Join Our Team as a Fostering Engagement Officer!
Contract: Full-Time - Permanent
Location: Bromsgrove
Salary: Up to £24,000 depending on experience
Why Work With 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 been dedicated to improving 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 committed to achieving the best outcomes for every child in our care. We believe in the potential of our children, families, and staff, and we are 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, guiding them through their initial steps in the process.
Are you someone who:
* Has a friendly and confident telephone manner?
* Can connect with individuals through calls and live chat?
* Is an excellent verbal communicator who stays calm under pressure?
* Can listen attentively to understand needs and build strong relationships?
* Is self-motivated and energetic, ready to create effective solutions?
Your 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.
* Provide further information and respond to queries promptly.
* Build strong, trusting relationships through empathetic communication.
* Navigate sensitive topics and challenging conversations with professionalism.
* Promote virtual information events and monitor attendance.
* Maintain accurate 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 and the standard foster carer recruitment process is advantageous.
* Experience in a customer service environment is a plus.
Working Conditions & Benefits
* 30 days' Annual Leave (rising to 35 days with length of service) + Bank Holidays.
* Company Pension and Life Assurance.
* Employee Discount Scheme.
* Free On-Site Parking.
We are an Equal Opportunities employer, and the successful applicant will be subject to a DBS check. At Polaris, we are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people, and vulnerable adults, and we expect all staff to share this commitment.
Ready to make a difference? Join us in our mission to support children and families!