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- Tasks: Manage referrals and match families with children’s needs while handling various admin duties.
- Company: Join an 'Outstanding' fostering agency focused on cultural and multi-faith placements since 2012.
- Benefits: Enjoy 30 days of annual leave, a pension scheme, life assurance, and employee discounts.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in children's lives while working in a supportive, family-like environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in children's services is beneficial; strong admin skills and initiative are essential.
- Other info: Full training provided; be part of a growing team across the UK.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 42000 £ per year.
Benefits: 30 days’ Annual Leave (rising to 35 with length of service) + Bank Holidays, Company Pension, Life Assurance x2, Employee Discount Scheme & On-site Parking
ABOUT US
We’re a high-quality fostering organisation, recognised as ‘Outstanding’ in all areas by OFSTED and one of the UK’s only independent fostering agency specialising in cultural and multi-faith-based fostering placements.
That’s what we set out to do in 2012, and we’re still doing it today. Our focus is on helping children and young people with specific religious or cultural needs find foster parents who share their values and identity and can provide a safe and loving home. No other independent fostering organisation offers this specialist service, and nobody does it so well. In our most recent inspection in 2024, OFSTED rated us as ‘Outstanding’ in every area of our work
Our first office was in the West Midlands, but as our reputation and services have grown, so has our presence across the UK. We now have an office in Blackburn and also cover the East Midlands and Yorkshire with our local based team. The founding members, Mohammed Bashir and Andrew Nugent are still here with us, providing leadership and direction.
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 families are carefully matched according to children’s needs. You will have the ability to work independently and able to 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 be able 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.
Taking a detailed orientated approach, you will also undertake a wide range of admin duties such as coordinating training, meetings and events as well as acting as admin support to our foster parents and Social Workers. You will also complete monthly essential compliance tasks and record essential company information to third parties on our database.
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 carers, we provide a close network of support that becomes like a second family.
For more information about this post please contact Mohammed Bashir, Registered Manager on07813 054817 or Andrew Nugent, Fostering Service Manager on 07967 381045.
To be considered, please apply and we will be in touch.
No agencies please.
Active Care Solutions 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.
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Referrals and Admin Officer - Fostering employer: Polaris Community
Contact Detail:
Polaris Community Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Referrals and Admin Officer - Fostering
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the specific needs of children in fostering, especially those from diverse cultural and religious backgrounds. This knowledge will help you demonstrate your understanding of the role during any discussions or interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the children's services sector. Attend relevant events or join online forums to connect with others in the field, which can provide insights and potentially lead to referrals for the position.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your administrative skills and experience in a fast-paced environment. Think of specific examples where you've successfully managed multiple tasks or projects, as this will showcase your ability to handle the demands of the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Research our organisation thoroughly, including our values and recent achievements. Being able to articulate why you want to work with us and how you align with our mission will make a strong impression during your application process.
We think you need these skills to ace Referrals and Admin Officer - Fostering
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Before applying, make sure you fully understand the responsibilities of a Referrals and Admin Officer. Familiarise yourself with the specific requirements mentioned in the job description, such as managing referrals and developing relationships with Local Authorities.
Tailor Your CV: Customise your CV to highlight relevant experience in children's services or administration. Emphasise any skills that demonstrate your ability to work independently and creatively solve problems, as these are key for this role.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for fostering and your understanding of cultural and multi-faith-based placements. Use specific examples from your past experiences to illustrate how you meet the criteria outlined in the job description.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your application materials. Check for spelling and grammatical errors, and ensure that all information is clear and concise. A polished application reflects your attention to detail, which is crucial for this position.
How to prepare for a job interview at Polaris Community
✨Understand the Organisation's Values
Before your interview, take some time to research the fostering organisation's mission and values. Understanding their focus on cultural and multi-faith-based placements will help you align your answers with their goals and demonstrate your commitment to their cause.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
As a Referrals Officer, you'll be the first point of contact for various stakeholders. Prepare examples that highlight your ability to communicate effectively with Local Authorities, foster families, and Social Workers. This will show that you can build positive relationships and handle sensitive conversations.
✨Demonstrate Problem-Solving Abilities
The role requires creative solutions to foster placement requests. Think of specific instances where you've successfully navigated challenges in previous roles. Be ready to discuss how you approached these situations and the outcomes, showcasing your initiative and independent working style.
✨Prepare for Administrative Questions
Since the position involves a variety of administrative tasks, be prepared to discuss your experience with compliance, record-keeping, and coordinating events. Highlight any relevant software or systems you've used, as well as your attention to detail in managing essential information.
