Fostering team – Training, Recruitment and Support Officer

Overview

As a Recruitment, Training and Support Officer for Fostering, you will back the Fostering Recruitment team to attract and train local foster carers. You will plan and deliver recruitment events, coordinate logistics, and build partnerships with internal and external stakeholders. You will also engage birth children of prospective carers to capture their views and ensure compassionate, trauma‑informed practice. This fixed‑term role supports Essex Children and Families’ mission to safeguard and empower children and families while promoting community collaboration.

Pay / Benefits

• flexible working options
• support for unpaid carers
• disability confident leader status
• opportunity to work in a large public service
• professional development opportunities

Responsibilities

• Plan, promote and deliver recruitment activity and training events for prospective foster carers
• Manage logistics of events including marketing, communications and venue coordination
• Coordinate administrative support for Drop-in information recruitment events and training
• Build and maintain relationships with internal comms, external venues, agencies and providers
• Conduct direct work with birth children of prospective foster carers and document their views in assessments
• Deliver pre-approval training with pre‑developed materials for prospective carers
• Provide clear information and translate social work terminology for stakeholders
• Coordinate foster carer buddy support groups and Ambassador events
• Record activity in line with Children and Families policies (including Mosaic)
• Maintain high professional standards and demonstrate self‑motivation and initiative

Key requirements

• Educated to RQF Level 3 (A Level/NVQ/BTEC) or equivalent by experience
• Evidence of ongoing professional development and expert knowledge in relevant social care area
• Experience building strong relationships with children and families and delivering training
• Excellent communication and partnership-building skills
• Strong organisational skills and ability to coordinate projects and logistics
• Creative thinking to engage contacts
• Knowledge of marketing and promoting events via social media
• Knowledge of the Children’s Act 1989 and 2004, and related regulations and guidance
• Strong commercial awareness to negotiate best value and sustain services
• Willingness to work across multiple sites and with partner agencies

• Strong communication
• Collaborative mindset
• Proactive and self-motivated
• Creativity in engagement
• Mosaic (case records)
• Social media marketing for event promotion

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