Recruitment and Placements Officer - Fostering

£25,000 - £29,000 per annum

Nottingham

Independent Fostering Agency

We are working with an Independent Fostering Agency who are looking for an outstanding individual to lead on the recruitment of prospective foster parents and coordinate placements for children and young people referred to the agency.

This role blends relationship-building, community engagement, and placement coordination to ensure children are matched with safe, nurturing foster homes that meet their individual needs.

The post holder will work closely with the agency's Digital Learning and Development Specialist to ensure a cohesive and effective approach to carer recruitment and engagement.

Key Responsibilities:

Foster Carer Recruitment

* Manage the enquiry process for potential foster carers, ensuring a timely, friendly, and informative response.

* Work alongside the Digital Learning and Development Specialist and Registered Manager to plan and deliver recruitment campaigns via online platforms, printed materials, and in-person events.

* Conduct initial home visits (virtual or in-person) to assess suitability and motivation to foster.

* Collaborate with the marketing team to create engaging, targeted recruitment content.

* Keep accurate, up-to-date records and ensure compliance with internal procedures and fostering regulations.

Placement Coordination

* Respond to placement referrals from local authorities, ensuring a swift and professional service.

* Match children with appropriate approved foster carers, considering individual needs, preferences, and carer skills.

* Provide local authorities with detailed carer profiles and support the placement decision-making process.

* Track placement activity, capacity, and outcomes to help guide recruitment and placement strategies.

Relationship Management

* Build strong, positive relationships with both prospective and approved foster carers.

* Collaborate with supervising social workers and the wider team to support smooth transitions into placements.

* Represent the agency at events, fostering forums, and in the local community to promote the fostering service.

* Support foster carer retention by ensuring they feel welcomed, valued, and supported throughout their journey.

Person Specification:

Essential Criteria

* Experience in recruitment, customer service, education, youth work, or a care-related setting.

* Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to engage a wide range of people.

* Confident in delivering presentations and speaking with individuals and groups.

* Highly organised and able to manage multiple priorities effectively.

* Comfortable using IT systems, including databases, Microsoft Office, and email.

* Positive, proactive, and adaptable approach.

* A full UK driving licence and access to a car are essential for travel to home visits, recruitment events, and meetings.

* Willingness to work flexible hours, including some evenings and weekends.

Desirable Criteria

* Experience within fostering, children's services, or the voluntary/community sector.

* Understanding of the fostering process and the needs of looked-after children.

* Awareness of safeguarding principles and data protection requirements.

* Familiarity with digital marketing, especially for recruitment or awareness campaigns.

Working Environment

This is a full-time position (37 hours per week), office-based with the occasional option to work from home depending on service needs.

The post holder will work alongside the Digital Learning and Development Specialist and other members of the team.

Regular travel is required for home visits, recruitment events, and meetings with prospective foster carers, so a full UK driving licence and access to a vehicle is essential