At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage referrals and match young people with Foster Parents in a supportive team.
- Company: Join an Outstanding-rated fostering agency making a real difference in children's lives.
- Benefits: Enjoy 30 days annual leave, pension, life assurance, and employee discounts.
- Other info: Full training provided in a dynamic, family-like work environment.
- Why this job: Be the first point of contact in a role that truly impacts children's futures.
- Qualifications: Experience in administration or children's services is a plus; strong organisational skills required.
The predicted salary is between 27720 - 33880 £ per year.
Contract: Part Time, Permanent
Hours: 21 hours per week
Salary: £14,117.74 per annum (£23,529.57 FTE)
Location: Office-Based – Nottingham
30 days’ annual leave plus bank holidays
Company pension
Life Assurance x2
Employee Discount Scheme
Medical Cash Plan
Free on-site parking
All benefits will be pro-rated for part-time employees
About Us
Fostering People is an innovative and developing provider with an Outstanding inspection rating. We have a reputation for providing exceptional support to our children, Foster Parents and our dedicated and passionate staff team. Established in 2000, our reputation and positive approach have enabled us to achieve growth in the fostering sector. Today, we are present in even more communities across Scotland, the North East, North West, West Midlands, East of England and Yorkshire. The quality of our work means we are the preferred partner for many local authorities, who trust us to provide a high-quality and caring local service. Just as importantly, so do our Foster Parents in these communities. We have received four consecutive Outstanding inspections from Ofsted, the most recent in 2024.
We are looking to recruit a Referrals Officer to join our enthusiastic Referrals Team based in our head office in Nottingham. As a Referrals Officer, you will oversee, process and action referrals received from local authorities. You will work collaboratively with the Referrals Manager and Officers, social workers, team managers and senior management to carefully match young people with our Foster Parents according to their needs. You will be able to work effectively within a team and independently, using your own initiative to find creative solutions when needed.
The Referrals Officer will be a first point of contact between local authorities, social workers and Foster Parents. You will need to be confident, responsive and professional when liaising with professional partners, and be able to develop positive relationships when communicating with colleagues and our Foster Parents. It would be beneficial to have administration experience or experience of working within children’s services or a similar environment. You should be able to demonstrate strong organisational and administrative skills, the ability to follow regulatory policies and processes, and the ability to work well within a fast-paced environment. Full support and training will be provided.
We are a family of independent fostering agencies, each with its own areas of expertise but with one shared vision: to give children across the country who have had a difficult start in life the support they need to build a stronger and happier future. For our Foster Parents, we provide a close network of support that becomes like a second family.
Fostering People is an equal opportunities employer and has been awarded Disability Confident Employer status by Jobcentre Plus. The successful applicant will be subject to an enhanced DBS check.
Referrals Officer - Fostering in Nottingham employer: Polaris Community
At Headway Adolescent Resources, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer dedicated to creating a nurturing environment for both our staff and the children in our care. Located in the tranquil setting of East Huntspill, Highbridge, we offer competitive salaries, generous bonuses, and a strong commitment to professional development, ensuring that our Registered Managers have the support and resources needed to thrive. Join our passionate team and make a meaningful impact while enjoying a positive work culture that values resilience, collaboration, and the voices of those we serve.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Referrals Officer - Fostering in Nottingham
✨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 Nottingham
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.
