Join Our Family at Foster Care Associates (FCA)
Position: Participation Officer (Children & Families - Fostering)
Full-Time: 35 Hours
Location:
As our new Participation Officer, you'll regularly travel to our regional office in Sheffield and throughout the beautiful regions of Yorkshire, Lincolnshire, East Midlands, and Northamptonshire. Enjoy the flexibility of working from home when appropriate!
Compensation:
Basic Salary: £23,000 per annum
Benefits:
* Company Car or £2,000 car allowance (pro rata)
* 30 days of Annual Leave (increasing to 35 with length of service) + Bank Holidays
* Company Pension
* Life Assurance (x2)
* Employee Discount Scheme
* On-site Parking
About Us
Founded in 1994 by a former foster parent and social worker, Foster Care Associates (FCA) is a leading fostering agency and part of the Polaris Community—one of the UK's largest networks of children's service providers. We pride ourselves on being a close-knit family, dedicated to supporting every child and foster parent, every minute of the day.
Your Role
This is an exciting opportunity for someone passionate about making a difference in the lives of children. As part of a small, dedicated team, you will help deliver our Participation Service.
Key Responsibilities:
* Organize engaging activities and workshops for children in our care and those who foster.
* Plan memorable family events and outings.
* Build strong, collaborative relationships with regional colleagues, foster parents, and external professionals.
* Attend meetings with professionals from Education, Health, and Social Services to support our children and young people's care plans.
* Maintain clear and accurate records.
* Stay updated on professional practice standards, legislation, and company policies, including confidentiality, GDPR, safeguarding, and equality.
* Provide support and guidance to families, promoting the stability of foster placements.
About You
* Experience working with children and young people, advocating for their voices to be heard.
* Understanding of trauma and its impact on children, 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 is preferred.
* Excellent communication skills, with the ability to connect with children and adults from diverse backgrounds.
* Ability to remain calm in high-pressure and emotionally charged situations.
* Strong written communication skills and intermediate IT proficiency (Microsoft Office and databases).
* A full driving license and access to your own vehicle.
* Willingness to undergo an Enhanced DBS check.
Why Join FCA?
At FCA, we are united by a shared vision: to provide children who have faced challenges with the support they need to build a brighter future. We also offer our foster parents a supportive network 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.