At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the sourcing and negotiation of placements for children in need.
- Company: Join a dedicated team focused on improving children's services and outcomes.
- Benefits: Enjoy hybrid working options and a competitive salary.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on children's lives while working in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: Significant experience in children's services and strong negotiation skills required.
- Other info: This is a senior role with opportunities for professional growth.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.
We are seeking a highly experienced Senior Broker with a strong background in children's services to join the Access to Resources Team (ART). This role is critical in ensuring children and young people are placed in safe, supportive, and proportionate placements that meet their assessed needs and help them thrive.
Key Requirements:
- Significant experience as a broker within children's services
- Proven track record of sourcing and negotiating placements for children and young people
- Deep understanding of supported accommodation, residential care, and fostering
- Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, dynamic environment
- Experience building and maintaining relationships with trusted providers
- Strong negotiation skills to ensure cost-effective placement packages
- Experience in placement quality assurance and provider engagement
Key Responsibilities:
- Quickly respond to referrals from Social Work Teams to secure suitable placements
- Work proactively within the Placements Team to ensure the best possible placement outcomes
- Monitor referral patterns and use of Independent Fostering Agencies (IFAs)
- Provide timely updates to senior managers regarding placement sufficiency and risks
- Lead placement sourcing, negotiation, and contract completion (IPAs)
- Keep accurate financial and placement records on Mosaic
- Attend daily placement tracking meetings at 9 A.M. and actively contribute
- Promote the use of in-house fostering resources and Friends & Family placements
- Conduct regular quality assurance visits to placements
- Keep up to date with relevant legislation, guidance, and best practice
- Support Social Work Teams to improve the quality of placement referrals
- Work with a high level of independence while recognising when to seek advice
Additional Information:
- This is a senior level role - significant experience is essential
- Hybrid working: minimum 2 days per week in the office, with flexibility to increase as required
- Competitive salary reflecting the seniority and responsibilities of the role
Contact Detail:
Hatched Recruitment UK Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Broker
✨Tip Number 1
Network with professionals in children's services to gain insights and recommendations. Attend industry events or webinars where you can meet potential colleagues and learn about the latest trends in placement sourcing.
✨Tip Number 2
Familiarise yourself with the specific needs and challenges faced by children and young people in care. This understanding will help you demonstrate your expertise during interviews and show how you can make a positive impact.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your negotiation strategies and successful placements in detail. Be ready to share examples of how you've effectively sourced and secured placements that met the needs of children and young people.
✨Tip Number 4
Stay updated on relevant legislation and best practices in children's services. Showing that you are knowledgeable about current policies will set you apart as a candidate who is committed to providing high-quality support.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Broker
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your significant experience in children's services. Focus on your track record of sourcing and negotiating placements, as well as any relevant qualifications or training that demonstrate your expertise.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, emphasise your understanding of supported accommodation, residential care, and fostering. Use specific examples from your past roles to illustrate how you've successfully navigated similar challenges.
Highlight Key Skills: Clearly outline your negotiation skills and ability to build relationships with providers. Mention any experience you have with placement quality assurance and how it has contributed to successful outcomes in your previous roles.
Showcase Your Proactivity: Demonstrate your proactive approach by discussing how you've responded to referrals in the past. Include examples of how you've monitored referral patterns and engaged with Independent Fostering Agencies to secure placements.
How to prepare for a job interview at Hatched Recruitment UK
✨Showcase Your Experience
Make sure to highlight your significant experience in children's services during the interview. Be prepared to discuss specific examples of how you've successfully sourced and negotiated placements, as this will demonstrate your capability for the role.
✨Demonstrate Your Negotiation Skills
Since strong negotiation skills are crucial for this position, come ready with examples of past negotiations you've led. Discuss the strategies you used and the outcomes achieved to show your effectiveness in securing cost-effective placement packages.
✨Understand the Current Landscape
Stay updated on relevant legislation and best practices in children's services. Being knowledgeable about current trends and challenges will not only impress the interviewers but also show your commitment to the field.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your ability to respond to referrals and manage placements effectively. Think through potential challenges you might face and how you would address them, demonstrating your proactive approach.