Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Join our team to secure high-quality placements for children and young people.
- Company: Southwark Council is dedicated to improving children's services in the community.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive rate, hybrid working, and the chance to make a real difference.
- Why this job: This role offers a chance to impact lives while working in a dynamic, supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Significant experience in children's brokerage and strong negotiation skills are essential.
- Other info: This is a senior-level position with a focus on quality and safety in placements.
Location: Southwark
Contract: Initial 3-month assignment
Hours: 36 hours per week
Rate: £33 per hour (via umbrella company)
Hybrid: Minimum 2 days in the office, up to 5 when on duty
Southwark Council is seeking a Senior Broker to join our Access to Resources Team (ART) in Children's Services. This is a senior-level role and we are specifically looking for candidates with significant experience in brokerage, particularly within children’s placements.
About the Role: This fast-paced, high-responsibility role is crucial to ensuring that Southwark’s children and young people are placed in high-quality, proportionate placements that meet their assessed needs and support their development.
You will:
- Respond rapidly to referrals from social work teams
- Source, negotiate, and finalise placements in Supported Accommodation, Residential Care, and Fostering Agencies
- Work within a dynamic market to secure value-for-money placements that are safe, stable, and support outcomes
- Proactively monitor placement sufficiency and alert senior managers to emerging risks or gaps
- Maintain regular contact with providers and undertake Quality Assurance visits
- Liaise with the Fostering Service, Social Workers, and Managers to ensure a coordinated, child-focused approach
Key Responsibilities:
- Deliver responsive brokerage, with daily 9AM team meetings to monitor children awaiting placements
- Negotiate placement costs and support packages to ensure financial effectiveness
- Manage contracting, IPA agreements, and Mosaic financial systems
- Provide briefings to management on placement activity, pressures, and risks
- Support improvements in the quality of referrals from social work teams
- Keep comprehensive case records and maintain accurate placement and financial data
- Promote use of internal fostering and family placements to reduce reliance on external options
- Keep updated with legislation, Ofsted guidance, and best practice
Who We’re Looking For:
- Significant experience as a broker in children's services is essential
- Strong knowledge of the children’s social care market, particularly in placements
- Skilled negotiator with a proactive, solutions-focused mindset
- Capable of working independently while knowing when to escalate or seek advice
- Confident managing competing priorities in a fast-paced environment
- Familiar with Mosaic or similar case management and finance systems
If you are an experienced, driven professional ready to help shape and deliver outstanding placements for children in Southwark, we want to hear from you. Apply now to make a lasting impact where it matters most.
Contact Detail:
Service Care Solutions - Social Work Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Brokerage Officer
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the specific needs and challenges of children's services in Southwark. Understanding local policies, recent changes in legislation, and the dynamics of the social care market will give you an edge during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals already working in children's brokerage or related fields. Attend relevant workshops or seminars to connect with others in the industry, as personal recommendations can often lead to job opportunities.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your negotiation strategies and past experiences in securing placements. Be ready to provide examples of how you've successfully navigated complex situations, as this role requires strong problem-solving skills.
✨Tip Number 4
Stay updated on best practices and trends in children's placements. Being knowledgeable about current issues and innovative solutions in the field will demonstrate your commitment and expertise during the selection process.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Brokerage Officer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your significant experience in brokerage, particularly within children's placements. Use specific examples that demonstrate your skills in negotiation and managing competing priorities.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that addresses the key responsibilities outlined in the job description. Emphasise your proactive, solutions-focused mindset and your familiarity with the children's social care market.
Showcase Relevant Experience: In your application, provide detailed accounts of your previous roles that relate to the responsibilities of a Senior Brokerage Officer. Mention any experience with Mosaic or similar systems, as well as your ability to work independently.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your application for any errors or inconsistencies. A polished application reflects your attention to detail, which is crucial for this role.
How to prepare for a job interview at Service Care Solutions - Social Work
✨Showcase Your Experience
Make sure to highlight your significant experience in brokerage, especially within children's placements. Prepare specific examples of past roles where you successfully negotiated placements or managed complex cases.
✨Demonstrate Your Knowledge
Familiarise yourself with the current trends and challenges in the children's social care market. Be ready to discuss relevant legislation, Ofsted guidance, and how they impact placement decisions.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving skills and ability to manage competing priorities. Think of situations where you had to make quick decisions or negotiate under pressure.
✨Emphasise Team Collaboration
Since the role involves liaising with various stakeholders, be prepared to discuss how you work collaboratively with social workers, managers, and external providers. Share examples of how you've fostered effective communication in past roles.
