Family Support Worker jobs in Christchurch

Job Details:

Job Reference: HCC625368
Salary Range: £28,697 - £31,573 per annum
Work Location: Glen Lodge, Swanwick (Hybrid working - home and office based)
Hours per week: 37
Contract Type: Permanent
Closing Date: 22 November 2026
Interview Date: 1 December 2026

The Role:

As a Recruitment Officer within our Fostering Recruitment and Assessment Team, you’ll help find safe, supportive homes for children in our care. You’ll be the first point of contact for prospective foster carers, guiding them through the early stages and inspiring them to begin their fostering journey.

This is a varied, rewarding role where you’ll combine recruitment, relationship-building, and event delivery to make a real difference to children’s lives.

What you’ll do:

• Be the first point of contact for prospective foster carers, responding to enquiries with warmth and clear guidance.
• Support applicants through the early stages, including home visits and helping complete checks and assessments.
• Promote fostering at events (virtual and in person), inspiring people to take the next step.
• Manage and maintain accurate records using case management systems.
• Screen and assess prospective carers, gathering and analysing information to support decision-making.
• Work collaboratively with colleagues and partners to grow our fostering community and ensure safeguarding standards are met.

What we’re looking for:

• Experience (paid or voluntary) of working with children, young people, or families in a caring or supportive role.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage and influence a wide range of people.
• Strong organisational and IT skills, with confidence using Microsoft 365 and managing accurate records.
• Ability to assess, analyse, and present information clearly to support sound decision-making.
• A collaborative approach, with the ability to build effective relationships with colleagues, partners, and communities.
• A values-driven approach, demonstrating empathy, inclusivity, and a commitment to supporting children in care.

Take a look at our Candidate Pack for more information about the Fostering Recruitment Officer role, team and our values. The section ‘About you’ explains what specific knowledge, skills and experience we want you to tell us about. Make sure you explain how you meet these requirements and demonstrate our values, in your application.

Why join us?

• Be part of Hampshire Children’s Services – rated Outstanding by Ofsted – and help shape the future of fostering.
• Enjoy a varied, rewarding role where your work directly impacts children’s lives and strengthens communities.
• Access to Health Assured's comprehensive Employee Assistance Programme to support your physical and mental wellbeing, including 24/7 telephone support, a suite of online resources, and legal and financial advice.
• Competitive benefits package, including generous annual leave, occupational sick pay, and access to the Local Government Pension Scheme. Find more information here.

Applicants can expect to hear from us within two weeks of the advertised closing date.

Please note: We are unable to offer sponsorship for this role and therefore it is essential that you already have the right to work in the UK.

Other roles you may have experience of may include: Recruitment Officer, Talent Acquisition Officer, Recruitment Coordinator, Community Engagement Officer, or Fostering Support Officer.

Travel Requirements:

You will be required to travel to various locations within, and it is essential that you have a current drivers’ licence and access to a reliable vehicle on a regular basis.

Additional Information:

Fostering Recruitment Officer Candidate pack

Vetting Requirements:

The post is subject to a Criminal Records Check. As such, please note that under safer recruitment requirements for Children’s Services, references will be requested prior to interview.

Contact Details for an Informal Discussion:

For general enquiries, please contact care.careers@hants.gov.uk

For an informal chat about the role, please contact Tessa Doust, Assistant Team Manager (Fostering Recruitment and Assessment Team) on Tessa.Doust@hants.gov.uk.