Job Description

Company Description

Rainbow Fostering Services Ltd. is a National Ofsted Outstanding rated agency, prioritising the safeguarding of vulnerable children and placing their well-being at the core of our mission. Our team of dedicated professionals delivers exceptional support to both our foster carers and the children in their care.

At Rainbow, we are committed to fostering a supportive and nurturing environment that promotes growth and development. We provide exciting and engaging training opportunities to help our carers gain the skills and confidence needed to empower the children they care for!

Role Description

We are seeking a full-time Fostering Duty and Recruitment Officer to join our London Office.

The main responsibility of this role is to carefully assess and match incoming referrals with our available foster carers, providing support throughout the matching process until the child or young person is placed in their care. Additionally, you will focus on building strong relationships with local authorities and our foster carers, while promoting the company's values, qualities, and standards to ensure a professional service that achieves outstanding outcomes for children. This role requires working in compliance with current Safeguarding and Child Protection Legislation, Fostering Regulations, the Care Standards Act, GDPR, and the Fostering National Minimum Standards and Guidance.

This role is for a full-time position based in our office, Monday to Friday. There is no opportunity to work from home due to the sensitive nature of the role which involves handling confidential information of children coming into care.

Key Duties

1. Commit to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people in line with agency policies

2. Collect detailed referral information from local authorities and match them with our foster carers.

3. Negotiate with local authority when it comes to placement fees.

4. Co-ordinate placement moves and maintain communication with internal and external colleagues regarding new referrals and existing placements.

5. Assist foster carers in understanding children's behaviours and needs to facilitate appropriate matching.

6. Develop, maintain, and update foster carer profiles to showcase their skills and experience for potential matches.

7. Participate in decision-making processes concerning the matching of children and young people by liaising with relevant Social Workers.

8. Undertake various administrative processes related to children and young people placed within the agency.

9. Ensure accurate and up-to-date information regarding children, young people, and foster carers is maintained in the agency database.

10. Co-ordinate and manage placement tasks associated with exemptions and extensions to approval.

11. Engage in professional development activities, include ing meetings, supervision, training, and appraisals.

12. Undertake additional duties as deemed appropriate by the Line Manager.

13. Handle sensitive and complex information, such as referrals, with professionalism and discretion.

14. Represent the agency in a professional manner in all aspects of work.

15. Complete mandatory safeguarding training related to working with children and young people.

16. Record and administer any referrals of prospective carers and update vacancy list continuously.

17. Work flexibly to offer an appropriate level of support outside of normal working hours if required and provide out of hours' duty cover on a rota basis.

18. Liaise with SSW to contribute to foster carers training.

19. Consult with local authorities for consent to place when other children are in the placement.

20. Liaise with the finance officer and local authority to ensure that any clothing/equipment that a child initially needs is made available or foster carers needing an advance on the allowance.

21. Keep comprehensive records of work undertaken within agreed timescales, in line with company policies and procedures.

Essential Requirements

Educated to degree level or equivalent (preferred).

Over 2 years of experience in the care / fostering sector.

Full Working Driving Licence

Excellent communication skills

Experience working with equality and diversity.

Experience in I.T including Outlook, Word, and Excel.

Strong organisational and multitasking abilities.

Knowledge of child welfare and safeguarding practices.

Ability to work creatively, flexibly, independently, and as part of a team

If you are passionate about making a positive difference in the lives of children and young people and thrive in a collaborative work environment, we encourage you to apply. Join us in building brighter futures for children.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: 27,000.00-32,000.00 per year

Additional pay:

Performance bonus
Benefits:

Casual dress Company events Company pension Discounted or free food Free or subsidised travel Free parking Health & wellbeing programme On-site parking Sick pay Transport links
Schedule:

Monday to Friday
Application question(s):

Do you have a driving licence and access to a car?
Experience:

relevant: 3 years (preferred)
Work authorisation:

United Kingdom (required)
Willingness to travel:

100% (required)
Work Location: In person

Reference ID: RFD&R24
Expected start date: 28/07/2025