Join Our Team as a Fostering Engagement Officer!
Contract: Full-Time - Permanent
Location: Bromsgrove
Salary: Up to £24,000 depending on experience
Why Choose Us?
At Polaris, we are proud to be one of the UK’s leading communities of children’s service providers. For over 30 years, we have passionately improved the lives of young people through our independent fostering and adoption agencies, as well as our education, residential, and bespoke children’s services. Our nurturing community is dedicated to achieving the best outcomes for every child in our care. We believe in the potential of our children, families, and staff, and we’re ambitious for their futures!
What We Are Looking For
We are seeking a highly motivated Fostering Engagement Officer to join our established Enquiries Team. In this pivotal role, you will be the first point of contact for individuals interested in becoming foster carers. Your friendly and confident telephone manner, combined with your enthusiasm, will help you connect with potential foster carers through calls and live chat.
As an excellent verbal communicator, you will stay calm and professional under pressure, listening attentively to understand individuals’ needs and building strong relationships. Your self-motivation and lively approach will enable you to identify opportunities, create effective solutions, and ensure every individual feels supported and valued.
Role Responsibilities
* Respond to all enquiries while building rapport with potential foster carers.
* Make proactive outbound contact via phone calls, emails, and texts to engage applicants.
* Conduct initial screening calls and highlight applicants’ transferable skills.
* Guide applicants through the benefits of fostering with the Polaris Group and support them through the recruitment process.
* Provide further information when requested and respond to queries promptly.
* Build strong, trusting relationships through empathetic and supportive communication.
* Navigate sensitive topics and challenging conversations with professionalism and care.
* Promote virtual information events and monitor attendance.
* Maintain accurate and up-to-date records on the CRM system.
* Complete daily administrative tasks to support the enquiries and recruitment team.
* Multi-task and prioritize workload effectively in a fast-paced environment.
* Work flexibly to meet business needs, including one evening per week.
What You Bring
* Prior knowledge of fostering, the fostering sector, and/or the standard foster carer recruitment process is advantageous.
* Experience working within a customer service environment is a plus.
Working Conditions
We are an Equal Opportunities employer. The successful applicant will be subject to a DBS check upon acceptance of the position. Polaris is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people, and vulnerable adults, and we expect all staff to share this commitment.
Why You’ll Love Working Here
* Generous Leave: Enjoy 30 days of annual leave (rising to 35 days with length of service) plus bank holidays.
* Benefits: Company pension, life assurance, employee discount scheme, and free on-site parking.
* Growth Opportunities: Be part of a supportive team that values your development and career progression.
Join us in making a difference in the lives of children and families. We can’t wait to meet you!