Role: Referrals Officer - Fostering Location: Sittingbourne Contract: Full Time, Permanent - 35 hours per week Salary: Up to 23,195.81 per annum Benefits 30 days' annual leave, rising to 35 days with length of service + bank holidays Company Pension Life Assurance Employee Discount Scheme Medical Cash Plan Free on-site parking About Us We are Polaris, one of the UK's largest communities of children's service providers. Within the community, we have independent fostering and adoption agencies who have been passionately improving the lives of young people for over 30 years, as well as education, residential and leaving care services, and bespoke children's services contracts. Our nurturing community works collectively to support the very best outcomes for each and every child in our care. We're ambitious for our children and young people, families and staff, and believe in their futures. What We Are Looking For We are looking for a proactive, relationship-driven Referrals Officer to join our established Referrals Team. A "Referral" is a request from a local authority to find a suitable foster family for a child or young person who needs a safe and supportive home. In this pivotal role, you'll be the first point of contact between local authorities, foster families, and social workers-making sure every referral is carefully matched to the right foster family based on the child's needs. Role Responsibilities Take ownership for all foster family vacancies and act as the key point of contact for specific fostering agencies within the Polaris Community Accurately monitor and record foster family vacancies Engage daily, by phone call or Teams video call, with all foster families on the vacancy list Attend regular meetings with agency managers and social workers Ensure the recording system (CHARMS) is kept updated Use internal performance tools to track data and support foster family vacancies and agency growth Respond to new referrals within 15 minutes, matching children to suitable foster families quickly and carefully Build and maintain strong relationships with local authorities and commissioning teams Adopt a solution-focused approach to overcome barriers and secure successful matches Provide daily updates to your line manager on referral activity, carer availability, and any challenges Log successful matches and declines accurately on agency spreadsheets Requirements Strong administration skills, including screening referrals and updating internal systems A methodical and organised approach to managing and prioritising workload effectively The ability to work well within a fast-paced team environment, as well as autonomously using your own initiative Confidence communicating with both internal and external teams Driven to maximise referral conversions into successful placement matches with available foster families A genuine commitment to the ethos and values of the Polaris Community and its agencies (ISP, Orange Grove, Fosterplus, Clifford House). Experience of working within the children's services sector/similar related field would be advantageous, however, full training will be provided We are an equal opportunities employer. The successful applicant will be subject to a DBS check. Polaris is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff to share this commitment. We reserve the right to withdraw this advert without notification. PandoLogic. Category:Personal Care,
Jun 13, 2026
Full time
Role: Referrals Officer - Fostering Location: Sittingbourne Contract: Full Time, Permanent - 35 hours per week Salary: Up to 23,195.81 per annum Benefits 30 days' annual leave, rising to 35 days with length of service + bank holidays Company Pension Life Assurance Employee Discount Scheme Medical Cash Plan Free on-site parking About Us We are Polaris, one of the UK's largest communities of children's service providers. Within the community, we have independent fostering and adoption agencies who have been passionately improving the lives of young people for over 30 years, as well as education, residential and leaving care services, and bespoke children's services contracts. Our nurturing community works collectively to support the very best outcomes for each and every child in our care. We're ambitious for our children and young people, families and staff, and believe in their futures. What We Are Looking For We are looking for a proactive, relationship-driven Referrals Officer to join our established Referrals Team. A "Referral" is a request from a local authority to find a suitable foster family for a child or young person who needs a safe and supportive home. In this pivotal role, you'll be the first point of contact between local authorities, foster families, and social workers-making sure every referral is carefully matched to the right foster family based on the child's needs. Role Responsibilities Take ownership for all foster family vacancies and act as the key point of contact for specific fostering agencies within the Polaris Community Accurately monitor and record foster family vacancies Engage daily, by phone call or Teams video call, with all foster families on the vacancy list Attend regular meetings with agency managers and social workers Ensure the recording system (CHARMS) is kept updated Use internal performance tools to track data and support foster family vacancies and agency growth Respond to new referrals within 15 minutes, matching children to suitable foster families quickly and carefully Build and maintain strong relationships with local authorities and commissioning teams Adopt a solution-focused approach to overcome barriers and secure successful matches Provide daily updates to your line manager on referral activity, carer availability, and any challenges Log successful matches and declines accurately on agency spreadsheets Requirements Strong administration skills, including screening referrals and updating internal systems A methodical and organised approach to managing and prioritising workload effectively The ability to work well within a fast-paced team environment, as well as autonomously using your own initiative Confidence communicating with both internal and external teams Driven to maximise referral conversions into successful placement matches with available foster families A genuine commitment to the ethos and values of the Polaris Community and its agencies (ISP, Orange Grove, Fosterplus, Clifford House). Experience of working within the children's services sector/similar related field would be advantageous, however, full training will be provided We are an equal opportunities employer. The successful applicant will be subject to a DBS check. Polaris is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff to share this commitment. We reserve the right to withdraw this advert without notification. PandoLogic. Category:Personal Care,
Role: Fostering Assessment Manager Location: Remote Contract: Full Time, Permanent - 35 hours per week Salary: Up to 49,000 per annum Benefits 30 days' annual leave, rising to 35 days with length of service + bank holidays Car Allowance Company Pension Life Assurance Employee Discount Scheme About Us We are Polaris, one of the UK's largest communities of children's service providers. Within the community, we have independent fostering and adoption agencies who have been passionately improving the lives of young people for over 30 years, as well as leaving care services, residential, education and bespoke children's services contracts. Our nurturing community works collectively to support the very best outcomes for each and every child in our care. We're ambitious for our children and young people, families and staff, and believe in their futures. We are delighted to be seeking an Assessment Manager to join our established assessment team to provide support, robust leadership and management to the foster parent assessment process. This is an excellent opportunity to further develop your management skills within fostering and to become part of a highly supportive environment where the focus is on delivering high-quality foster parents for the country's most vulnerable children. What We Are Looking For We are looking for a passionate Assessment Manager, who shares our goal to achieve the very best outcomes for children and young people. As an Assessment Manager, you will take the lead in delivering high-quality foster parent recruitment and assessments, ensuring compliance with statutory requirements, quality standards, and performance targets. You'll manage the end-to-end assessment journey, working closely with internal and external stakeholders. As an experienced social worker who is familiar with social work assessments and Form F assessment reports, you will have excellent organisational skills, an ability to meet deadlines, and demonstrate effective communication to achieve results. Key Responsibilities Oversee the recruitment and assessment of foster parents from enquiry through to panel approval Ownership of ensuring quality and timeliness of assessments Build strong partnerships with internal teams and external stakeholders Analyse data and trends to support service improvement and business planning Provide guidance and professional advice on fostering regulations and best practice Demonstrate a commitment to safeguarding, ensuring all concerns are managed appropriately and promptly Contribute to panel processes, as required About You Hold a professionally recognised qualification in Social Work Must have a minimum of four years' experience as a qualified social worker in a children and family setting Strong experience/knowledge of foster parent recruitment and assessment, from generating enquiries to approval, including Form F, and the assessment and panel process Sound knowledge of fostering legislation, regulations, and standards Experience working with fostering panels and performance targets Excellent report writing, communication, and stakeholder management skills Must possess a full driving licence Fully proficient in the full suite of Microsoft Office We are an equal opportunities employer. The successful applicant will be subject to a DBS check. Polaris is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff to share this commitment. We reserve the right to withdraw this advert without notification. PandoLogic. Category:Personal Care,
Jun 13, 2026
Full time
Role: Fostering Assessment Manager Location: Remote Contract: Full Time, Permanent - 35 hours per week Salary: Up to 49,000 per annum Benefits 30 days' annual leave, rising to 35 days with length of service + bank holidays Car Allowance Company Pension Life Assurance Employee Discount Scheme About Us We are Polaris, one of the UK's largest communities of children's service providers. Within the community, we have independent fostering and adoption agencies who have been passionately improving the lives of young people for over 30 years, as well as leaving care services, residential, education and bespoke children's services contracts. Our nurturing community works collectively to support the very best outcomes for each and every child in our care. We're ambitious for our children and young people, families and staff, and believe in their futures. We are delighted to be seeking an Assessment Manager to join our established assessment team to provide support, robust leadership and management to the foster parent assessment process. This is an excellent opportunity to further develop your management skills within fostering and to become part of a highly supportive environment where the focus is on delivering high-quality foster parents for the country's most vulnerable children. What We Are Looking For We are looking for a passionate Assessment Manager, who shares our goal to achieve the very best outcomes for children and young people. As an Assessment Manager, you will take the lead in delivering high-quality foster parent recruitment and assessments, ensuring compliance with statutory requirements, quality standards, and performance targets. You'll manage the end-to-end assessment journey, working closely with internal and external stakeholders. As an experienced social worker who is familiar with social work assessments and Form F assessment reports, you will have excellent organisational skills, an ability to meet deadlines, and demonstrate effective communication to achieve results. Key Responsibilities Oversee the recruitment and assessment of foster parents from enquiry through to panel approval Ownership of ensuring quality and timeliness of assessments Build strong partnerships with internal teams and external stakeholders Analyse data and trends to support service improvement and business planning Provide guidance and professional advice on fostering regulations and best practice Demonstrate a commitment to safeguarding, ensuring all concerns are managed appropriately and promptly Contribute to panel processes, as required About You Hold a professionally recognised qualification in Social Work Must have a minimum of four years' experience as a qualified social worker in a children and family setting Strong experience/knowledge of foster parent recruitment and assessment, from generating enquiries to approval, including Form F, and the assessment and panel process Sound knowledge of fostering legislation, regulations, and standards Experience working with fostering panels and performance targets Excellent report writing, communication, and stakeholder management skills Must possess a full driving licence Fully proficient in the full suite of Microsoft Office We are an equal opportunities employer. The successful applicant will be subject to a DBS check. Polaris is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff to share this commitment. We reserve the right to withdraw this advert without notification. PandoLogic. Category:Personal Care,
Polaris Education - The Olive Frances School, Banbury School Administrator Basic Salary: 21,257.48 Contract: Term Time Only Hours: 37.5 hours Benefits: Company Pension, Life Assurance, Employee Discount Scheme Location: Banbury, Oxfordshire Are you ready to join a supportive and nurturing community that works together to achieve the very best outcomes for its pupils? If so, our new school in Banbury could be the perfect place for you to develop your career and make a real difference to the lives of children and young people. About the School Located in Banbury, Oxfordshire, our School has the capacity for up to 84 pupils and offers safe and supportive environments for pupils from 5 to 18 years old with a range of complex needs. We believe in fostering a positive and supportive environment where every child feels valued, respected, and empowered. Our commitment to a holistic approach ensures that academic progress is complemented by emotional well-being and personal growth. Our School will form part of the Polaris Community who have been passionately improving the lives of young people for over 30 years, alongside our current growing portfolio of schools across the UK. We're incredibly proud that 100% of our education services have been rated as Good or Outstanding by Ofsted. Role Responsibilities Polaris Education is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff to share this commitment. Promote the safeguarding and welfare of all pupils and visitors Promote and act on initiatives to improve quality of life and wellbeing for pupils and staff Reception The school administrator will provide a warm welcome for parents, visitors and colleagues and deal with their requests in an efficient and professional manner. Answer the telephone in a friendly, professional and efficient manner and record and pass on messages as appropriate Ensure visitors sign in, sign the safeguarding disclaimer and are provided with a visitor's badge Accurately maintain the shared calendar and update the school information Provide refreshments for visitors Work on parents' evening and other evening events as required Have an effective and efficient resource process, keeping the resource ordering up to date and chasing where appropriate Inform the relevant staff member when deliveries arrive Distribute internal and external post and correspondence as appropriate Arrange the ID cards for all new starters and governors for the school Liaise when necessary with transport services and taxi suppliers for pupil transport Support education staff with providing work experience opportunities for pupils Administration Provide full administrative support to the head teacher, school management team and all other education staff at the school. For the full list of responsibilities, click apply now to visit our careers portal Requirements Excellent interpersonal and communication skills - written and oral Knowledge and understanding of child protection and safeguarding practices and protocols Excellent organisation skills with a systematic approach to workload management Excellent time management, planning and work prioritisation skills Experience of developing systems and processes Excellent understanding of SIMS Ability to work within allocated budgets and monitor expenditure and costs Full working knowledge of relevant policies/codes of practice/legislation Ability to plan and develop systems Ability to relate well to children and adults Work constructively as part of a team, understanding school roles and responsibilities and your own position within these Ability to self-evaluate learning needs and actively seek learning opportunities Confidentiality of information as appropriate The successful candidate will be required to complete an enhanced DBS check, the cost of which will be met by Polaris Education. Polaris Education is an equal opportunities employer and positively encourages applications from suitably qualified and eligible candidates. Polaris Education is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff to share this commitment. PandoLogic. Category:Education,
Jun 13, 2026
Full time
Polaris Education - The Olive Frances School, Banbury School Administrator Basic Salary: 21,257.48 Contract: Term Time Only Hours: 37.5 hours Benefits: Company Pension, Life Assurance, Employee Discount Scheme Location: Banbury, Oxfordshire Are you ready to join a supportive and nurturing community that works together to achieve the very best outcomes for its pupils? If so, our new school in Banbury could be the perfect place for you to develop your career and make a real difference to the lives of children and young people. About the School Located in Banbury, Oxfordshire, our School has the capacity for up to 84 pupils and offers safe and supportive environments for pupils from 5 to 18 years old with a range of complex needs. We believe in fostering a positive and supportive environment where every child feels valued, respected, and empowered. Our commitment to a holistic approach ensures that academic progress is complemented by emotional well-being and personal growth. Our School will form part of the Polaris Community who have been passionately improving the lives of young people for over 30 years, alongside our current growing portfolio of schools across the UK. We're incredibly proud that 100% of our education services have been rated as Good or Outstanding by Ofsted. Role Responsibilities Polaris Education is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff to share this commitment. Promote the safeguarding and welfare of all pupils and visitors Promote and act on initiatives to improve quality of life and wellbeing for pupils and staff Reception The school administrator will provide a warm welcome for parents, visitors and colleagues and deal with their requests in an efficient and professional manner. Answer the telephone in a friendly, professional and efficient manner and record and pass on messages as appropriate Ensure visitors sign in, sign the safeguarding disclaimer and are provided with a visitor's badge Accurately maintain the shared calendar and update the school information Provide refreshments for visitors Work on parents' evening and other evening events as required Have an effective and efficient resource process, keeping the resource ordering up to date and chasing where appropriate Inform the relevant staff member when deliveries arrive Distribute internal and external post and correspondence as appropriate Arrange the ID cards for all new starters and governors for the school Liaise when necessary with transport services and taxi suppliers for pupil transport Support education staff with providing work experience opportunities for pupils Administration Provide full administrative support to the head teacher, school management team and all other education staff at the school. For the full list of responsibilities, click apply now to visit our careers portal Requirements Excellent interpersonal and communication skills - written and oral Knowledge and understanding of child protection and safeguarding practices and protocols Excellent organisation skills with a systematic approach to workload management Excellent time management, planning and work prioritisation skills Experience of developing systems and processes Excellent understanding of SIMS Ability to work within allocated budgets and monitor expenditure and costs Full working knowledge of relevant policies/codes of practice/legislation Ability to plan and develop systems Ability to relate well to children and adults Work constructively as part of a team, understanding school roles and responsibilities and your own position within these Ability to self-evaluate learning needs and actively seek learning opportunities Confidentiality of information as appropriate The successful candidate will be required to complete an enhanced DBS check, the cost of which will be met by Polaris Education. Polaris Education is an equal opportunities employer and positively encourages applications from suitably qualified and eligible candidates. Polaris Education is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff to share this commitment. PandoLogic. Category:Education,
