Children and Families Officer
Could you be an advocate for children coming into care? Lincolnshire Fostering Service is looking to recruit a Children and Family Officer on a part time (22hours a week), permanent basis to support the fostering service in identifying suitable placements for children in care.
We're looking for a passionate individual who wants to making a difference for children and young people who have had a tough start in life.
About the role
Children and Families Officers screen incoming referrals and identify positive matches to available foster families. They are proactive and raise awareness of children's future needs, service pressures, requests. Recruitment and retention of foster carers is key to delivering an effective fostering service and within this role you will be able to contribute to the important role we play in maximising every opportunity to make local people more aware of the need for fostering families and the important work they do. You'll also undertake initial enquiries of interest for those considering applying to become foster carers.
Office hours are 8:45 - 5:15. The current working pattern is Wednesday to Friday, alternative days may be possible for the successful candidate.
About you
You will need great communication skills as you will work collaboratively with children’s social care teams, health professionals as well as with colleagues within the fostering service when placing a child. You will ensure that all referrals are responded to in a timely manner whilst having an ability to prioritise urgent requests and that all information available is shared with appropriate professionals and carer’s to enable an informed decision to be made when seeking to place a child. You will be a flexible, creative and adaptable individual who values relationship-based practice and appreciates working within a supportive service. Excellent organisational skills are crucial for this role. Please see attached job description and person specification for further information on what is required.
About Our Offer
Along with a competitive salary we are offering:
- A Contributory pension
- Comprehensive benefits package including excellent discount schemes and cycle to work
- Flexible working policies
- Career progression opportunities
- A generous annual leave entitlement plus the option to buy more
Further details can be found in our rewards and benefits brochure
If you would like an open and informal discussion regards this role, then please contact; Emily McAllister, Fostering Team Manager via Emily.McAllister@lincolnshire.gov.uk
If you believe that you have the skills and experience to meet the requirements of the role, then we want to hear from you.
Interviews will be held on 24th February.
Please be advised that this position may be subject to a criminal record check.
All candidates are advised to read the attached job information pack prior to making an application.
On occasion we receive significantly more applications than expected for some vacancies and under such circumstances we reserve the right to bring forward the closing date of the advertisement. We therefore strongly advise you to apply for the role promptly to avoid disappointment should the closing date be brought forward.
We operate a talent pool scheme whereby candidates who are not successful on this occasion may be considered for a period of up to 3 months for equal positions.
Lincolnshire County Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.
Fluency Duty
In accordance with Part 7 of the Immigration Act 2016 (Fluency Duty), the ability to converse at ease with customers and provide advice in accurate spoken English is essential for the post.