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- Tasks: Lead the placement of children in suitable services, ensuring their needs are met effectively.
- Company: Join a dedicated team focused on improving children's lives through quality placements.
- Benefits: Enjoy a hybrid work model and competitive pay of £33.84 per hour.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in children's services while working in a dynamic and supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Significant experience as a broker, especially in children's services, is essential.
- Other info: This is a senior role requiring strong organisational skills and a proactive approach.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 84000 £ per year.
Please ensure candidates have significant experience as a broker – particularly in children’s services. This is a senior role, not an entry-level position, and the pay reflects that. Ensuring our children and young people have the best possible placements that are proportionate to their assessed needs and that help them achieve their full potential is absolutely key. You will be a highly experienced, motivated, well-organized, and determined colleague who understands why getting placements and support right for our children is crucial.
Children’s Services: You will work as part of the Access To Resources Team (ART) – responding quickly to referrals from Social Work Teams seeking suitable placements and support for our children and young people. You will collaborate with the service to identify trusted providers in Supported Accommodation, Residential care, and Fostering agencies where we place our children.
This role requires a hybrid working model, with colleagues in the office at least 2 days per week and up to 5 days during duty weeks. You will proactively work within the Placements Team to ensure all children are placed in suitable placements, monitor referral patterns and the use of Independent Fostering Agencies (IFAs), and alert senior managers to any risks or challenges related to sufficiency or placement availability.
You will work with the Access To Resources Team and leadership to deliver a responsive and efficient service alongside the Fostering Service, ensuring all involved parties are kept informed during the referral and placement process, and that children’s views are considered. You will undertake sourcing and negotiation of suitable placements, providing market information to maintain service quality.
You will keep accurate records and report on placement and financial activities by updating case notes on Mosaic, attending supervision, and fulfilling all duties and responsibilities. You will negotiate placement costs/support packages to ensure cost-effectiveness, authorize managers’ approval, and complete placement contracts (IPAs) promptly, including financial entries in Mosaic.
After placements are agreed, you will maintain relationships with providers and children, demonstrating the value of investment in providers. You will conduct quality assurance visits to placements made by yourself or team members. You will attend daily team meetings at 9 A.M. to monitor children awaiting placements and discuss progress in identifying suitable carers or homes, contributing proactively.
You will ensure optimal use of Southwark’s fostering resources, minimizing external placements, and promoting Friends and Family Placements. You will stay informed on local and national best practices, legislative changes, and Ofsted guidance related to placements. You will provide placement briefings to the Team Manager and senior management as needed.
You will work proactively with Social Work teams to improve referral quality and support their development where needed. You will maintain case records and management info on appropriate systems, ensuring files are organized and current. As a senior broker, you will work independently, knowing when to seek advice, and use supervision to develop resilience and mitigate bias in decision-making.
Umbrella hourly rate: £33.84
RQ1525121(SJ) – Senior Broker employer: Carrington Blake Recruitment
Contact Detail:
Carrington Blake Recruitment Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land RQ1525121(SJ) – Senior Broker
✨Tip Number 1
Network with professionals in children's services to gain insights and build relationships. Attend relevant conferences or workshops where you can meet potential colleagues and learn about the latest trends in placements.
✨Tip Number 2
Familiarise yourself with local and national best practices in children's placements. This knowledge will not only help you in interviews but also demonstrate your commitment to providing high-quality support for children and young people.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss specific examples from your previous experience as a broker, particularly those that highlight your ability to negotiate placements and manage relationships with providers effectively.
✨Tip Number 4
Showcase your understanding of the fast-paced nature of the role by being ready to discuss how you handle pressure and make quick decisions. Highlight any tools or strategies you use to stay organised and efficient in your work.
We think you need these skills to ace RQ1525121(SJ) – Senior Broker
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Relevant Experience: Make sure to emphasise your significant experience as a broker, particularly in children's services. Use specific examples from your past roles that demonstrate your ability to secure suitable placements and support for children and young people.
Showcase Your Skills: Clearly outline your skills that align with the job requirements, such as negotiation, organisation, and the ability to work in a fast-paced environment. Provide concrete examples of how you've successfully applied these skills in previous positions.
Demonstrate Understanding of the Role: In your application, convey a strong understanding of the importance of getting placements right for children. Discuss your approach to ensuring that placements are proportionate to assessed needs and how you keep children's views at the forefront of your decision-making.
Tailor Your Application: Customise your CV and cover letter to reflect the specific requirements of this senior broker role. Mention your familiarity with relevant systems like Mosaic and your commitment to staying informed on best practices and legislative changes in children's services.
How to prepare for a job interview at Carrington Blake Recruitment
✨Showcase Your Experience
Make sure to highlight your significant experience as a broker, especially in children's services. Prepare specific examples of past placements you've successfully managed and how they positively impacted the children involved.
✨Demonstrate Your Understanding
Be ready to discuss why getting placements right for children is crucial. Show that you understand the complexities of their needs and how your role can make a difference in their lives.
✨Emphasise Your Organisational Skills
Since this role requires a well-organised approach, be prepared to talk about how you manage multiple referrals and placements efficiently. Share any tools or methods you use to stay on top of your workload.
✨Stay Informed on Best Practices
Familiarise yourself with local and national best practices, legislative changes, and Ofsted guidance related to placements. Being knowledgeable will show your commitment to maintaining high service quality.
