At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage referrals and match placements to meet children's needs in a supportive team.
- Company: Join Foster Care Associates, a leading fostering agency with a friendly culture.
- Benefits: Enjoy 30-35 days annual leave, health benefits, and flexible working options.
- Other info: Participate in fun team-building activities and enjoy a supportive work atmosphere.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while working in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: Strong communication skills and a passion for helping children and families.
The predicted salary is between 23535 - 23535 £ per year.
This is an amazing opportunity to join Foster Care Associates. We are seeking a highly motivated and enthusiastic Full Time Referrals Officer to join our inspirational and friendly team to develop and promote the fostering services in Cymru South. Our office is based in Bridgend and we support the hybrid model of working with lots of flexibility to work from home.
Benefits of Joining Our Team
- Starting at 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
- Free Parking
We are committed to the wellbeing of our staff. The aim of our Staff Wellbeing Strategy is to increase all our employees' well-being, self-esteem, and sense of belonging to a team and create new environments for them to spend productive time together. This includes walk and talks at the beach or in parks, weekly wellbeing hour, park runs, mindfulness sessions, sea dipping, yoga sessions, raft racing and charity events to name a few. Our office environment is friendly and inviting with tea, coffee, breakfast and lunch items always available for our staff to contribute towards their wellbeing. All this combined with an exceptionally generous annual leave scheme ensures that there are sufficient opportunities for that essential downtime.
As part of the FCA Cymru team, we welcome all members of our staff's families to be involved in all our activities that we provide to our fostering families. These have in the past included Alton Towers, West Midlands Safari Park, horse riding, skating trips and lots more to choose from. Within FCA, we also take the opportunity for team-building days away when all staff have the opportunity to come together from across Cymru and strengthen our staff collaborations. Staff appreciation day is also celebrated yearly across FCA.
Robust induction, supportive management team, monthly reflective supervision with line manager and regular learning and reflective opportunities with a highly welcoming and close-knit team will ensure that you feel fully supported at all times.
Additional Benefits
- Refer a friend scheme with a monetary incentive
- Opportunity to undertake additional recruitment events for additional payments
- An exceptional platform available for online and face-to-face training opportunities
- Inclusion to a comprehensive rewards package including access to discounts to hundreds of major retailers
- Opportunity to join, at a highly reduced rate, our foster talk scheme with all the legal and financial advice this provides as well as additional discounts to various schemes and retailers
- Competitive mileage allowance
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 and full training and support will be provided. This is an exciting opportunity for someone who is friendly, has a big personality, good communication and administrative skills and is seeking a role within a team to make a difference to the lives of children and families. We pride ourselves on the supportive team ethos we have within Cymru as a whole and you would be dealing with families across the whole of the country with the opportunity to visit our office in Abergele to meet with colleagues on occasion should you wish.
For more information about this post please contact Fiona Hatton, Referrals Manager, on 07813 054956 / 01745 778610. We would really welcome the opportunity to discuss further with you the role and potential of welcoming you to a fantastic team providing great outcomes for children and young people. 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 an enhanced DBS check if successful for the position.
Referrals Officer in Pontyclun employer: The FCA
Foster Care Associates (FCA) is an exceptional employer dedicated to the well-being and professional growth of its staff. Located in Bridgend, FCA offers a supportive and friendly work environment with generous benefits including up to 35 days of annual leave, a comprehensive wellness strategy, and opportunities for team-building activities that involve families. With a strong commitment to making a positive impact on children's lives, FCA provides robust training and development opportunities, ensuring that employees feel valued and empowered in their roles.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Referrals Officer in Pontyclun
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the fostering and social services sector. Attend local events or online webinars to meet people who can give you insights or even refer you to opportunities. Remember, it’s all about who you know!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews! Research Foster Care Associates and understand their values and mission. Think about how your skills align with their goals. Practise common interview questions and be ready to share examples of how you've made a difference in previous roles.
✨Tip Number 3
Follow up after your interviews! A quick thank-you email can go a long way. It shows your enthusiasm for the role and keeps you fresh in their minds. Plus, it’s a great chance to reiterate why you’re the perfect fit for the Referrals Officer position.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, you’ll find all the latest opportunities there, so keep checking back for new roles that match your skills!
We think you need these skills to ace Referrals Officer in Pontyclun
Some tips for your application 🫡
Be Yourself:When 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 you can contribute to our amazing team.
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to highlight your relevant skills and experiences. Refer to the job description and align your background with what we’re looking for in a Referrals Officer. It shows us you’ve done your homework!
Keep It Clear and Concise:We appreciate clarity! Use straightforward language and keep your application focused. Avoid jargon and make sure your key points stand out. This helps us quickly see why you’d be a great fit for our 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. Plus, it’s super easy to do!
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 the role.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
As a Referrals Officer, strong communication is key. Prepare examples of how you've successfully communicated with different 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.
✨Bring Your Passion for Making a Difference
Foster Care Associates is all about making a positive impact on children's lives. Share your motivation for wanting to work in this field and any relevant experiences that have shaped your desire to help children and families. Your enthusiasm can set you apart from other candidates.
