3 jobs found

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,

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,

Job Title: Head of Safeguarding Location: Colchester United Football Club Reports To: Academy Manager & Senior Safeguarding Manager Contract Type: Full-time, Permanent Salary: Competitive, based on experience Job Purpose: The Head of Safeguarding is the Club s Designated Safeguarding Officer and will be responsible for developing, implementing, and managing the safeguarding strategy across all levels of the club, ensuring the safety and welfare of children, young people, and vulnerable adults involved in club activities. This role will promote a culture of safeguarding throughout the club, ensuring compliance with statutory obligations and football governing body regulations. Key Responsibilities: Safeguarding Strategy and Policy Development: Develop and implement comprehensive safeguarding policies and procedures in line with EFL, FA, and statutory requirements. In conjunction with the Senior Safeguarding Manager, lead on the creation and delivery of a club-wide safeguarding strategy that promotes best practices, continuous improvement, and a culture of safety. Compliance and Reporting: Ensure the club meets all legal, regulatory, and EFL safeguarding standards, including regular audits and assessments. Maintain accurate records of all safeguarding concerns, incidents, and referrals, ensuring timely and confidential reporting to relevant authorities. Maintain the Club s Single Central Record. Liaise with the Lead Academy Administrator to ensure all safeguarding documentation and paperwork is completed on player registration and staff induction. Prepare regular reports for senior management and the Board of Directors on safeguarding matters, including any risks, trends, or areas for improvement. Education and Training: Develop and deliver regular safeguarding training and awareness programs for all staff, volunteers, players, and relevant stakeholders. Ensure all employees and volunteers are aware of and adhere to the club s safeguarding policies and procedures. Case Management and Support: As the Club s Lead Disclosure Officer, act as the primary point of contact for all safeguarding concerns and allegations, providing guidance, support, and advice to staff, players, and stakeholders. Lead on managing and investigating safeguarding incidents in line with club policy and statutory guidance. Liaise with external agencies, such as social services and law enforcement, as required. Stakeholder Engagement: Work closely with internal and external stakeholders, including the FA, EFL, local authorities, and community organizations, to promote best practices in safeguarding. Act as the club s representative on safeguarding matters, attending relevant meetings, conferences, and workshops. Risk Management: Identify and assess safeguarding risks within the club s activities and implement strategies to mitigate these risks. Conduct regular safeguarding audits, including risk assessments for activities involving children and vulnerable adults. Qualifications and Experience: Essential: Experience in a senior safeguarding role, ideally within a sports organization or similar setting. Strong knowledge of current safeguarding legislation, regulations, and best practices, including the FA s Safeguarding Children Policy. Proven experience in managing and investigating safeguarding incidents and concerns. Experience in delivering training and educational programs related to safeguarding. Ability to manage sensitive and confidential information with integrity and discretion. Desirable: Professional qualification in safeguarding, social work, education, or a related field. Experience working within football or another professional sports environment. Knowledge of EFL and FA safeguarding frameworks and procedures. Skills and Attributes: Strong leadership and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build relationships and work collaboratively with a wide range of stakeholders. Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to present complex information clearly and concisely. High level of organizational skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines. Empathetic, approachable, and able to handle sensitive situations with tact and professionalism. Commitment to promoting a culture of safeguarding and welfare across all club activities. Additional Requirements: Enhanced DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) check. Flexibility to work evenings and weekends as required, including attendance at home and away matches. Full & Clean UK driving licence. Working Hours: 40 hours per week Need to be flexible to accommodate different needs at different times to support players, parents, schools and staff. All staff must be aware of all safeguarding and equity and diversity issues, along with all academy and club policies, rules and regulations. We are dedicated to fostering a diverse and dynamic working environment by building a team that represents a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills. We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all sections of the community.