Fostering Recruitment & Operations Specialist

Pathway Group; Birmingham; On-site; GBP 28,000 - 32,000; Full time

Job summary

F5 Foster Care is seeking a proactive, organised Coordinator to support foster carer recruitment, strengthen day-to-day operations and help the agency grow. Office-based role in Tyseley, Birmingham with travel for visits and events.

You will work closely with the Office Manager and Registered Manager, providing hands-on mentoring and training to develop knowledge, confidence and capabilities, while ensuring applicants are well informed and supported throughout recruitment.

Qualifications

• Strong administration or coordination experience.
• Excellent written communication and the ability to create accurate, well-structured documents.
• Confidence making telephone calls, explaining information and following up professionally.
• Strong organisation, attention to detail and the ability to manage competing priorities.
• Emotional intelligence, discretion and a respectful approach to people from different backgrounds.
• Confidence using spreadsheets and digital systems, with a willingness to learn new platforms.
• Initiative, accountability and sound judgement. You follow work through and recognise when to seek guidance.
• A positive approach to coaching, feedback and continuous learning.
• A full driving licence and access to a vehicle for work-related travel.

Responsibilities

• Respond to enquiries by telephone and email, explain the fostering journey clearly and build positive relationships with prospective carers.
• Make follow‑up calls, arrange initial visits and support or attend visits as appropriate to your training and experience.
• Issue application packs and maintain regular contact with applicants throughout recruitment and assessment.
• Coordinate outstanding documents, DBS checks, medicals and references, liaising with applicants, assessors and colleagues to prevent unnecessary delays.
• Maintain accurate recruitment trackers, ensuring each application has a clear next action, deadline and responsible person.
• Support the Office Manager and wider team with daily administration, correspondence, meetings and appointments.
• Maintain accurate records and produce clear, professional documents.
• Use fostering management systems, including Jelly Baby, with training provided where needed.
• Support referral and placement administration, including monitoring portals and gathering information for the social work team to review.
• Handle sensitive information carefully and communicate professionally with carers, local authorities and other professionals.
• Create and improve templates, trackers and standard operating procedures.
• Identify practical ways to reduce delays, improve communication and make administration more efficient.
• Learn to use approved AI and automation tools responsibly, with appropriate oversight and protection of confidential information.
• Attend community events and recruitment activities alongside colleagues to raise awareness of fostering and engage prospective carers.
• Contribute to the agency’s professional presence, including supporting LinkedIn activity and sharing approved fostering information.

Skills

Administration

Coordination

Telephone calls

Organisation

Emotional intelligence

Spreadsheet proficiency

Learning aptitude

Driving licence

Tools

Jelly Baby

Job description

F5 Foster Care is seeking a proactive, organised Coordinator to support foster carer recruitment, strengthen day-to-day operations and help the agency grow. Office-based role in Tyseley, Birmingham with travel for visits and events.

You will work closely with the Office Manager and Registered Manager, providing hands-on mentoring and training to develop knowledge, confidence and capabilities, while ensuring applicants are well informed and supported throughout recruitment.