At a Glance
- Tasks: Support adults in finding care placements and ensure quality, person-centred services.
- Company: Bracknell Forest Council, a stable and supportive local authority.
- Benefits: 25 days annual leave, hybrid working, and career development opportunities.
- Other info: Join a collaborative team focused on inclusiveness and continuous learning.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while enjoying work-life balance.
- Qualifications: Strong communication skills and ability to manage priorities effectively.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
We have a great opportunity for a Placements Officer – Adults with the Commissioning team on a full‑time, permanent basis. At Bracknell Forest Council we pride ourselves on being a stable and well‑managed council that supports employees’ growth and work‑life balance through flexible working arrangements, including remote working and work‑from‑home options.
About You
You are a confident and organised professional with excellent verbal and written communication skills. You are comfortable problem‑solving, offering practical solutions and working effectively under pressure to meet challenging deadlines. You can manage competing priorities, maintain accurate records and collaborate with colleagues and external providers. You have a strong focus on quality, attention to detail and are committed to ensuring person‑centred, compliant care arrangements.
About the Team
We are a small, supportive team that works closely with Adult Social Care to deliver a high‑quality placements service. Collaboration, open communication, shared problem‑solving and mutual support are at the heart of our work.
Key Responsibilities
- Process and respond to referrals for support from care teams, providing options within agreed framework deadlines.
- Build relationships and knowledge of providers and services as part of the sourcing process.
- Quality‑assure referrals to ensure they are person‑centred and Care Act compliant.
- Record service lines in the Adult Social Care system so providers are paid and individuals are charged correctly.
- Cover the duty role during periods of pressure.
Benefits
- 25 days annual leave, increasing to 28 days after 3 years’ continuous service, with the option to buy up to 10 and sell up to 5 days.
- Hybrid working arrangements.
- Paid employee volunteering scheme.
- Local government pension scheme with life insurance cover.
- Recognition of continuous service within the NHS and UKHSA when calculating some benefits.
- Career development through internal and external training opportunities.
- Enhanced maternity, paternity, adoption and fostering leave.
- Employee Assistance Programme (EAP).
- Inclusive social working environment with staff networks and a sports and social club.
Values
Our core values – inclusiveness, ambition, continuous learning – guide our work and our service to residents and communities.
Reasonable Adjustments
We are committed to an inclusive recruitment process. If you require reasonable adjustments to support your application or interview, please contact us. We will support you throughout the recruitment process.
Equal Opportunities
Bracknell Forest Council welcomes applications from all segments of the community. All successful candidates will undergo a DBS check. Applicants must currently reside in the UK. Sponsorship will only be offered where eligibility and budget allow.
Placements Officer - Adults - Community Response in Bracknell employer: Bracknell Forest Council
Bracknell Forest Council is an excellent employer that prioritises employee growth and work-life balance, offering flexible working arrangements including remote options. With a supportive team culture, comprehensive benefits such as generous annual leave, career development opportunities, and a commitment to inclusivity, we create a rewarding environment for our Placements Officers to thrive and make a meaningful impact in the community.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Placements Officer - Adults - Community Response in Bracknell
✨Dive into Local Community Groups
Social work thrives on community connections, so get involved in local groups or forums specific to your interests. Whether it’s volunteering at local shelters or joining community action boards, these are great ways to boost your visibility and make direct contacts that could lead to opportunities like the one at Bracknell Forest Council.
✨Attend Social Work Events and Workshops
Keep an eye out for workshops, seminars, or conferences in social work. These events are fantastic for meeting professionals in the field, learning about emerging trends, and spotting job openings. Plus, you might just bump into someone from Bracknell Forest Council!
✨Showcase Your Passion and Expertise
Use platforms like Instagram or LinkedIn to share your journey and insights into the social work sector. Whether it’s writing about your experiences or sharing relevant articles, this helps to establish you as an engaged professional. Potential employers, like Bracknell Forest Council, will notice your enthusiasm!
✨Leverage Your Network
Don’t hesitate to reach out to professors, mentors, or even past colleagues who are in social work. They might have inside knowledge about openings at Bracknell Forest Council or be able to connect you with someone who’s hiring. Networking is key, especially in a full-time role where relationships matter.
We think you need these skills to ace Placements Officer - Adults - Community Response in Bracknell
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Social Work:In your cover letter, let us see your passion for social work shine through! Talk about the experiences that made you want to pursue this career—whether it’s volunteering, personal experiences, or academic projects. We want to know why this field matters to you.
Emphasise Relevant Qualifications:Make sure your CV highlights any relevant qualifications, like degrees in social work or certifications like a DBS check. If you've done any workshops or training, don’t forget to include those as well. We're keen to see your commitment to your professional development!
Detail Your Experience with Clients:Since this is a hands-on field, detailing any direct experience you have with clients is crucial. Whether it's internships, volunteer roles, or previous jobs, highlight those experiences in your CV to show us you've got the practical skills necessary for the job!
Tailor Your Application to Bracknell Forest Council:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Bracknell Forest Council! Research our mission and values, and refer to them in your cover letter. This shows us that you understand our work and are genuinely interested in being a part of our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Bracknell Forest Council
✨Understanding the Role of Empathy
In social work, understanding and demonstrating empathy is key. Be prepared to share personal experiences or scenarios where you effectively showed compassion and support. This helps show that you genuinely care about the well-being of others, which is crucial in social work.
✨Demonstrating Knowledge of Frameworks
Familiarise yourself with the frameworks and models used in social work, such as the Strengths-Based Approach or the Ecological Perspective. Be ready to discuss how these frameworks apply to your work, especially if you can tie them into real-world examples or case studies you've encountered.
✨Showcasing Your Multi-Disciplinary Skills
In a full-time social work role, you'll often collaborate with healthcare professionals, educators, and law enforcement. Be prepared to describe your teamwork experiences and how you've effectively communicated with other disciplines to achieve the best outcomes for clients.
✨Preparing for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that put you in hypothetical social work situations, such as dealing with a crisis or managing a complex case. Think through your thought process for these scenarios beforehand, considering how you'd assess the situation and what steps you'd take, as this demonstrates your critical thinking and problem-solving abilities.
