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- Tasks: Manage referrals and match placements to meet children's needs in a supportive environment.
- Company: Join Foster Care Associates, a leading fostering agency with a family-like culture.
- Benefits: Enjoy 30 days of annual leave, a pension scheme, and employee discounts.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while developing your skills in a dynamic team.
- Qualifications: Experience in children's services is a plus; strong communication and admin skills are essential.
- Other info: Full training provided and opportunities for career growth in a supportive community.
The predicted salary is between 22630 - 25400 £ 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', and it is underpinned by a series of 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 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 Local Authorities, 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.
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 Westminster employer: Polaris Community
Contact Detail:
Polaris Community Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Referrals Officer in Westminster
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the children's services sector and let them know you're on the hunt for a Referrals Officer role. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews by researching FCA and their values. Show us that you understand their mission to make a positive difference in children's lives. Tailor your answers to reflect how your skills align with their goals.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your communication skills! As a Referrals Officer, you'll be liaising with Local Authorities and foster families. Role-play common scenarios with a friend to boost your confidence and ensure you can articulate your thoughts clearly.
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows us that you're genuinely interested in being part of the FCA family.
We think you need these skills to ace Referrals Officer in Westminster
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for fostering and helping children shine through. We want to see that you genuinely care about making a positive difference in their lives.
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight relevant experience and skills that match the Referrals Officer role. We love seeing how your background aligns with our mission and values!
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so avoid jargon and make it easy for us to see why you’d be a great fit for the team.
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 needs.
✨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 similar challenges in the past.
✨Be Ready for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that assess your ability to handle real-life scenarios related to referrals and placements. Practice responding to hypothetical situations, focusing on how you would prioritise tasks and ensure the best outcomes for children and families.
