with Your Availability:Since this is a part-time role, explain your availability clearly in your application. Let us know when you can start and how many hours you’re looking to work. Being upfront about your schedule will help us see how you fit into the team at Polaris Community.
How to prepare for a job interview at Polaris Community
✨Show Your Passion for Helping Others
In social work, it's all about your commitment to making a difference. Be ready to share specific experiences that highlight your passion for helping others, whether that's through volunteering, placements, or personal stories. We want to see that genuine drive during your chat with Polaris Community.
✨Know Your Social Work Theories
You might be quizzed on social work theories or models that inform your practice, like the person-in-environment approach. Brush up on these concepts and be prepared to discuss how you'd apply them in a practical setting. This could be a game changer in your interview for a Referrals Officer – Fostering at Polaris Community.
✨Flexibility and Availability are Key
As you're going for a part-time role, highlight your flexibility and how it would fit with the organisation's needs. Have examples ready that demonstrate your availability for various shifts or urgent situations—that's just gold for a social work role.
✨Prepare for a Situation-Based Discussion
Expect scenario-based questions where you'll need to demonstrate how you'd handle specific situations with clients or stakeholders. Think of a couple of real-life scenarios you've encountered and articulate your thought process. This will show Polaris Community that you're ready to hit the ground running in the Referrals Officer – Fostering role.
