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- Tasks: Manage referrals and match placements to meet children's needs creatively.
- Company: Join a family-oriented fostering agency making a real difference in children's lives.
- Benefits: Enjoy 30 days annual leave, pension, life assurance, and employee discounts.
- Why this job: Be the first point of contact, building relationships that change lives.
- Qualifications: Experience in children's services and strong admin skills are a plus.
- Other info: Full training provided; work in a supportive, fast-paced team environment.
The predicted salary is between 22630 - 25200 £ per year.
Location: Home working with a requirement to attend office in London as required
Salary: £22,630.06 per annum
Benefits: 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
About Us: 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. Our purpose remains the same; 'to make a positive and lasting difference for children, families and communities', underpinned by values designed to help us assist children and young people to reach their full potential.
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 that placements are carefully matched according to children's needs. You will have the ability to work independently and use your initiative to find creative solutions to foster placement requests. The Referrals Officer role is the first point of contact between Local Authorities, foster families and Social Workers. You will develop positive relationships with colleagues and be confident communicating with professionals at all levels. Experience within the children's services sector or similar is beneficial, along with evidence of 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.
Responsibilities:
- Actively promote foster parent vacancies by communicating with Local Authorities via telephone and email
- Build and maintain a strong working relationship with Local Authorities
- Ensure systems are always up to date and relevant
- Work to tight deadlines
- Use Company Performance to ensure foster parents are supported with their vacancies and to help growth within the company
- Complete Foster Parent Pay - Full training provided
- Liaise with the Referral Hub to offer cover and support where needed
- Ensure line Manager is kept up to date on Referrals, matching and any issues in relation to vacancies
- Attend regular meetings and assist with minuting
For more information about this post please contact Tracey Harris, 07970081483. To be considered, please apply and we will be in touch. No agencies please. 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 a DBS check at enhanced level if successful for the position.
Referrals Officer in City of Westminster employer: Polaris Community
Contact Detail:
Polaris Community Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Referrals Officer in City of Westminster
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the fostering and children's services sector. Attend events, join online forums, and connect with professionals on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Be proactive! Don’t just wait for job postings to appear. Contact FCA directly through our website and express your interest in the Referrals Officer role. Show us you’re keen and ready to make a difference!
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by researching FCA’s values and mission. Think about how your skills align with our goal of making a positive impact on children’s lives. We love candidates who share our passion!
✨Tip Number 4
Follow up after interviews! A quick thank-you email can go a long way. It shows your enthusiasm for the role and keeps you fresh in our minds as we make decisions.
We think you need these skills to ace Referrals Officer in City of Westminster
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your skills and experiences align with the Referrals Officer role. We want to see how you can make a positive impact on the lives of looked after children, so don’t hold back!
Show Your Passion: Let your enthusiasm for fostering and supporting children shine through in your written application. We’re all about making a difference, so share any relevant experiences that showcase your commitment to this cause.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so avoid jargon and ensure your key points stand out. This will help us quickly see why you’d be a great fit for our family at FCA.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Polaris Community
✨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, make sure you understand Foster Care Associates' mission and values. Familiarise yourself with their approach to fostering and how they support children and families. This will show your genuine interest in the role and help you connect your experience to their goals.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
As a Referrals Officer, you'll be the first point of contact for Local Authorities and foster families. Prepare examples of how you've effectively communicated in previous roles, especially in challenging situations. Highlight your ability to build relationships and work collaboratively with various stakeholders.
✨Demonstrate Problem-Solving Abilities
Think of specific instances where you've had to use your initiative to find creative solutions. The role requires quick thinking and adaptability, so be ready to discuss how you've successfully navigated tight deadlines or complex requests in the past.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare some insightful questions about the role and the company culture. This not only shows your enthusiasm but also helps you gauge if FCA is the right fit for you. Consider asking about their training process or how they measure success in the Referrals Officer position.
