Referrals Officer

**FOSTER CARE ASSOCIATES (THE FCA)**

**Role: Referrals Officer - Fostering - 12 Months Fixed Term Contract**

**Location: FCA North East - Durham**

**Salary: Up to £19,000**

**Benefits: 30 Days Annual Leave + Bank Holidays, Company Pension, Life Assurance x 2, Employee Discount Scheme & Free Parking**

**ABOUT US**

Set up by a former foster parent and former social worker in 1994, Foster Care Associates (FCA) is an established fostering agency which forms part of the Polaris Community - one of the UK’s largest leading communities of children’s service providers.

The business was born out of an enthusiasm for delivering fostering services to make a positive difference to the lives of looked after children. Our first office was in the Worcestershire countryside, and that’s still where our Head Office is today.

We’ve come a long way since those early days and, over the years, FCA has built a strong reputation for excellence, and now offers a wide range of services to children and families. But our purpose remains the same; ‘to make a positive and lasting difference for children, families and communities’, and it’s underpinned by a series of values designed to help us assist children and young people to reach their full potential.

Today, we’re one of the country’s largest and most experienced independent fostering agencies. But just because we’re large doesn’t mean we’re impersonal. At FCA we’re one big family, and we’re committed to supporting every single child and foster parent, every single minute of the day.

**WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR**

We are looking for a motivated, driven and enthusiastic individual to join our FCA (Foster Care Associates) Team as a Referrals Officer, working as part of Hub One which covers Midlands, North East, South Western and Western Regions. Supporting other regions within Hub One to provide Annual Leave/other absence cover etc. as and when required.

This is an office based contract, but will require some additional travel to other offices and/or events, including visiting Fostering Families and attending meetings with Local Authorities as and when required. As a Referrals Officer you will oversee, process and action referrals received from Local Authorities. You will work collaboratively with the regional staff team to carefully match young people with Fostering Families according to their needs. You should be able to work effectively within a team, and also independently to make decisions and use your own initiative to find creative solutions when needed.

The Referrals Officer role is the first point of contact between Local Authorities, Social Workers and Foster Families. You will need to be confident and professional when liaising with customers, and be able to develop positive relationships when communicating with colleagues and Fostering Families.

It would be beneficial to have experience of working within children's services or similar. You should be able to evidence your administration skills, ability to follow regulatory policies and processes, and have the ability to work well within a fast paced team. Full training will be provided.

We are a family of independent fostering agencies, all with our own individual areas of expertise, but with one shared vision. We want to give children across the country who have had a difficult start in life, the support they need to build themselves a stronger and happier future. For our Foster Parents, we provide a close network of support that becomes like a second family.

For an informal discussion about this opportunity, please contact Jodie Fletcher-Murray, Operations Manager on
07967 381057

**No agencies please.**

**INDNP**

**Job Types**: Fixed term contract, Full-time

**Salary**: Up to £19,000.00 per year

**Benefits**:

- Company pension
- Employee discount
- On-site parking
- Private medical insurance
- Referral programme
- Store discounts

Schedule:

- 8 hour shift
- Day shift
- Monday to Friday

Reference ID: REF-22-R9IB2TF