Participation Officer (Children & Families - Fostering)

Altron FinTech; Blackburn; On-site; GBP 14,000 - 21,000; Part time

Job summary

A fostering organization is looking for a Participation Officer to support children and young people in reaching their potential. This part-time role, based in Blackburn, involves promoting initiatives, providing 1-1 support, and maintaining professional relationships. Candidates should possess a relevant qualification and have a passion for childcare. Flexible working conditions are available, along with competitive benefits including annual leave and a medical cash plan.

Benefits

30 days’ Annual Leave

Bank Holidays

Life Assurance

Employee Discount Scheme

Medical Cash Plan

Qualifications

• Experience supporting children and young people to reach their full potential.
• Understanding of challenges faced by children in care.
• Full driving licence required.

Responsibilities

• Promote initiatives for young people to undertake life skill opportunities.
• Provide direct 1-1 support for children and young people.
• Forge close relationships with colleagues and external professionals.

Skills

Passion for supporting children

Relationship building

Intermediate IT skills

Ability to remain calm under pressure

Education

Relevant qualification in childcare or related field

Tools

Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint)

Job description

Participation Officer – Part Time – 25 Hours Per Week

Salary: £14,782 per Annum (Full time equivalent £20,694.80 per annum)

Benefits: 30 days’ Annual Leave, rising to 35 days with length of service, + Bank Holidays, Life Assurance, Employee Discount Scheme & Medical Cash Plan

Location: Office Based (to be based at Blackburn or Oldbury office) with flexibility to work from home – covering West Midlands and North West Region. Occasional need to assist Foster Parents in Yorkshire.

About Us

We’re a high-quality fostering organisation, recognised as ‘Outstanding’ by OFSTED, one of the UK's only independent fostering agencies specialising in cultural and faith‑based fostering placements. Our focus is on helping children and young people with specific religious or cultural needs find foster parents who share their values and identity and can provide a safe and loving home. In our most recent inspection in 2024, OFSTED rated us as ‘Outstanding’ in every area of our work.

Our head office is in the West Midlands and we have offices in Blackburn, covering East Midlands and Yorkshire.

Role Responsibilities

• Promote initiatives and engage young people in year 10 and above to undertake life skill opportunities
• Provide direct 1‑1 support for children and young people
• Arrange activities, days out and workshops for our children and birthchildren
• Forge close and productive relationships with colleagues, foster parents, external professionals and multi‑agency networks
• Attend meetings with professionals from Education, Health and Social Services sectors to support care plans
• Maintain clear records
• Stay up to date with professional practice standards, legislation and company policies including confidentiality, GDPR, safeguarding, equality, diversity and inclusion
• Support ACS staff with placements/education, inputting key data information

About You

• Passion and experience of supporting children and young people to reach their full potential
• Understanding of challenges faced by children and young people in our care
• Ability to work and travel across the West Midlands and other regions
• Desire to implement and drive new ideas and initiatives that support and complement our services
• Professional childcare experience, preferably in fostering or able to demonstrate fostering knowledge and interest
• Ideally possess a relevant qualification or evidence of formal training in childcare, childhood studies, education, social work, youth work, community work or psychology
• Experience building strong rapport with adults and children with diverse needs and expectations
• Able to remain calm under pressure and when dealing with difficult or confrontational behaviour
• Intermediate IT skills including Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook and PowerPoint) and databases
• Full driving licence

We are a family of independent fostering agencies, each with its own expertise but sharing a vision to give children across the country the support they need to build a stronger, happier future. We provide a close network of support that becomes like a second family for our foster parents.

For more information about this post please contact Kulvinder Kaur Sahota, Manager in Process of Registration on 07970 081 374.

To be considered, please apply and we will be in touch. No agencies please.

Active Care Solutions is an equal opportunities employer and has been awarded the disability confident employer by the jobcentre plus. The successful applicant will be subject to a DBS check at an enhanced level if successful for the position.