At a Glance
- Tasks: Assess and match placement needs for children and young people, ensuring high standards of care.
- Company: Join a supportive Local Authority team in Islington focused on safeguarding and family support.
- Benefits: Competitive pay rate, potential for contract extension, and meaningful work experience.
- Other info: Immediate start available; opportunity for career growth in a dynamic environment.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of children and young people while developing your skills.
- Qualifications: Relevant qualification in Social Work or Children's Services and experience in collaborative relationships.
The predicted salary is between 22 - 31 £ per hour.
We are working closely alongside a Local Authority in Islington to assist with the appointment of a Placement Officer, on a 3‑month contract, highly likely to be extended at client’s discretion. Please apply with your CV for immediate consideration. Rate of Pay: £22.51 - £30.77 per hour.
Summary
The Placement Officer sits within Safeguarding and Family Support under Children’s Services. The service is responsible for commissioning placements for children and young people aged 1 day to 25 years. The role focuses on assessing placement needs, matching children and young people to appropriate services, ensuring value for money, and maintaining high standards of safeguarding and regulatory compliance.
Responsibilities
- Assess children and young people's placement needs and match these to available services.
- Provide effective challenge to frontline workers to ensure care planning informs placement commissioning.
- Deliver a customer‑focused duty service, offering advice and guidance on matching needs to services.
- Quality assure referral information to enable suitable matches between children and providers.
- Offer commissioning advice at care/placement‑focused meetings (e.g., disruption meetings, placement planning meetings).
- Review and make recommendations for placements that fall below Ofsted regulatory standards or where significant events have been notified.
Qualification
Relevant professional qualification in Social Work, Commissioning, or a related Children’s Services field.
Essentials
- Experience developing and maintaining positive, collaborative relationships with public and private sector organisations and stakeholders.
- Ability to use professional judgement to balance needs and risk to individuals, staff, and carers.
- Commitment to Council priorities and service improvement.
- Strong team player with integrity, reliability, and a proactive approach to development.
- Knowledge and commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people, and vulnerable adults.
Please note you should be available to work immediately or at short notice. You should have the right to work in the U.K. This role requires an Enhanced DBS.
Placement Officer employer: Brackenberry
Slough Borough Council is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment where public health professionals can thrive. With a strong commitment to employee development and community impact, the role of Public Health Intelligence Officer provides opportunities for meaningful contributions through data analysis and strategic initiatives. Located in Slough, employees benefit from a collaborative culture that values innovation and evidence-based decision-making, making it an ideal place for those passionate about public health.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Placement Officer
✨Get Involved in Local Community Projects
One of the best ways to land a temporary role in social work is to dive headfirst into local community projects. Volunteer your time or skills at local charities or community centres to not only gain experience but also to connect with professionals in the field. They might just have some insider knowledge on temporary positions that pop up!
✨Engage with Social Work Networks
Join online forums and social media groups specifically for social workers. Platforms like Facebook or LinkedIn have dedicated groups where professionals share temporary job opportunities. Being an active member can help you stay in the loop and even get recommendations from those already in the field.
✨Attend Workshops and Seminars
Keep an eye out for workshops, seminars, or conferences related to social work in your area. These events aren't just great for learning; they're also hotbeds for networking! You never know who might be hiring or can point you towards a temporary position while you're soaking up new skills.
✨Apply Directly Through Our Website!
When you spot a role that piques your interest, especially for a temporary position, make sure to apply directly through our website! This not only shows your commitment to Brackenberry, but also gives you an edge by putting your application right in front of the hiring team. Let’s get you moving on that path to your next opportunity!
We think you need these skills to ace Placement Officer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Social Work:In your cover letter, let's highlight why you're passionate about social work and how your values align with those of Brackenberry. Share specific experiences where you made a difference, as this field thrives on genuine motivation and connection.
Demonstrate Relevant Experience:When listing your experience, focus on any internships, volunteer roles, or temporary positions you've had in social work or related fields. Those skills are gold! Think about situations where you helped individuals or communities, and don't forget to mention any relevant certifications, like safeguarding or mental health first aid.
Keep It Concise and Relevant:Remember, for a temporary role, hiring managers want to see how you fit in and can hit the ground running. Keep your CV clear and to the point, showcasing only the experience that really matters for the role at Brackenberry. We recommend a two-page limit – make every word count!
Emphasise Flexibility and Adaptability:Considering this is a temporary position, it's vital to show you can adapt to new environments quickly. In your application, highlight any past experiences where you had to adjust to different teams or roles smoothly. This shows you understand the nature of temporary work and are ready for the challenge!
How to prepare for a job interview at Brackenberry
✨Sharpen Your Empathy Skills
In social work, it's all about understanding and connecting with people from diverse backgrounds. Make sure to prepare some examples from your experience where you've demonstrated empathy and resilience. Practising active listening techniques can help you articulate your approach during the interview with Brackenberry.
✨Know Your Frameworks
Familiarise yourself with key social work theories and frameworks, like the ecological systems theory or person-centred approaches. These concepts might pop up during your interview for the temporary Placement Officer role at Brackenberry, so it's good to have a couple of insights ready to share.
✨Highlight Flexibility and Adaptability
Since this is a temporary position, showcasing your flexibility is key. Be prepared to discuss past experiences where you quickly adapted to new environments or changing client needs, which is crucial in the dynamic world of social work.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect some scenario-based questions that test your decision-making skills and ethical judgement. Think about how you would handle specific challenges you might face in the field. Having a clear structure for your answers will show Brackenberry that you can think critically and act effectively under pressure.
