Senior Participation Officer (Children & Families - Fostering)

Join Our Family at Foster Care Associates!

Are you passionate about making a difference in the lives of children and young people? Do you want to be part of a supportive community that values every voice? If so, we have an exciting opportunity for you!

Position: Senior Participation Officer (Children & Families - Fostering)

Location: Our Regional Office is based in Sheffield, with travel expected throughout Yorkshire, Lincolnshire, East Midlands, and Northamptonshire. Enjoy the flexibility of occasional remote work!

Basic Salary: £28,500

Why Join Us?

At Foster Care Associates (FCA), we believe in the power of family. Established in 1994 by a former foster parent and social worker, we are one of the UK's largest independent fostering agencies. Our mission is to support every child and foster parent, every minute of the day.

Your Role:

As our Senior Participation Officer, you will:

• Lead a dynamic team dedicated to putting children and young people at the forefront of our services.
• Establish strong consultation systems with foster children, foster carers, and their birth children through engaging activities and events.
• Collaborate with the Registered Manager and regional management to develop our Participation Strategy.
• Supervise and mentor two team members.
• Organize groups, events, and workshops specifically for children and young people.
• Represent our region in the Polaris community and with external stakeholders.
• Build productive relationships with colleagues, foster parents, and multi-agency networks.
• Attend meetings with professionals from education, health, and social services to support care plans.
• Maintain clear records and reports while staying updated on professional standards and legislation.
• Provide guidance to families to promote the stability of foster placements.

What We’re Looking For:

To thrive in this role, you should have:

• Experience working with children and young people, advocating for their voices to be heard.
• A passion for helping children reach their full potential, especially those who have experienced trauma.
• Previous experience in leading a team or managing projects.
• A relevant qualification or formal training in childcare, education, social work, youth work, or psychology.
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to connect with both children and adults.
• The ability to remain calm under pressure and handle emotionally challenging situations.
• Strong written and IT skills, including proficiency in Microsoft Office and databases.
• A full driving license and access to a vehicle.
• A willingness to undergo an Enhanced DBS check.

What We Offer:

Joining FCA means becoming part of a supportive family. Here’s what you can expect:

• A company car or a £2,000 car allowance (pro rata).
• 30 days of annual leave, increasing to 35 with length of service, plus bank holidays.
• A comprehensive company pension and life assurance (x2).
• An employee discount scheme and on-site parking.

At FCA, we are committed to giving children a brighter future and providing our foster parents with a close-knit support network. If you’re ready to make a meaningful impact, we’d love to hear from you!

Foster Care Associates is an equal opportunities employer and has been awarded the Disability Confident Employer status by Jobcentre Plus.