Summary

This 3-month contract with a local authority is for a Placements and Retention Officer, focusing on the retention of foster carers. The postholder will lead foster carer engagement initiatives, coordinate support and retention activities, and maintain oversight of foster carer capacity and availability. Collaborating with social work teams, the role is crucial in identifying suitable placement options, improving placement sufficiency, fostering positive relationships with carers, and promoting positive outcomes for children and young people in care.

Responsibilities

Act as a key point of contact for in-house foster carers, building and maintaining positive, professional relationships.
Coordinate and deliver foster carer engagement activities, appreciation events, recognition programs, and training-linked initiatives.
Organize and support foster carer forums, support groups, and networking opportunities in partnership with supervising social workers.
Develop and promote peer support networks, mentoring arrangements, and buddy systems for new and existing foster carers.
Design, distribute, and evaluate surveys, feedback mechanisms, and consultation activities to gather carer insights and inform service improvements.
Monitor foster carer engagement levels and identify opportunities to improve satisfaction, retention, and overall carer experience.

Requirements:

Essential Experience Required
- Experience working within fostering, children's social care, family support, education, housing, or a related service environment.
- Experience coordinating activities, events, engagement programs, or support initiatives.
- Experience building and maintaining positive relationships with service users, stakeholders, or volunteers.

Essential Qualifications Required
- Educated to GCSE level (or equivalent) including English and Mathematics.
- Relevant qualification in Social Care, Business Administration, Community Development, Youth Work, Customer Services, or a related field, or equivalent relevant experience.

Additional Information

Placements Officer