Participation Officer (Children & Families - Fostering)

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 throughout Yorkshire, Lincolnshire, East Midlands, and Northamptonshire. Enjoy some flexibility with the option to work from home when applicable!

Salary: £23,542.56 per annum

Why Choose 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 a Participation Officer, you will be part of a small, dynamic team delivering our Participation Service. Your responsibilities will include:

• Organizing engaging activities and workshops for children in our care and those who foster.
• Planning family events and fun days out.
• Building strong 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 updated on 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.

About You

We are looking for someone who embodies our values and is eager to support children and families. Ideally, you will have:

• Experience working with children and young people, advocating for their voices to be heard.
• Understanding of trauma and its impact on children, helping them achieve positive outcomes.
• A relevant qualification or formal training in childcare, education, social work, youth work, community work, or psychology.
• Excellent communication skills to build rapport with children and adults from diverse backgrounds.
• The ability to remain calm under pressure and handle emotionally challenging 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 believe in supporting our team just as much as we support our children. Here’s what you can expect:

• 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 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 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.