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 families? If so, we have an exciting opportunity for you! We are looking for a Participation Officer to join our dedicated team at Foster Care Associates (FCA). This full-time position (35 hours per week) is based in the vibrant region of Sheffield, with travel opportunities throughout Yorkshire, Lincolnshire, East Midlands, and Northamptonshire.

Your Role

As a Participation Officer, you will play a vital role in supporting 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, collaborative 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 equality.
• Providing support and guidance to families to promote the stability of foster placements.

What We’re Looking For

We want someone who is not just qualified, but truly passionate about working with children and young people. Here’s what you’ll need:

• 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, childhood studies, 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 (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint) and databases.
• A full driving license and access to your own vehicle.
• Willingness to undergo an Enhanced DBS check.

Why Join Us?

At FCA, we believe in creating a supportive and nurturing environment for both our staff and the children we serve. Here’s what we offer:

• Competitive Salary: £23,542.56 per annum.
• Flexible Benefits: Choose between a company car or a £2,000 car allowance (pro rata).
• Generous Leave: Enjoy 30 days of annual leave, increasing to 35 with length of service, plus bank holidays.
• Retirement Security: Company pension and life assurance (x2).
• Employee Perks: Access to an employee discount scheme and on-site parking.

Foster Care Associates is part of the Polaris group, a family of independent fostering agencies united by a shared vision: to provide children who have faced challenges with the support they need to build a brighter future. Join us in making a real difference!

We are an equal opportunities employer and have been recognized as a Disability Confident Employer by Jobcentre Plus. If you’re ready to embark on this rewarding journey with us, we can’t wait to hear from you!