Referrals officer

Job Overview

As a Referrals Officer, you will manage referrals received from Local Authorities and use key information and matching criteria to ensure that placements are carefully matched according to children's needs. You will have the ability to work independently and use your initiative to find creative solutions to foster placement requests.

The Referrals Officer role is the first point of contact between Local Authorities, foster families and Social Workers. You will develop positive relationships with colleagues and confidently communicate with professionals at all levels.

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

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 is still where our Head Office is today.

We have come a long way since those early days. 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 is underpinned by a series of values designed to help us assist children and young people to reach their full potential.

FCA (Yorks and Lincs) is a well‑established agency, with a highly motivated and experienced staff team dedicated to supporting each child and foster parent in our care. Our staff are well supported with a range of benefits including a generous holiday allowance and we pride ourselves on being a community where people feel involved and have the opportunity to make a difference to children and families' lives.

• 30 days' Annual Leave (increasing to 35 days' with length of service)
• Bank Holidays
• Company Pension
• Life Assurance x2
• Employee Discount Scheme
• Medical Cash Plan
• Free Parking