Fostering Recruitment Administrator

Who are Fair Ways and what do we stand for?

Fair Ways is a leading children’s services charity based in the Solent, delivering Fostering, Education, Residential and Family services and cares for over 400 children, families, young people and vulnerable adults each year.

Fair Ways is a great place to work. We are a team. We care about each other and are all committed to making a change to the lives of the young people and service users in our care. We will not apologise for calling our staff great, the best, or world-class. Our staff are at the core of our organisation and we celebrate them by shouting it from the rooftops!

Where and when do we need you?

We are looking for an approachable and professional individual to join our dedicated fostering team. As part of this team you will oversee the end-to-end completion of fostering checks and on-boarding compliance, ensuring potential foster carer files meet the agreed standards as set out by the Charity and its policies and that on-boarding foster carers have a positive experience. You will be a clear and confident communicator with the ability to effectively manage sensitive subject matters when required. You will passionately believe in Fair Ways and our vision and values in order to convey to potential carers how our processes play a key part in keeping children safe. You will be supported in this role by an experienced team and will be encouraged to learn, grow and develop utilising our fantastic in-house training department.

In this role you will be involved exciting and rewarding things like:

• Demonstrating excellent attention to detail and accuracy – Leading in the generation and distribution of all new foster carer information to prospective foster carers, giving a great first impression of Fair Ways and setting clear guidance and expectations.
• Being a clear and confident communicator - Making a range of outgoing calls, chasing and collating prospective carer information along with acting as a point of contact for fostering recruitment queries, responding to emails, and taking periodic ownership of the required mailboxes.
• Ensuring a Safe and Compliant workforce - Building a compliant foster carer file for each prospective carer, ensuring that all safer recruitment and Fair Ways policy thresholds are met and in doing so building a safe and compliant workforce for our vulnerable children, young people and families.
• Attending and fostering recruitment and onboarding events - Supporting the fostering team with preparation and attendance at a range of internal and external fostering recruitment events.
• Fostering Panel orgainsation - This includes compiling and distributing respective paperwork and invitations, updating the central list and minuting panels or meetings on behalf of the fostering department.
• Training coordination and administration - Responsible for coordinating the allocation of training to the fostering staff team and carers ensuring good communication with the training and fostering department to ensure that the department is meeting training compliancy.
• Demonstrating flexibility and resilience - Managing a changeable and varied workload effectively through excellent time management and forward thinking ensuring that all tasks are fulfilled by required deadlines and that any obstacles are dealt with in a calm, positive and supportive manor.
• Working in a trauma informed environment - Playing your part in growing a compassionate, resilient and trauma informed community that embraces learning, so that we improve the lives and outcomes of every individual.

The successful candidate will be working 37.5 hours per week with a minimum of 1 day per week based at our central support office in Portsmouth. All candidates must have a full driving license and have access to the use of a car. Successful candidates will be required to provide an enhanced Disclosure (DBS). This disclosure cost will be met by Fair Ways. Fair Ways are unable to provide VISA sponsorship for this role and all applicants will need to be able to provide evidence of right to work in the UK.

Desirable…. but not Essential 

Whilst we value the knowledge and understanding that experience and qualifications can bring, we also know that some of our best people have come to us from unrelated backgrounds. These people already held our core values at heart, and with the dedication of our amazing in-house training and development team, we have supported the rest! 

• Previous experience in a role where applicants will have had exposure to safer recruitment practices and their purpose would be advantageous.
• Candidates will need to have a keen eye for detail and a can-do attitude

Let us look after you!

At Fair Ways, we care about your well-being, here is what we currently offer to our dedicated team:

• Exciting Opportunities: Participate in free staff lotteries with amazing prizes, such as £1000 holiday vouchers, weekends away, luxury hampers, £1000 fostering referral scheme and vouchers. Experience a workplace that celebrates your contributions.
• Work-Life Balance: Enjoy a Holiday Accrual Scheme, an extra day of annual leave as a ‘wellbeing day’ and the option to purchase additional holidays (up to 5 days). We value your time and offer flexibility to accommodate your existing commitments.
• Health and Support: Benefit from Simply Health, our health cash plan, and access to our Employee Assistance Scheme, providing emergency financial assistance and 24/7 counselling services. Access your salary when you need it with Early Pay – The ability to withdraw an amount of your salary early each month to assist with any unforeseen circumstances.
• Growth and Development: Unlock your potential with our Education Grant, offering funding for accreditation up to master's level. Engage in leadership courses to enhance your skills and progress in your career.
• Wellbeing Matters: Experience team-building days, summer festivals, and well-being initiatives, promoting a positive work environment. Take advantage of discounted gym memberships and a cycle-to-work scheme to maintain a healthy lifestyle.
• Recognition and Rewards: Be appreciated for your dedication through annual Staff Awards and Long Service Awards. Build a secure future with our pension scheme and gain eligibility for a Blue Light Card.
• Supportive Community: Be part of our diverse workforce that embraces all communities. We value your unique perspective and encourage you to contribute to our inclusive and vibrant culture.

*Benefits may differ dependant on contract type.

Become a part of our community – We can’t wait to meet you!

If you're passionate about making a difference and are ready to embark on an incredible journey, apply today and be a part of something amazing at Fair Ways. Join our team and help shape brighter futures!