At a Glance
- Tasks: Support the recruitment of foster parents and manage the assessment process.
- Company: Join Polaris, a leading children's services provider with over 30 years of experience.
- Benefits: Enjoy 30 days annual leave, pension, life assurance, and employee discounts.
- Other info: Dynamic team environment with training provided and opportunities for personal growth.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while developing your administrative skills.
- Qualifications: Strong admin skills, Microsoft Office proficiency, and excellent communication abilities.
The predicted salary is between 23920 - 23920 £ per year.
Location: Bromsgrove
Contract: Full Time, Permanent - 35 hours per week
Salary: Up to £23,920 per annum
Benefits:
- 30 days' annual leave, rising to 35 days with length of service
- Bank Holidays
- Company Pension
- Life Assurance
- Employee Discount Scheme
- Medical Cash Plan
- Free On-site Parking
About Us:
Polaris is one of the UK's largest children's services providers. Within the community, we have independent fostering and adoption agencies that have been passionately improving the lives of young people for over 30 years, as well as leaving care services, education 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.
Role Details:
We are looking for an engaging Fostering Recruitment Administrator to join our vibrant team supporting the recruitment of foster parents for fostering agencies across the community. In this pivotal role, you will own the administrative process for the assessment of prospective foster parents. With direction, you will guide and advise potential new applicants, helping them through the assessment process and overseeing all of the administration for each applicant or household. You will also need to build relationships with fostering applicants and be the point of contact to help them through their application. The successful candidate will be accountable for administering information through the in-house systems, running reports and collating recruitment information.
Role Responsibilities:
- Be the point of contact for fostering applicants once in assessment, building good relationships with each applicant
- Process all statutory checks from external agencies
- Oversee a number of concurrent applications efficiently
- Work to deadlines to ensure applicants have a smooth experience through the process
- Ensure that systems are updated with all administration tasks in a timely fashion
- Manage all incoming phone, email and postal correspondence to the centre
- Work closely with internal colleagues in the assessment teams, as well as across the regional operational teams
- Liaise, chase and communicate with external individuals, organisations and colleagues as part of the fostering assessment process
About You:
- Strong administration skills, including maintaining databases and electronic filing systems, and handling confidential paperwork
- Experience of using the full Microsoft suite, including Word, Excel & Outlook
- The ability to multitask and prioritise workload in a fast-paced environment
- The ability to work well as part of a team, as well as autonomously using your own initiative
- Clear, friendly and confident communication skills in person, in writing, including letters and email, and by telephone
- GCSE Grade C or above in English and maths, or equivalent qualification
- Experience of working within the children's services sector or a similar related field would be advantageous; however, full training will be provided
- Experience of working within an office administration role would be advantageous
Contact:
For an informal conversation about this post, please contact Ellen Husbands, Recruitment Support Team Manager, on 01527 556480. The successful applicant will be subject to a DBS check, the cost of which will be met by Polaris. Polaris is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff to share this commitment.
Adoption & Fostering Recruitment Officer employer: Polaris
Selwyn Hall School is an exceptional employer that prioritises a nurturing and inclusive work environment, making it an ideal place for passionate educators. Located in the picturesque setting of Foxton, Cambridge, we offer competitive salaries starting from £45,000, alongside opportunities for professional growth and development. Our commitment to fostering a culture of trust ensures that every staff member feels valued and empowered to make a meaningful impact on our students' lives.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Adoption & Fostering Recruitment Officer
✨Get Involved Locally
Dive into local volunteer opportunities or social initiatives. This not only beefs up your CV but also connects you with like-minded folks in nonprofits. Plus, it shows your passion for social impact, which is key for getting noticed by Polaris.
✨Tap into Professional Networks
Join networks like the National Council for Voluntary Organisations (NCVO) or local charities to meet professionals in the sector. Attend events and workshops to build relationships and learn about potential openings at organisations like Polaris.
✨Showcase Your Commitment
When prepping for interviews, be ready to speak about your personal connection to social issues. Dive into specific examples of how you’ve contributed to community projects – this will resonate with the mission-driven vibe at Polaris.
✨Utilise Online Platforms
We’re all about making connections, so use platforms like Idealist and CharityJob to hunt for full-time roles. And of course, you should keep an eye on our website for exciting opportunities at Polaris. Apply directly through us to stand out!
We think you need these skills to ace Adoption & Fostering Recruitment Officer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for the Cause:In the nonprofit sector, it's super important to demonstrate genuine passion for the mission of Polaris. Use your cover letter to showcase any personal experiences or volunteer work that connects you to their social impact initiatives. This emotional connection can really help your application stand out.
Highlight Relevant Experience:When crafting your CV, be sure to include any relevant projects or roles that showcase your skills in social impact. Whether it's community organising, fundraising, or advocacy, highlight what you've done and the difference it's made. Don’t just list tasks; quantify your achievements and the outcomes of your efforts.
Tailor Your Documents to the Role:For a full-time role like Adoption & Fostering Recruitment Officer, ensure your CV and cover letter specifically address the responsibilities outlined in the job description. Use their language to describe your skills and experience, making it easy for the hiring team to see how you fit into their vision.
Emphasise Teamwork and Collaboration:Nonprofits thrive on teamwork, so make sure to emphasise your collaborative experiences. Whether you've worked in a team setting, partnered with community organisations, or facilitated group projects, highlight these experiences in your application. Show them you understand the importance of working alongside diverse individuals to achieve shared goals.
How to prepare for a job interview at Polaris
✨Show Your Passion for Social Change
When we’re prepping for interviews in the nonprofit space, it's vital to demonstrate our genuine passion for social impact. Be ready to discuss not just your skills and experiences but also why you care about the mission of Polaris. Sharing personal stories or insights can really make us stand out.
✨Highlight Project Experience
We should focus on specific projects we've worked on that align with the goals of social impact. Whether that’s a community initiative, volunteering, or a class project, having solid examples that showcase our role and the outcomes will resonate well with the interviewers.
✨Familiarity with Relevant Tools and Practices
Let’s brush up on tools and methodologies commonly used in the nonprofit sector, like project management software or outcome measurement frameworks. Being able to speak fluently about these will show that we’re not just passionate but also knowledgeable and ready to hit the ground running.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that evaluate our problem-solving skills in real-world social issues. Think about how we’d handle challenges in the nonprofit environment and prepare stories that demonstrate our critical thinking and adaptability. Role-playing with a friend could help us feel more confident!
