At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage referrals and match placements to support children and families in need.
- Company: Join Foster Care Associates, a leading fostering agency with a friendly team.
- Benefits: Enjoy 30-35 days of annual leave, health benefits, and a supportive work environment.
- Other info: Flexible working options and exciting team-building activities await you!
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while working in a dynamic and rewarding role.
- 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 staffs' 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.
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.
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 Porth employer: The FCA
Foster Care Associates (FCA) is an exceptional employer dedicated to the well-being and professional growth of its staff. With a supportive work culture in Bridgend, employees enjoy generous annual leave, a comprehensive benefits package, and unique team-building activities that foster a sense of community. The role of Referrals Officer offers meaningful opportunities to make a positive impact on children's lives while being part of a close-knit and motivated team.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Referrals Officer in Porth
✨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 interviews by researching FCA and their values. Understand their mission to make a positive difference in children's lives. Tailor your answers to show how your skills and passion align with their goals. Be ready to share examples of how you've made an impact in previous roles.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your communication skills! As a Referrals Officer, you'll need to build relationships with various stakeholders. Role-play common scenarios with friends or family to boost your confidence and refine your approach.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage directly with us. So, get that application in and let’s make a difference together!
We think you need these skills to ace Referrals Officer in Porth
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 your experiences align with our values.
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application for the Referrals Officer position. Highlight relevant skills and experiences that match the job description, especially your communication and organisational skills.
Keep It Clear and Concise:We appreciate clarity! Use straightforward language and keep your application focused. Avoid jargon and make it easy for us to see why you’re 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 this fantastic opportunity.
How to prepare for a job interview at The FCA
✨Know the Role Inside Out
Before your interview, make sure you thoroughly understand the Referrals Officer role. Familiarise yourself with the key responsibilities, such as managing referrals and matching placements to children's needs. This will help you answer questions confidently and demonstrate your genuine interest in making a difference.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
As a Referrals Officer, strong communication is crucial. Prepare examples of how you've effectively communicated with colleagues or clients in the past. Whether it's through written reports or face-to-face interactions, be ready to highlight your ability to build positive relationships.
✨Demonstrate Your Organisational Skills
This role requires excellent organisational abilities. Think of specific instances where you've successfully managed multiple tasks or projects. Be prepared to discuss how you prioritise your workload and ensure that nothing falls through the cracks, especially when dealing with sensitive information.
✨Emphasise Your Passion for Fostering
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 passion for fostering. This will resonate well with the interviewers and show that you're aligned with their mission.
