Placements Officer

Faith Fostering is a growing and child-centred independent fostering agency dedicated to providing stable, nurturing, and high-quality foster placements. We are currently seeking an enthusiastic and committed Placements Officer to join our team.

As a Placements Officer, you will play a key role in ensuring that children and young people are matched with the most suitable foster families. You will work closely with local authorities, supervising social workers, and foster parents to respond to placement requests promptly and professionally.

As a Placements Officer, your responsibilities will include the following;

• Respond professionally and promptly to all referrals received from local authorities seeking foster care or residential placements for children.
• Assess the needs of each referral and identify suitable foster families.
• Coordinate and support the placement process from initial enquiry to confirmation.
• Liaise effectively with foster parents, social workers and local authorities regarding referrals and placement arrangements.
• Maintain strong relationships with local authority partners and foster parents.
• Keep accurate records and ensure compliance with regulatory standards.
• Contribute to placement data analysis and reporting.
• Support the wider team in promoting high-quality foster care provision.
• Ensure foster carer profiles are accurate, completed, and kept up to date.
• Liaise with managers regarding funding levels and charges for placements.
• Manage, organise, and update placement-related data using database systems.
• Oversee all aspects of data inputting for placement activity, including referrals, new placements, placement moves, and placement endings.
• Undertake regular system audits and follow up on missing documentation as required.
• Produce accurate daily, weekly, and monthly data reports and statistics relating to placements and referrals.
• Provide accurate data for tenders, returns, OFSTED datasets, and other reporting requirements.
• Liaise regularly with your Line Manager, ensuring consistent administrative support for placements and raising any concerns or issues promptly.
• Attend internal and external meetings as directed.
• Work proactively to meet and exceed the expectations of internal audits and external inspections.
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of relevant guidance, legislation, and statutory regulations to support the effective administration of the Agency.
• Work within agreed deadlines and respond flexibly to the changing needs of the Agency.

Requirements

• Experience in fostering, social care, or a related sector (placements experience desirable).
• Strong communication and relationship-building skills.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and manage multiple referrals.
• Excellent organisational and IT skills.
• A child-focused approach and commitment to safeguarding.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a supportive team.

What We Offer:

• Competitive salary of £30,000 – £35,000 (depending on experience)
• 28 days annual leave
• Supportive and collaborative team culture
• Opportunities for training and professional development
• Pension scheme and mileage reimbursement
• The chance to make a meaningful difference in the lives of children and young people

Hours: Monday to Friday. 9am to 5pm,

Work location: Office Based.

Our Head Office address is Preston Technology Centre, March Lane, PR1 8UQ

Free Parking on site.

For any questions regarding this role, please contact Faith Fostering on

Please note: This role is subject to Safer Recruitment procedures, including an Enhanced DBS check and professional references.

**We reserve the right to close this vacancy earlier than the specified date should we receive sufficient applications.**

Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

Pay: £30,000.00-£35,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Company pension
• Free parking
• On-site parking

Work Location: In person