Fostering Engagement Officer in Stoke Prior

Fostering Engagement Officer in Stoke Prior

Stoke Prior Full-Time 20400 - 28800 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
Polaris Community

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Engage with potential foster carers and guide them through the recruitment process.
  • Company: Join Polaris, a leading community dedicated to improving children's lives.
  • Benefits: Enjoy 30 days of annual leave, pension, life assurance, and employee discounts.
  • Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while developing your communication skills.
  • Qualifications: Strong verbal communication skills and customer service experience preferred.
  • Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for personal growth and flexible working hours.

The predicted salary is between 20400 - 28800 £ per year.

Contract: Full-Time - Permanent

Location: Bromsgrove

Salary: Up to £24,000 depending on experience

Benefits: 30 days' Annual Leave (rising to 35 days' with length of service) + Bank Holidays, Company Pension, Life Assurance, Employee Discount Scheme & Free On-Site Parking

About Us

We are Polaris, one of the UK's largest leading communities of children's service providers. Within the community, we have independent fostering and adoption agencies who have been passionately improving the lives of young people for over 30 years, as well as Education, Residential and Leaving Care services, and bespoke children's services contracts. Our nurturing community works collectively to support the very best outcomes for each and every child in our care. We're ambitious for our children and young people, families and staff, and believe in their futures.

What We Are Looking For

We are looking for a highly motivated Fostering Engagement Officer to join our established Enquiries Team. In this pivotal role, you'll be the first point of contact for individuals enquiring about becoming foster carers and will support them with their first steps through the process. You'll bring a friendly, confident telephone manner, along with the enthusiasm and energy to connect with individuals through both calls and live chat. As an excellent verbal communicator, you'll be able to stay calm and professional under pressure, listening attentively to understand individuals' needs and build strong relationships. Your self-motivation and lively approach will help you identify opportunities, create effective solutions, and leave every individual feeling supported and valued.

Role Responsibilities

  • Respond to all enquiries while building rapport with potential foster carers
  • Make proactive outbound contact via phone calls, emails and texts to engage applicants
  • Carry out initial screening calls and highlight applicants' transferable skills
  • Guide applicants through the benefits of fostering with the Polaris Group and support them through the first steps of the fostering recruitment process
  • Provide further information when requested and respond to queries promptly
  • Build strong, trusting relationships through empathetic and supportive communication
  • Navigate sensitive topics and challenging conversations with professionalism and care
  • Promote virtual information events and monitor attendance
  • Maintain accurate and up-to-date records on the CRM system
  • Complete daily administrative tasks to support the enquiries and recruitment team
  • Multi-task and prioritise workload effectively in a fast-paced environment
  • Work flexibly to meet business needs, including one evening per week
  • Prior knowledge of fostering, the fostering sector, and/or the standard foster carer recruitment process would be advantageous
  • Experience working within a customer service environment would be advantageous

For an informal conversation about this post, please contact Ellen Leaning - Recruitment & Enquiry Team Manager on 07866 033205.

We are an Equal Opportunities employer. The successful applicant will be subject to a DBS check if successful for the position. Polaris is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff to share this commitment.

Fostering Engagement Officer in Stoke Prior employer: Polaris Community

At Polaris, we pride ourselves on being a leading community of children's service providers, dedicated to improving the lives of young people for over 30 years. As a Fostering Engagement Officer in Bromsgrove, you'll enjoy a supportive work culture that values your contributions, with generous benefits including up to 35 days of annual leave and a company pension. We are committed to your professional growth, offering opportunities to develop your skills while making a meaningful impact in the lives of children and families.
Polaris Community

Contact Detail:

Polaris Community Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Fostering Engagement Officer in Stoke Prior

✨Tip Number 1

Get to know the company inside out! Research Polaris and understand their values, mission, and the specifics of the Fostering Engagement Officer role. This will help you tailor your conversations and show genuine interest when you connect with them.

✨Tip Number 2

Practice your communication skills! Since you'll be engaging with potential foster carers, it’s crucial to sound friendly and confident. Try role-playing with a friend or family member to get comfortable with the types of questions you might face.

✨Tip Number 3

Don’t hesitate to reach out! If you have questions about the role or the application process, contact Ellen Leaning directly. It shows initiative and can give you valuable insights that might set you apart from other candidates.

✨Tip Number 4

Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it gives you a chance to showcase your enthusiasm for joining the Polaris team right from the start.

We think you need these skills to ace Fostering Engagement Officer in Stoke Prior

Verbal Communication
Telephone Manner
Empathy
Relationship Building
Active Listening
Problem-Solving
Customer Service
Administrative Skills
Multi-tasking
Time Management
Knowledge of Fostering Sector
Flexibility
Professionalism
Attention to Detail

Some tips for your application 🫡

Be Yourself: When you're writing your application, let your personality shine through! We want to see the real you, so don’t be afraid to show your enthusiasm for the role and how your experiences align with what we’re looking for.

Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to fit the Fostering Engagement Officer role. Highlight relevant experiences and skills that match the job description, especially your communication skills and customer service background.

Keep It Clear and Concise: We appreciate a well-structured application. Keep your language clear and to the point, making it easy for us to see why you’d be a great fit. Avoid jargon unless it’s relevant to the fostering sector!

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. Plus, it’s super easy to do!

How to prepare for a job interview at Polaris Community

✨Know Your Stuff

Before the interview, make sure you understand the fostering sector and the role of a Fostering Engagement Officer. Familiarise yourself with Polaris' mission and values, as well as the benefits of fostering. This will help you answer questions confidently and show your genuine interest in the position.

✨Practice Your Communication Skills

Since this role requires excellent verbal communication, practice articulating your thoughts clearly. You might want to do mock interviews with friends or family, focusing on how you would engage potential foster carers. Remember, a friendly and confident telephone manner is key!

✨Show Empathy and Understanding

During the interview, demonstrate your ability to navigate sensitive topics with care. Think of examples from your past experiences where you've built strong relationships or handled challenging conversations. This will showcase your suitability for a role that involves supporting individuals through their fostering journey.

✨Be Ready to Multi-task

The job description mentions a fast-paced environment, so be prepared to discuss how you manage multiple tasks effectively. Share specific examples of how you've prioritised your workload in previous roles, especially in customer service settings, to highlight your organisational skills.

Fostering Engagement Officer in Stoke Prior
Polaris Community
Location: Stoke Prior

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