Fostering Service Business Support Officer - #2191497

FOSTERING SERVICE BUSINESS SUPPORT OFFICERJOB DESCRIPTION

Location – St James House, Vicar Lane, Sheffield, S1 2EX

Salary: £32000 PA, depending on experience. Training will be provided

Accountability

The Business Support Officer reports to the Banya Directors and is managed by the Business Support Manager. The role provides essential administrative support to the social work team, ensuring accurate and compliant record‑keeping in line with fostering regulations. The postholder works closely with the Registered Manager and Business Development Manager, assisting with administrative tasks, data management, meeting coordination, and general service support. Overall, the role underpins efficient operations and helps social workers and managers carry out their responsibilities effectively.

Main tasks and responsibilities

• Provide day‑to‑day administrative support to the social workers, including gathering documents i.e. care plans, health information for children and young people, ensuring checks are up to date for carers.
• Office management by overseeing day-to-day office administration, maintaining office supplies, managing the physical facilities to high a standard and the main point of contact for the office.
• Maintain accurate, compliant, and confidential records in line with fostering regulations and statutory requirements, managing both electronic and hard‑copy filing systems.
• Support compliance processes by preparing files for internal audits, Ofsted inspections, and regulatory checks, ensuring carer and placement documentation meets required standards.
• Liaise with the Registered Manager, Business Development Manager, social workers, carers, and external professionals to support the smooth running of the service.
• Arrange and coordinate meetings, fostering panels, reviews, training sessions, and other activities, including preparing agendas, sharing paperwork, and taking minutes where required.
• Input and update information on internal systems and databases, ensuring data accuracy, and assist in producing routine management reports and performance data.
• Manage incoming communication including emails, phone calls, and general correspondence, and ensure efficient office operations such as organising supplies, maintaining records, and supporting workflow.
• Participate in and contribute to Banya's training activities. Full training will be given where necessary.
• Liaise with the managers, and Supervising Social Workers and other staff as needed, to assist them in carrying out their work regarding quality assurance.
• Be familiar with Banya’s policies, procedures, and guidance, including the policy on the need to keep all information confidential.
• Assist with referrals, liaising with placement officers and placement social workers.
• Promote equal opportunities and anti-discrimination through all aspects of the work.
• Performance of any other tasks and responsibilities consistent with the role of the Business Support Officer.

PERSON SPECIFICATION

Qualifications and experience

• Experience in office administration, including computer systems, networks, and email.
• Fostering is desirable, however full training will provided.
• Knowledge of IT systems including Word, Excel and spreadsheets.
• Appropriate hands-on experience in office environments, including telephone/reception, typing and keeping records.
• Experience working with other professionals, in a small office environment, is desirable.
• Desirable to have knowledge of the Fostering Service Regulations, related legislation, standards and regulations, however training will be provided

Skills

• Excellent telephone/reception ability.
• Competence with office computer software packages.
• A good level of written and oral communication, and problem-solving skills.
• Accurate keyboard skills, and ability to prepare documents for distribution, meeting deadlines.
• Able to liaise with foster carers, social workers, and other professionals.
• Able to work effectively as part of a team and to prioritise own workload.
• Able to work flexible hours.
• Occasional travel to other parts of England for training or events.

HR files are quality assured before contracts are issued.