Foster Care Associates (The FCA) Referrals Officer - Fostering Location: Office-based - Sheffield Salary: 23,535.26 per annum Contract: Full time, permanent Benefits: 30 days' annual leave (increasing to 35 days with length of service) plus Bank Holidays Company pension Life assurance x2 Employee discount scheme Medical cash plan 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 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, rated as Outstanding with Ofsted, 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. What We Are Looking For 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 be required to use your initiative and be able to work independently when required 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 need to possess good communication skills and be able to develop positive relationships with colleagues within and outside of the agency, both via written and face-to-face communication. Previous experience of working in a children's services sector may be an advantage though not essential. Excellent organisational and administrative skills are key, together with a passion and motivation to make a difference to the lives of children and their families. We provide an excellent induction into the role. Full training will be provided. This is an exciting opportunity for someone who has good communication and administrative skills and is seeking a role within a team to make a difference to the lives of children and families. For more information about this post please contact Carrie Robinson, Referrals Manager on (phone number removed). To be considered, please apply and we will be in touch. No agencies, please. Foster Care Associates is an equal opportunities employer and has been awarded the disability confident employer by Jobcentre Plus. The successful applicant will be subject to a DBS check at enhanced level if successful for the position. PandoLogic. Category:Social Services,
Jun 16, 2026
Full time
Foster Care Associates (The FCA) Referrals Officer - Fostering Location: Office-based - Sheffield Salary: 23,535.26 per annum Contract: Full time, permanent Benefits: 30 days' annual leave (increasing to 35 days with length of service) plus Bank Holidays Company pension Life assurance x2 Employee discount scheme Medical cash plan 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 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, rated as Outstanding with Ofsted, 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. What We Are Looking For 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 be required to use your initiative and be able to work independently when required 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 need to possess good communication skills and be able to develop positive relationships with colleagues within and outside of the agency, both via written and face-to-face communication. Previous experience of working in a children's services sector may be an advantage though not essential. Excellent organisational and administrative skills are key, together with a passion and motivation to make a difference to the lives of children and their families. We provide an excellent induction into the role. Full training will be provided. This is an exciting opportunity for someone who has good communication and administrative skills and is seeking a role within a team to make a difference to the lives of children and families. For more information about this post please contact Carrie Robinson, Referrals Manager on (phone number removed). To be considered, please apply and we will be in touch. No agencies, please. Foster Care Associates is an equal opportunities employer and has been awarded the disability confident employer by Jobcentre Plus. The successful applicant will be subject to a DBS check at enhanced level if successful for the position. PandoLogic. Category:Social Services,
FOSTER CARE ASSOCIATES (THE FCA) Participation Officer (Children & Families - Fostering) - Full- Time 35 Hours Location: The successful candidate will be expected to regularly travel to the regional office based in Sheffield. There will be an expectation that if successful you will travel throughout the region that includes Yorks, Lincs, East Midlands and Northants. There will be some opportunity to work from home when relevant. Basic Salary: 23,542.56 per annum Benefits: Company Car or 2,000 car allowance (pro rata), 30 days' Annual Leave (rising to 35 with length of service) + Bank Holidays, Company Pension, Life Assurance x2, Employee Discount Scheme & On-site 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. 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. Role responsibilities This is an exciting opportunity for someone who is passionate about working with children and supporting them to make a difference in their community. The successful candidate will be part of a small team supporting the delivery of the agency's Participation Service. Arranging activities and workshops for children in our care and children who foster Planning family events and days out Forge close and productive working relationships with regional colleagues, Foster Parents, external professionals and multi-agency networks Attendance at meetings with Professionals from Education, Health and Social Services sectors to support our Children and Young People's care plans Maintain clear records Be aware of, and take responsibility for staying up to date with professional practice standards, legislation and company policy including confidentiality, GDPR, safeguarding, equality, diversity and inclusion Provide support and guidance to our families and help promote the stability of foster placements About You Ideally you will have some experience of working with children and young people, supporting and advocating to ensure their voices are heard Some experience of working with and/or understanding of children and young people who have experienced trauma, helping them to achieve positive outcomes, will be useful Ideally you will possess a relevant qualification or evidence of formal training in childcare, childhood studies, education, social work, youth work, community work and/or psychology You will have excellent communication skills, with an ability to build a strong rapport with both children and adults with an array of different needs and expectations Able to remain calm when under high levels of pressure, emotionally traumatic situations and when dealing with difficult or confrontational behaviour Good written skills with Intermediate IT skills to include Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook and PowerPoint) and databases Have a full driving licence and unrestricted access to your own vehicle Be willing to undertake an Enhanced DBS check FCA is part of the Polaris group being 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 exciting role, please contact Jo Barrass - Fostering Service Manager on (phone number removed). No agencies please. Foster Care Associates is an equal opportunities employer and has been awarded the disability confident employer by the jobcentre plus. The successful applicant will be subject to a DBS check at enhanced level if successful for the position. PandoLogic. Category:Personal Care,
Jun 13, 2026
Full time
FOSTER CARE ASSOCIATES (THE FCA) Participation Officer (Children & Families - Fostering) - Full- Time 35 Hours Location: The successful candidate will be expected to regularly travel to the regional office based in Sheffield. There will be an expectation that if successful you will travel throughout the region that includes Yorks, Lincs, East Midlands and Northants. There will be some opportunity to work from home when relevant. Basic Salary: 23,542.56 per annum Benefits: Company Car or 2,000 car allowance (pro rata), 30 days' Annual Leave (rising to 35 with length of service) + Bank Holidays, Company Pension, Life Assurance x2, Employee Discount Scheme & On-site 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. 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. Role responsibilities This is an exciting opportunity for someone who is passionate about working with children and supporting them to make a difference in their community. The successful candidate will be part of a small team supporting the delivery of the agency's Participation Service. Arranging activities and workshops for children in our care and children who foster Planning family events and days out Forge close and productive working relationships with regional colleagues, Foster Parents, external professionals and multi-agency networks Attendance at meetings with Professionals from Education, Health and Social Services sectors to support our Children and Young People's care plans Maintain clear records Be aware of, and take responsibility for staying up to date with professional practice standards, legislation and company policy including confidentiality, GDPR, safeguarding, equality, diversity and inclusion Provide support and guidance to our families and help promote the stability of foster placements About You Ideally you will have some experience of working with children and young people, supporting and advocating to ensure their voices are heard Some experience of working with and/or understanding of children and young people who have experienced trauma, helping them to achieve positive outcomes, will be useful Ideally you will possess a relevant qualification or evidence of formal training in childcare, childhood studies, education, social work, youth work, community work and/or psychology You will have excellent communication skills, with an ability to build a strong rapport with both children and adults with an array of different needs and expectations Able to remain calm when under high levels of pressure, emotionally traumatic situations and when dealing with difficult or confrontational behaviour Good written skills with Intermediate IT skills to include Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook and PowerPoint) and databases Have a full driving licence and unrestricted access to your own vehicle Be willing to undertake an Enhanced DBS check FCA is part of the Polaris group being 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 exciting role, please contact Jo Barrass - Fostering Service Manager on (phone number removed). No agencies please. Foster Care Associates is an equal opportunities employer and has been awarded the disability confident employer by the jobcentre plus. The successful applicant will be subject to a DBS check at enhanced level if successful for the position. PandoLogic. Category:Personal Care,
FOSTER CARE ASSOCIATES (THE FCA) Participation Officer (Children & Families - Fostering) - Full- Time 35 Hours Location: The successful candidate will be expected to regularly travel to the regional office based in Sheffield. There will be an expectation that if successful you will travel throughout the region that includes Yorks, Lincs, East Midlands and Northants. There will be some opportunity to work from home when relevant. Basic Salary: 23,542.56 per annum Benefits: Company Car or 2,000 car allowance (pro rata), 30 days' Annual Leave (rising to 35 with length of service) + Bank Holidays, Company Pension, Life Assurance x2, Employee Discount Scheme & On-site 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. 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. Role responsibilities This is an exciting opportunity for someone who is passionate about working with children and supporting them to make a difference in their community. The successful candidate will be part of a small team supporting the delivery of the agency's Participation Service. Arranging activities and workshops for children in our care and children who foster Planning family events and days out Forge close and productive working relationships with regional colleagues, Foster Parents, external professionals and multi-agency networks Attendance at meetings with Professionals from Education, Health and Social Services sectors to support our Children and Young People's care plans Maintain clear records Be aware of, and take responsibility for staying up to date with professional practice standards, legislation and company policy including confidentiality, GDPR, safeguarding, equality, diversity and inclusion Provide support and guidance to our families and help promote the stability of foster placements About You Ideally you will have some experience of working with children and young people, supporting and advocating to ensure their voices are heard Some experience of working with and/or understanding of children and young people who have experienced trauma, helping them to achieve positive outcomes, will be useful Ideally you will possess a relevant qualification or evidence of formal training in childcare, childhood studies, education, social work, youth work, community work and/or psychology You will have excellent communication skills, with an ability to build a strong rapport with both children and adults with an array of different needs and expectations Able to remain calm when under high levels of pressure, emotionally traumatic situations and when dealing with difficult or confrontational behaviour Good written skills with Intermediate IT skills to include Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook and PowerPoint) and databases Have a full driving licence and unrestricted access to your own vehicle Be willing to undertake an Enhanced DBS check FCA is part of the Polaris group being 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 exciting role, please contact Jo Barrass - Fostering Service Manager on (phone number removed). No agencies please. Foster Care Associates is an equal opportunities employer and has been awarded the disability confident employer by the jobcentre plus. The successful applicant will be subject to a DBS check at enhanced level if successful for the position. PandoLogic. Category:Personal Care,
Jun 13, 2026
Full time
FOSTER CARE ASSOCIATES (THE FCA) Participation Officer (Children & Families - Fostering) - Full- Time 35 Hours Location: The successful candidate will be expected to regularly travel to the regional office based in Sheffield. There will be an expectation that if successful you will travel throughout the region that includes Yorks, Lincs, East Midlands and Northants. There will be some opportunity to work from home when relevant. Basic Salary: 23,542.56 per annum Benefits: Company Car or 2,000 car allowance (pro rata), 30 days' Annual Leave (rising to 35 with length of service) + Bank Holidays, Company Pension, Life Assurance x2, Employee Discount Scheme & On-site 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. 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. Role responsibilities This is an exciting opportunity for someone who is passionate about working with children and supporting them to make a difference in their community. The successful candidate will be part of a small team supporting the delivery of the agency's Participation Service. Arranging activities and workshops for children in our care and children who foster Planning family events and days out Forge close and productive working relationships with regional colleagues, Foster Parents, external professionals and multi-agency networks Attendance at meetings with Professionals from Education, Health and Social Services sectors to support our Children and Young People's care plans Maintain clear records Be aware of, and take responsibility for staying up to date with professional practice standards, legislation and company policy including confidentiality, GDPR, safeguarding, equality, diversity and inclusion Provide support and guidance to our families and help promote the stability of foster placements About You Ideally you will have some experience of working with children and young people, supporting and advocating to ensure their voices are heard Some experience of working with and/or understanding of children and young people who have experienced trauma, helping them to achieve positive outcomes, will be useful Ideally you will possess a relevant qualification or evidence of formal training in childcare, childhood studies, education, social work, youth work, community work and/or psychology You will have excellent communication skills, with an ability to build a strong rapport with both children and adults with an array of different needs and expectations Able to remain calm when under high levels of pressure, emotionally traumatic situations and when dealing with difficult or confrontational behaviour Good written skills with Intermediate IT skills to include Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook and PowerPoint) and databases Have a full driving licence and unrestricted access to your own vehicle Be willing to undertake an Enhanced DBS check FCA is part of the Polaris group being 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 exciting role, please contact Jo Barrass - Fostering Service Manager on (phone number removed). No agencies please. Foster Care Associates is an equal opportunities employer and has been awarded the disability confident employer by the jobcentre plus. The successful applicant will be subject to a DBS check at enhanced level if successful for the position. PandoLogic. Category:Personal Care,
FOSTER CARE ASSOCIATES (THE FCA) Participation Officer (Children & Families - Fostering) - Full- Time 35 Hours Location: The successful candidate will be expected to regularly travel to the regional office based in Sheffield. There will be an expectation that if successful you will travel throughout the region that includes Yorks, Lincs, East Midlands and Northants. There will be some opportunity to work from home when relevant. Basic Salary: 23,542.56 per annum Benefits: Company Car or 2,000 car allowance (pro rata), 30 days' Annual Leave (rising to 35 with length of service) + Bank Holidays, Company Pension, Life Assurance x2, Employee Discount Scheme & On-site 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. 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. Role responsibilities This is an exciting opportunity for someone who is passionate about working with children and supporting them to make a difference in their community. The successful candidate will be part of a small team supporting the delivery of the agency's Participation Service. Arranging activities and workshops for children in our care and children who foster Planning family events and days out Forge close and productive working relationships with regional colleagues, Foster Parents, external professionals and multi-agency networks Attendance at meetings with Professionals from Education, Health and Social Services sectors to support our Children and Young People's care plans Maintain clear records Be aware of, and take responsibility for staying up to date with professional practice standards, legislation and company policy including confidentiality, GDPR, safeguarding, equality, diversity and inclusion Provide support and guidance to our families and help promote the stability of foster placements About You Ideally you will have some experience of working with children and young people, supporting and advocating to ensure their voices are heard Some experience of working with and/or understanding of children and young people who have experienced trauma, helping them to achieve positive outcomes, will be useful Ideally you will possess a relevant qualification or evidence of formal training in childcare, childhood studies, education, social work, youth work, community work and/or psychology You will have excellent communication skills, with an ability to build a strong rapport with both children and adults with an array of different needs and expectations Able to remain calm when under high levels of pressure, emotionally traumatic situations and when dealing with difficult or confrontational behaviour Good written skills with Intermediate IT skills to include Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook and PowerPoint) and databases Have a full driving licence and unrestricted access to your own vehicle Be willing to undertake an Enhanced DBS check FCA is part of the Polaris group being 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 exciting role, please contact Jo Barrass - Fostering Service Manager on (phone number removed). No agencies please. Foster Care Associates is an equal opportunities employer and has been awarded the disability confident employer by the jobcentre plus. The successful applicant will be subject to a DBS check at enhanced level if successful for the position. PandoLogic. Category:Personal Care,
Jun 13, 2026
Full time
FOSTER CARE ASSOCIATES (THE FCA) Participation Officer (Children & Families - Fostering) - Full- Time 35 Hours Location: The successful candidate will be expected to regularly travel to the regional office based in Sheffield. There will be an expectation that if successful you will travel throughout the region that includes Yorks, Lincs, East Midlands and Northants. There will be some opportunity to work from home when relevant. Basic Salary: 23,542.56 per annum Benefits: Company Car or 2,000 car allowance (pro rata), 30 days' Annual Leave (rising to 35 with length of service) + Bank Holidays, Company Pension, Life Assurance x2, Employee Discount Scheme & On-site 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. 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. Role responsibilities This is an exciting opportunity for someone who is passionate about working with children and supporting them to make a difference in their community. The successful candidate will be part of a small team supporting the delivery of the agency's Participation Service. Arranging activities and workshops for children in our care and children who foster Planning family events and days out Forge close and productive working relationships with regional colleagues, Foster Parents, external professionals and multi-agency networks Attendance at meetings with Professionals from Education, Health and Social Services sectors to support our Children and Young People's care plans Maintain clear records Be aware of, and take responsibility for staying up to date with professional practice standards, legislation and company policy including confidentiality, GDPR, safeguarding, equality, diversity and inclusion Provide support and guidance to our families and help promote the stability of foster placements About You Ideally you will have some experience of working with children and young people, supporting and advocating to ensure their voices are heard Some experience of working with and/or understanding of children and young people who have experienced trauma, helping them to achieve positive outcomes, will be useful Ideally you will possess a relevant qualification or evidence of formal training in childcare, childhood studies, education, social work, youth work, community work and/or psychology You will have excellent communication skills, with an ability to build a strong rapport with both children and adults with an array of different needs and expectations Able to remain calm when under high levels of pressure, emotionally traumatic situations and when dealing with difficult or confrontational behaviour Good written skills with Intermediate IT skills to include Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook and PowerPoint) and databases Have a full driving licence and unrestricted access to your own vehicle Be willing to undertake an Enhanced DBS check FCA is part of the Polaris group being 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 exciting role, please contact Jo Barrass - Fostering Service Manager on (phone number removed). No agencies please. Foster Care Associates is an equal opportunities employer and has been awarded the disability confident employer by the jobcentre plus. The successful applicant will be subject to a DBS check at enhanced level if successful for the position. PandoLogic. Category:Personal Care,