Referrals Officer

Join Our Team as a Referrals Officer!

Location: Office-based - Sheffield

Salary: £23,535.26 per annum

Contract: Full time, permanent

Why Choose Us?

At Foster Care Associates (FCA), we believe in making a positive impact on the lives of looked-after children. Established in 1994 by a former foster parent and social worker, we are proud to be part of the Polaris Community, one of the UK's leading children's service providers.

With our roots in Worcestershire, we have grown significantly while maintaining our core mission: to make a positive and lasting difference for children, families, and communities. Rated as Outstanding by Ofsted, our dedicated team is committed to supporting children and foster parents alike.

Your Role

As a Referrals Officer, you will play a crucial role in managing referrals from local authorities. Your responsibilities will include:

• Carefully matching placements according to children's needs using key information and matching criteria.
• Being the first point of contact between local authorities, foster families, and social workers.
• Utilizing your initiative to find creative solutions for foster placement requests.
• Building positive relationships through effective communication, both written and face-to-face.

What We’re Looking For

We seek someone with:

• Strong communication skills and the ability to develop positive relationships.
• Excellent organizational and administrative skills.
• A passion for making a difference in the lives of children and families.
• Previous experience in the children's services sector (preferred but not essential).

Don’t worry if you’re new to this role; we provide a comprehensive induction and full training to help you succeed!

Working Conditions & Benefits

At FCA, we value our team members and offer:

• 30 days of annual leave (increasing to 35 days with length of service) plus Bank Holidays.
• A company pension and life assurance (x2).
• An employee discount scheme and medical cash plan.
• Free parking at our Sheffield office.

Grow with Us!

This is more than just a job; it’s an opportunity to be part of a community that truly cares. If you’re ready to make a difference in the lives of children and families, we want to hear from you!

Foster Care Associates is an equal opportunities employer and has been awarded the Disability Confident Employer status by Jobcentre Plus. Please note that the successful applicant will be subject to an enhanced DBS check.

Ready to take the next step? Apply now, and let’s make a difference together!