Foster Care Associates (FCA) is looking for a Participation Officer (Children & Families – Fostering) who is passionate about working with children and supporting them to make a difference in their community.
Responsibilities
* Arrange activities and workshops for children in foster care and children fostered outside the agency.
* Plan family events and days out.
* Forge close and productive relationships with regional colleagues, foster parents, external professionals and multi‑agency networks.
* Attend meetings with professionals from Education, Health and Social Services sectors to support children’s care plans.
* Maintain clear records of all activities and support provided.
* Stay up to date with professional practice standards, legislation and company policy, including confidentiality, GDPR, safeguarding, equality, diversity and inclusion.
* Provide support and guidance to families and help promote the stability of foster placements.
* Travel regularly to the regional office in Sheffield and throughout the region (Yorks, Lincs, East Midlands and Northants). Work-from-home opportunities may be arranged when relevant.
Qualifications
* Some experience of working with children and young people, supporting and advocating for their voices.
* Experience with children and young people who have experienced trauma and helping them achieve positive outcomes.
* Relevant qualification or evidence of formal training in childcare, childhood studies, education, social work, youth work, community work and/or psychology.
* Excellent communication skills and the ability to build rapport with both children and adults across a range of needs.
* Ability to remain calm under high pressure, emotionally traumatic situations and confrontational behaviour.
* Good written skills and intermediate IT skills (Microsoft Office, databases).
* Full driving licence and unrestricted access to a personal vehicle.
* Willingness to undertake an Enhanced DBS check.
Benefits
* Basic Salary: £23,542.56 per annum.
* Company car or £2,000 car allowance (pro rata).
* Annual leave: 30 days (rising to 35 days with length of service) + bank holidays.
* Company pension scheme.
* Life assurance – two policies.
* Employee discount scheme and on‑site parking.
Foster Care Associates is an equal opportunities employer and has been awarded the disability confident employer designation by the Jobcentre Plus.
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