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- Tasks: Help match Looked After Children with suitable care placements and assess their quality.
- Company: Join a dedicated team working with a Local Authority in Enfield to support vulnerable children.
- Benefits: Earn between £21.08 - £25.99 per hour with potential for contract extension.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while developing your skills in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Knowledge of Looked After Children's needs and experience in managing high-pressure situations required.
- Other info: Immediate start available; must have the right to work in the UK and an Enhanced DBS.
We are working closely alongside a Local Authority in Enfield to assist with the appointment of aPlacements & Assessment Officer , on a 2-month contract , likely to be extended at clients discretion. Please apply with your CV for immediate consideration.
Rate of Pay : £21.08 – £25.99 per hour
Summary:
The Placements & Assessment Officer is responsible for commissioning placements and support services for Looked After Children (LAC) and care leavers. The role includes assessing and ensuring the quality of residential, Independent Fostering Agencies (IFA), and semi-independent placements. You will work to match children\’s needs with suitable care resources using evidence-based practice and best value principles, contributing to safeguarding, placement stability, and service development.
Responsibilities:
- Source and assess suitable residential, IFA, and semi-independent placements for Looked After Children and care leavers.
- Undertake a minimum of six national placement assessments per month, ensuring robust evaluation aligned with Ofsted standards.
- Collate, analyse, and report placement assessment data quarterly to management.
- Lead the development of an annual assessment programme for all provider types.
- Ensure all placements meet children\’s individual needs and safety requirements.
Requirements:
- In-depth knowledge of the needs of Looked After Children
- Proven ability to manage high-pressure workloads and emergency placement scenarios
- Experience in inter-agency partnership working and external provider management
- Willingness and ability to travel nationally (car driver preferred)
- Excellent organisational and analytical skills.
Please note:
- You should be available to work immediately or at a short notice.
- You should have right to work in U.K
- This role requires an Enhanced DBS
Disclaimer : Brackenberry Ltd is acting as an Employment Business in relation to this vacancy. We are committed to equality in the workplace and is an equal opportunity employer. Unless otherwise stated all of our roles are temporary, though assignments can be and often are, extended by clients on a longer term basis and can sometimes become permanent.
Important : We will interpret your application as being permission to submit your CV to this role (with the right to represent you) unless you advise us to the contrary. Your DBS must be either through us or be accompanied by a subscription to the DBS updating service.
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Placements & Assessment Officer employer: Brackenberry
Contact Detail:
Brackenberry Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Placements & Assessment Officer
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the specific needs and challenges faced by Looked After Children. Understanding their unique circumstances will help you demonstrate your knowledge during interviews and show that you're genuinely passionate about making a difference.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the field of child welfare and social services. Attend relevant workshops or seminars to connect with others who work with Looked After Children, as this can provide valuable insights and potentially lead to job referrals.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for situational interview questions by thinking through scenarios where you've had to manage high-pressure workloads or emergency placements. Practising your responses will help you articulate your experience effectively when it matters most.
✨Tip Number 4
Research the Local Authority in Enfield and their current initiatives regarding Looked After Children. Being knowledgeable about their specific programmes and challenges will allow you to tailor your conversation and show that you're invested in their mission.
We think you need these skills to ace Placements & Assessment Officer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience and skills that align with the responsibilities of a Placements & Assessment Officer. Focus on your knowledge of Looked After Children and any previous roles in social care or assessment.
Craft a Strong Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that specifically addresses the job description. Mention your understanding of the needs of Looked After Children and your ability to manage high-pressure situations, as well as your experience in inter-agency partnership working.
Highlight Relevant Qualifications: If you have any qualifications related to social work, child welfare, or assessment practices, make sure to include them prominently in your application. This will demonstrate your commitment and expertise in the field.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your CV and cover letter for any spelling or grammatical errors. A polished application reflects your attention to detail and professionalism, which are crucial for this role.
How to prepare for a job interview at Brackenberry
✨Understand the Role Thoroughly
Make sure you have a solid grasp of what a Placements & Assessment Officer does. Familiarise yourself with the responsibilities, especially around commissioning placements and assessing quality. This will help you answer questions confidently and demonstrate your knowledge.
✨Showcase Relevant Experience
Prepare to discuss your previous experience with Looked After Children and care leavers. Highlight any specific instances where you've successfully managed high-pressure situations or worked with external providers, as this is crucial for the role.
✨Demonstrate Analytical Skills
Since the role involves collating and analysing data, be ready to talk about your analytical skills. You might want to provide examples of how you've used data to inform decisions or improve services in past roles.
✨Prepare Questions
Have a few thoughtful questions ready to ask at the end of the interview. This shows your interest in the role and helps you gauge if the company culture aligns with your values, especially regarding safeguarding and service development.
