At a Glance
- Tasks: Coordinate referrals and secure support services for children and young people.
- Company: Join a supportive team at West Sussex County Council focused on child welfare.
- Benefits: Flexible working hours, competitive salary, and a dynamic work environment.
- Other info: Embrace a culture of collaboration and growth in a rewarding role.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of children and families while developing your skills.
- Qualifications: HNC or equivalent, with strong communication and organisational skills.
The predicted salary is between 19822 - 21534 £ per year.
About Us
Children, Young People & Learning are focused on delivering a significant shift to prevention of needing to bring children into care where it is safe not to. Closer working with partners, and a focused commissioning strategy will achieve better outcomes for our children and young people. The team you will be joining lead on the commissioning of urgent or specialist support, therapeutic services and health contracts and related voluntary sector services. They quality assure providers and monitor contracts and packages of care to ensure we get best quality and value for money. Central to what we do is building strong partnerships and support services to develop innovative, child-focused approaches that meet the changing needs of our children and families.
The Opportunity
- Salary: £19,822 - £21,534 pro rata (FTE £32,597 to £35,412 per annum)
- Contract Length: Fixed Term to cover maternity leave currently until 31.08.2027
- Working Pattern: Part Time (22.50 hours per week), flexible hours
- Location: Arun Civic Centre, Littlehampton with flexible, hybrid working
We are seeking a Placement and Commissioning Officer to play a key role in coordinating referrals and securing support services for children and young people. Based within the Children's Health & Voluntary and Community Sector Commissioning Team, you will manage a busy referral inbox, follow commissioning processes, liaise with providers, and ensure services are arranged efficiently. While much of the work is planned and process-driven, you will occasionally support urgent or specialist referrals where a timely response is required. You will also contribute to the commissioning of new provision, carry out provider-level quality assurance, and support contract management activities, helping to ensure providers are equipped to deliver effective care and achieve positive outcomes for children and young people.
We're looking for someone who enjoys variety, the ability to prioritise competing demands, has excellent communication skills and remains organised under pressure. You'll be joining a fantastic, supportive team that offers regular check-ins, practical guidance, and a strong culture of collaboration to help you thrive in your role.
Experience and Skills
- Key Skills:
- Excellent literacy and numeracy skills to understand the referral processes, tender documents and contracts, and to check statistical financial information and other documents.
- Ability to present information clearly, concisely, accurately and in ways that promote understanding, either verbally or in written/electronic form, and have sound and accurate IT skills.
- Good analytical skills to interpret complex information, with the ability to organise, plan and meet set targets.
- Good communication and interpersonal skills to interact effectively with a range of partners and create and maintain effective working relationships. This will include the ability to negotiate good outcomes and advise and guide others to make sound decisions.
- Ability to work on your own initiative, anticipate problems, present solutions, and make frequent informed decisions.
- Ability to work flexibly as required across different areas within the Children's Services Commissioning Team, embrace change and have the flexibility to respond to the needs of the service.
Qualifications and/or experience:
- HNC or equivalent qualification or experience demonstrating that level of numeracy, literacy and communication skills.
- Experience of working in brokerage and/or contract management - Desirable
- Experience of working within Children's Services - Desirable
- Experience and enthusiasm for work within a department to achieve the best outcomes for children and young people.
- Experience of working as part of a team, independently and with a range of professional groups.
Reward and Benefits
As an employer we recognise that it is our employees that are central to everything we do. We aim to create a supportive and dynamic working environment where employees can achieve their full potential, achieve a healthy work-life balance and are rewarded for the work they do. In addition to working within a great team and a brilliant opportunity you will receive: For a full list of the benefits offered to you as a West Sussex County Council employee you can find them on our Rewards and Benefits page.
Further Information
The reference number for this role is CAFHE06506. We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. This post is subject to 5 years referencing and a health check. Equity, inclusion and accessibility is very important to West Sussex County Council. We welcome and encourage applications from everyone, as this helps us build a diverse and talented workforce, that reflects the communities we serve. We ensure our approach to recruitment is flexible and supportive to enable all applicants to be at their best and to ensure they have the best possible chance of success. For information regarding your eligibility to apply for this role under our Disability or Veteran's Guaranteed Interview Scheme, this can be found on our application help page.
Placement and Commissioning Officer in Littlehampton employer: Allscreens Nationwide Ltd
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StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Placement and Commissioning Officer in Littlehampton
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We think you need these skills to ace Placement and Commissioning Officer in Littlehampton
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Social Work:In your cover letter, let your passion for social work shine through. Talk about why you're drawn to this field and how you've been involved in community service or support roles. We want to see your commitment and the heart you bring to the table!
Highlight Relevant Experience:Make sure to spotlight any hands-on experience you have! Whether it's internships, volunteering, or relevant coursework, detail how your past experiences relate to the role at Allscreens Nationwide Ltd. We love seeing candidates who have practical skills and a real understanding of social issues.
Certificates and Training Matter:If you've got any relevant certifications or training specific to social work (like safeguarding training or counselling qualifications), don’t forget to include these in your CV! These details can set you apart and show us you’re serious about your professional development.
Be Flexible with Your Availability:Since this is a part-time role, explain your availability clearly in your application. Let us know when you can start and how many hours you’re looking to work. Being upfront about your schedule will help us see how you fit into the team at Allscreens Nationwide Ltd.
How to prepare for a job interview at Allscreens Nationwide Ltd
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In social work, it's all about your commitment to making a difference. Be ready to share specific experiences that highlight your passion for helping others, whether that's through volunteering, placements, or personal stories. We want to see that genuine drive during your chat with Allscreens Nationwide Ltd.
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As you're going for a part-time role, highlight your flexibility and how it would fit with the organisation's needs. Have examples ready that demonstrate your availability for various shifts or urgent situations—that's just gold for a social work role.
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