Job Description

Be the difference behind every foster placement

We’re looking for a passionate, organised and people-focused professional to join our Fostering Service as a Social Work Assistant with focus on Foster Carer Recruitment This is a unique opportunity to play a vital role in increasing the number of safe, stable and loving foster homes for children and young people across Central Bedfordshire.

At the heart of this role is one simple but powerful aim: to attract, engage and support people to become foster carers – and stay on that journey with confidence.

About the role

As a key member of our team, you will lead and coordinate recruitment activity to help us grow our community of foster carers. You will:

• Deliver and support an annual fostering recruitment plan.
• Work closely with communications and marketing teams to design impactful campaigns.
• Be the first point of contact for prospective foster carers, ensuring timely, warm and consistent responses to enquiries.
• Coordinate information events, community engagement and outreach activity.
• Track enquiries and progress data to help improve recruitment outcomes and service planning.
• Work collaboratively with partners, including regional fostering networks, to strengthen recruitment approaches.
• Support early stages of the fostering journey, helping applicants feel informed, valued and motivated.
• Be flexible around your working pattern as some events may take place in the evening or weekends.

Every enquiry you respond to and every conversation you have could lead to a life-changing placement for a child.

About you

We are looking for someone who:

• Has experience of working collaboratively within a team or across organisations.
• Can handle sensitive and confidential information with professionalism and care.
• Has experience in engagement, recruitment, customer interaction or events – or transferable skills that demonstrate this.
• Brings excellent communication, organisation and relationship-building skills.
• Is motivated by improving outcomes for children and young people.

What we offer

• A meaningful role where your work directly impacts children’s lives.
• A supportive, collaborative team environment.
• Hybrid working arrangements.
• Opportunities to develop skills in recruitment, engagement and social care.

Join us

If you’re passionate about working with people, skilled at engagement, and want to play a key role in strengthening foster care provision, we would love to hear from you. Help us find the people who can change children’s lives.