At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage referrals and match placements to meet children's needs.
- Company: Foster Care Associates, a leading fostering agency with a strong community focus.
- Benefits: 30 days' annual leave, pension, life assurance, and employee discounts.
- Other info: Join a supportive team with excellent training and career development opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of children and families every day.
- Qualifications: Good communication and organisational skills; experience in children's services is a plus.
The predicted salary is between 23535 - 23535 € per year.
Location: Office-based - Sheffield
Salary: £23,535.26 per annum
Contract: Full time, permanent
Benefits:
- 30 days' annual leave (increasing to 35 days with length of service) plus Bank Holidays
- Company pension
- Life assurance x2
- Employee discount scheme
- Medical cash plan
- Free parking
About Us
Set up by a former foster parent and former social worker in 1994, 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. The business was born out of an enthusiasm for delivering fostering services to make a positive difference to the lives of looked after children. Our first office was in the Worcestershire countryside, and that is still where our Head Office is today.
We have come a long way since those early days. Over the years, FCA has built a strong reputation for excellence, and now offers a wide range of services to children and families. But 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.
FCA (Yorks and Lincs) is a well-established agency, rated as Outstanding with Ofsted, with a highly motivated and experienced staff team dedicated to supporting each child and foster parent in our care. Our staff are well supported with a range of benefits including a generous holiday allowance and we pride ourselves on being a community where people feel involved and have the opportunity to make a difference to children and families' lives.
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 be required to use your initiative and be able to work independently when required 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 need to possess good communication skills and be able to develop positive relationships with colleagues within and outside of the agency, both via written and face-to-face communication. Previous experience of working in a children's services sector may be an advantage though not essential. Excellent organisational and administrative skills are key, together with a passion and motivation to make a difference to the lives of children and their families. We provide an excellent induction into the role. Full training will be provided.
This is an exciting opportunity for someone who has good communication and administrative skills and is seeking a role within a team to make a difference to the lives of children and families.
For more information about this post please contact Carrie Robinson, Referrals Manager on 07587 997613. 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 Jobcentre Plus. The successful applicant will be subject to a DBS check at enhanced level if successful for the position.
Referrals Officer in Dronfield employer: The FCA
Foster Care Associates (FCA) is an outstanding employer dedicated to making a positive impact on the lives of children and families. Located in Sheffield, FCA offers a supportive work culture with generous benefits such as 30 days' annual leave, a company pension, and opportunities for professional growth within a highly motivated team. Join us to be part of a community that values your contributions and empowers you to make a meaningful difference.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Referrals Officer in Dronfield
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the fostering and children's services sector. Attend local events or join online groups where you can connect with professionals. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching FCA and understanding their values. Think about how your skills align with their mission to make a positive difference. Practise common interview questions and be ready to share examples of your past experiences.
✨Tip Number 3
Follow up after applying! A quick email to express your enthusiasm for the role can set you apart from other candidates. It shows you're proactive and genuinely interested in joining the team at FCA.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re serious about wanting to be part of the FCA community and making a difference in children’s lives.
We think you need these skills to ace Referrals Officer in Dronfield
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your skills and experiences align with the Referrals Officer role. We want to see how you can make a positive impact on the lives of children and families!
Show Off Your Communication Skills:Since this role involves a lot of communication, be sure to showcase your written communication skills in your application. Use clear and concise language to demonstrate your ability to convey information effectively.
Highlight Relevant Experience:If you've got any experience in children's services or similar roles, don’t hold back! We love seeing how your background can contribute to our mission of making a difference.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website for the best chance of being noticed. It’s the easiest way for us to keep track of your application and get back to you quickly!
How to prepare for a job interview at The FCA
✨Know the Company Inside Out
Before your interview, take some time to research Foster Care Associates. Understand their mission, values, and the services they provide. This will not only help you answer questions more effectively but also show your genuine interest in making a positive difference in children's lives.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
As a Referrals Officer, strong communication is key. Prepare examples of how you've successfully communicated with various stakeholders in the past. Whether it's through written reports or face-to-face interactions, be ready to demonstrate your ability to build positive relationships.
✨Highlight Your Organisational Skills
This role requires excellent organisational abilities. Think of specific instances where you've managed multiple tasks or projects simultaneously. Be prepared to discuss how you prioritise your workload and ensure that nothing falls through the cracks.
✨Demonstrate Your Problem-Solving Skills
Foster placement requests can be complex, so it's important to show that you can think on your feet. Prepare to discuss a time when you faced a challenging situation and how you found a creative solution. This will illustrate your initiative and ability to work independently.
