Referrals Officer

Foster Care Associates (The FCA)

Referrals Officer - Fostering

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 (phone number removed).

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.