Participation Officer (Children & Families - Fostering)

Join Our Team at Foster Care Associates (FCA)

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. Some remote work may also be available.

Salary: £23,542.56 per annum

Why FCA?

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 family-oriented organization, dedicated to supporting every child and foster parent every minute of the day.

Your Role

Are you passionate about making a difference in the lives of children? As a Participation Officer, you will play a vital role in our agency's Participation Service. Your responsibilities will include:

• Organizing engaging activities and workshops for children in our care and those who foster.
• Planning family events and exciting 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 practice standards, legislation, and company policies, including confidentiality, GDPR, safeguarding, and diversity.
• Providing support and guidance to families to promote the stability of foster placements.

Who You Are

We are looking for someone who embodies compassion and dedication. Ideally, you will have:

• 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.
• A relevant qualification or formal training in childcare, education, social work, youth work, community work, or psychology.
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to connect with children and adults from diverse backgrounds.
• The ability to remain calm in high-pressure situations and manage difficult behaviors.
• Strong written communication skills and intermediate IT proficiency (Microsoft Office and databases).
• A full driving license and access to your own vehicle.
• A willingness to undergo an Enhanced DBS check.

What We Offer

At FCA, we believe in nurturing talent and providing a supportive environment. 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.

As part of the Polaris group, we share a vision of providing children who have faced challenges with the support they need to build a brighter future. Join us in creating a close-knit network of support for our foster parents and children.

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.