Join Our Team at Foster Care Associates (FCA)
Position: Referrals Officer - Fostering
Location: Hybrid - South East (London)
Hours: 21 hours per week - 4 days
Salary: £13,578.04 pro rata (£22,630.06 per annum full-time equivalent)
Benefits: 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 (all benefits are pro rata)
About Us
Founded in 1994 by a passionate former foster parent and social worker, Foster Care Associates (FCA) is a leading fostering agency that is part of the Polaris Community, one of the UK's largest networks of children's service providers.
Our journey began in the beautiful Worcestershire countryside, and since then, we have grown significantly while maintaining our core mission: to make a positive and lasting difference in the lives of looked-after children. We pride ourselves on our strong reputation for excellence and our commitment to helping children and families thrive.
At FCA South East, we have a dedicated and experienced team that supports both children and foster parents. We believe in creating a community where everyone feels valued and has the opportunity to make a meaningful impact.
What We Are Looking For
As a Referrals Officer, you will play a crucial role in managing referrals from Local Authorities. Your mission will be to ensure that placements are thoughtfully matched to meet the unique needs of each child and family.
In this role, you will:
* Work independently and use your initiative to create person-centered solutions.
* Serve as the first point of contact for Local Authorities, foster families, and Social Workers.
* Build strong, positive relationships with colleagues and communicate confidently with professionals at all levels.
Experience in children's services or a similar field is a plus, but we welcome candidates with strong administrative skills and a passion for making a difference. Full training will be provided!
Roles & Responsibilities
* Promote foster parent vacancies by communicating with Local Authorities via phone and email.
* Build and maintain strong working relationships with Local Authorities.
* Ensure systems are accurate and up to date.
* Work efficiently to meet tight deadlines.
* Utilize company performance data to support foster parents and drive business growth.
* Complete foster parent pay processes (training provided).
* Liaise with the Referral Hub for additional support as needed.
* Keep your line manager informed about referrals, matching, and any vacancy issues.
* Attend regular meetings and assist with minute-taking.
Why Join Us?
At FCA, we are more than just a team; we are a family of independent fostering agencies united by a shared vision. We strive to provide children who have faced challenges with the support they need to build brighter futures. For our foster parents, we offer a close-knit network of support that feels like a second family.
If you’re excited about making a difference and want to be part of our mission, we encourage you to apply! We can't wait to hear from you!
Note: The successful applicant will be subject to an enhanced DBS check. FCA is an equal opportunities employer and has been awarded the Disability Confident Employer status by Jobcentre Plus.