Senior Participation Officer (Children & Families - Fostering)
Join Our Family at Foster Care Associates!
Position: Senior Participation Officer (Children & Families - Fostering) - Full Time
Location: Our Regional Office is in Sheffield, with travel expected throughout Yorkshire, Lincolnshire, East Midlands, and Northamptonshire. Enjoy some flexibility with opportunities to work from home when relevant.
Basic Salary: £28,500
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 family-oriented organization, dedicated to supporting every child and foster parent, every minute of the day.
Your Role: Make a Difference!
Are you passionate about empowering children and young people? This is your chance to lead a dynamic team and deliver impactful services that prioritize young voices. We’re looking for a confident individual who shares our vision and is ready to help us grow!
Key Responsibilities:
- Lead and manage a team to establish strong consultation systems with foster children, foster carers, and their birth children.
- Collaborate with the Registered Manager and regional management team to develop the agency's Participation Strategy.
- Supervise two dedicated staff members.
- Organize groups, events, and activities specifically for children and young people.
- Actively contribute to the ongoing development of the Participation Service.
- Represent the region in relation to Participation within the Polaris community and with external stakeholders.
- Arrange engaging activities and workshops for children in our care and those who foster.
- Build strong 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 complete reports.
- Stay updated on professional practice standards, legislation, and company policies.
- Provide support and guidance to families to promote the stability of foster placements.
About You: The Ideal Candidate
- Experience working with children and young people, advocating for their voices to be heard.
- While fostering experience is not essential, understanding trauma and helping children achieve positive outcomes is valuable.
- A passion for helping children reach their full potential.
- Previous experience leading a team or managing projects.
- Relevant qualifications or formal training in childcare, education, social work, youth work, community work, or psychology.
- Excellent communication skills, capable of connecting with both children and adults.
- 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.
- Willingness to undergo an Enhanced DBS check.
What We Offer:
- 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.
At FCA, we are committed to giving children who have faced challenges the support they need to build a brighter future. For our Foster Parents, we provide a close-knit network that feels like family.
Join us in making a difference!
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.
