Job Description
Join Our Family at Foster Care Associates!
Position: Participation Officer (Children & Families - Fostering) - Full-Time (35 Hours)
Location: This role requires regular travel to our regional office in Sheffield, with opportunities to work from home when relevant. You’ll also travel throughout the beautiful regions of Yorkshire, Lincolnshire, East Midlands, and Northamptonshire.
Salary: £23,542.56 per annum
Why Work With Us?
At Foster Care Associates (FCA), we believe in the power of community and support. Founded in 1994 by a former foster parent and social worker, we are now one of the UK's largest independent fostering agencies. We pride ourselves on being a family-oriented organization dedicated to making a real difference in the lives of children and foster parents alike.
Your Role and Responsibilities
Are you passionate about making a positive impact in the lives of children? As a Participation Officer, you will be a vital part of a small, dedicated team delivering our Participation Service. Your responsibilities will include:
* Organizing engaging activities and workshops for children in our care and those who foster.
* Planning memorable family events and outings.
* Building strong, collaborative relationships with regional colleagues, foster parents, and external professionals.
* Attending meetings with professionals from education, health, and social services to support our children and young people's care plans.
* Maintaining clear and accurate records.
* Staying informed about professional standards, legislation, and company policies, including confidentiality, GDPR, safeguarding, and diversity.
* Providing support and guidance to families to promote the stability of foster placements.
What We’re Looking For
If you’re ready to make a difference, we’d love to hear from you! Here’s what we’re looking for:
* Experience working with children and young people, advocating for their voices to be heard.
* Understanding of the challenges faced by children who have experienced trauma, with a focus on achieving positive outcomes.
* A relevant qualification or formal training in childcare, childhood studies, education, social work, youth work, community work, or psychology.
* Excellent communication skills, with the ability to connect with children and adults from diverse backgrounds.
* Calmness under pressure, especially in emotionally charged situations.
* Strong written skills and intermediate IT proficiency, including Microsoft Office and databases.
* A full driving license and access to your own vehicle.
* Willingness to undergo an Enhanced DBS check.
What We Offer
At FCA, we value our team members and offer a range of benefits to support your well-being:
* Company car or a £2,000 car allowance (pro rata).
* 30 days of annual leave (increasing to 35 with length of service) plus bank holidays.
* Company pension and life assurance (x2).
* Employee discount scheme and on-site parking.
Join us in our mission to provide children who have faced challenges with the support they need to build a brighter future. At FCA, you’ll find a close-knit network of support that feels like family.
Foster Care Associates is an equal opportunities employer and has been awarded the Disability Confident Employer status by Jobcentre Plus. The successful applicant will be subject to an Enhanced DBS check.