About

POLARIS Referrals Officer - Fostering Location: SittingbourneContract: Full-Time, Permanent - 35 hours per weekSalary: Up to £23,625.00Benefits: 30 days' Annual Leave (rising to 35 with length of service) + Bank Holidays, Company Pension, Life Assurance, Employee Discount Scheme, Medical Cash Plan & Free On-site Parking About Us We are Polaris, one of the UK's largest leading communities of children's service providers. Within the community, we have independent fostering and adoption agencies who have been passionately improving the lives of young people for over 30 years, as well as Education, Residential and Leaving Care services, and bespoke children's services contracts. Our nurturing community works collectively to support the very best outcomes for each and every child in our care. We're ambitious for our children and young people, families and staff, and believe in their futures. What We Are Looking For We are looking for a proactive, relationship-driven Referrals Officer to join our established Referrals Team. A "Referral" is a request from a Local Authority to find a suitable foster family for a child or young person who needs a safe and supportive home. In this pivotal role, you'll be the first point of contact between Local Authorities, foster families, and Social Workers-making sure every referral is carefully matched to the right foster family based on the child's needs. Role Responsibilities Take ownership for all foster family vacancies and act as the key point of contact for specific fostering agencies within the Polaris CommunityAccurately monitor and record foster family vacanciesEngage daily (by phone call or Teams video call) with all foster families on the vacancy listAttend regular meetings with Agency Managers and