At a Glance
- Tasks: Help source safe, high-quality care for children and young people.
- Company: Bracknell Forest Council, a supportive and inclusive employer.
- Benefits: Flexible working, 25 days annual leave, and career development opportunities.
- Other info: Join a dynamic team focused on continuous improvement and collaboration.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of children and families.
- Qualifications: Strong communication, problem-solving skills, and a proactive approach.
The predicted salary is between 30753 - 36141 £ per year.
£30,753 – £36,141 per year inclusive of London Weighting
Location: Time Square, Bracknell (Hybrid working)
Contract: Temporary
Working Pattern: Flexible Hours/Full Time
Hours: 37 hours per week.
DBS Check: Yes
Closing Date: 26/07/2026 at 23:59
Reference: People/26/341611
Are you organised, proactive and passionate about making a positive difference for children and young people? Join Bracknell Forest Council as a Placements Officer, where you will help source safe, high-quality, and person-centred care arrangements that support the best possible outcomes for children, young people, and families. Working as part of a small, supportive Strategic Commissioning Team, you will use your communication, problem-solving and relationship-building skills in a varied and rewarding role where no two days are the same.
At Bracknell Forest, we pride ourselves on being a council which is stable and well-managed where our employees can thrive in a supportive environment. We understand the importance of a healthy work-life balance and offer a variety of flexible working practices, including options for remote working and arrangements that allow you to work from home, dependent on the needs of the service.
About you...
As a Placements Officer, you will be a confident, organised professional with excellent verbal and written communication skills. You will be an effective problem solver, able to offer practical solutions and work calmly under pressure to meet challenging deadlines. You will be able to manage competing priorities, maintain accurate records, and build positive working relationships with colleagues, care providers, and other stakeholders. A strong focus on quality, attention to detail, and a commitment to ensuring person-centred, compliant care arrangements are essential. You will also bring a proactive, flexible approach, a willingness to embrace change and continuous improvement, and a genuine commitment to achieving positive outcomes for children and young people.
About the team...
The Strategic Commissioning Team is a small, supportive team that works closely together to deliver a high-quality placements service for Children’s Social Care. Collaboration is at the heart of everything we do, and we value open communication, shared problem-solving and mutual support. While the work can at times be challenging and fast-paced, there is also space to think creatively, develop new approaches and make a real difference. No two days are the same and you will be supported to grow your skills and confidence within a stable, well-managed service that is focused on continuous improvement and delivering the best possible outcomes for Bracknell Forest residents.
Key Responsibilities:
- Support the delivery of a high-quality care sourcing service by quality-assuring referrals to ensure they are person-centred and compliant with relevant legislation and regulations.
- Help achieve value for money by identifying cost-effective care options, maintaining an understanding of the care market, and engaging positively with providers.
- Build, support, and maintain effective working relationships with care providers, internal teams, and other stakeholders.
- Ensure care and support arrangements meet the Council's quality standards by assisting with the collation of key provider information to inform quality assurance processes and Care Governance decisions.
- Assist with the collection, recording, and maintenance of accurate data to support decision-making, audit activities, and quality assurance.
- Complete all required documentation and service paperwork to ensure providers clearly understand service requirements and are paid accurately and on time.
- Carry out regular placement check-in calls with providers to ensure placements remain stable, appropriate, and continue to meet the needs of children and young people.
25 days annual leave increasing to 28 days after 3 years’ continuous service, with the opportunity to buy up to 10 and sell up to 5 days. Hybrid working opportunities to support your wellbeing and work-life balance. Local government pension scheme, with life insurance cover. Recognition of continuous service attained within the NHS and UKHSA when calculating some benefits. (Terms and Conditions apply) Career development through internal and external training opportunities. Enhanced maternity, paternity, adoption and fostering leave. Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) to support your health and wellbeing. Inclusive and social working environment with a variety of staff networks and a sports and social club.
At Bracknell Forest Council our values define who we are and what is important to us. Our core values are inclusive, ambitious, and always learning. These values influence the way we work with each other and the way we serve our residents and engage with our communities. We make our values real by demonstrating them in how we behave every day.
If you are excited about joining a diverse team that celebrates learning and strives for excellence, we would love to hear from you.
Disability confident and inclusive recruitment
Bracknell Forest Council is proud to be an inclusive employer. This means that if you have made us aware on the application form that you have a disability, are an armed forces veteran or you are a care leaver, you will be guaranteed an interview if you meet the essential criteria outlined in the person specification. We can only accept applications from candidates currently residing in the UK. Candidates currently residing in the UK who require sponsorship to work are encouraged to assess their eligibility for a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) based on the relevant criteria. Please be aware that sponsorship availability varies and is subject to eligibility requirements and budget limitations. As a result, we cannot guarantee sponsorship for all roles and will evaluate sponsorship requests on a case-by-case basis.
No agencies please.
Bracknell Forest Council – Working for Equality. We welcome applications from all sections of the community.
Placements Officer - Childrens (maternity cover, 12 months fixed term contract) (pay award pending) in Bracknell employer: Bracknell Forest Council
Bracknell Forest Council is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and inclusive work environment for those passionate about making a difference in the lives of individuals facing addiction challenges. With extensive training programmes, generous leave policies, and opportunities for career development, employees can thrive both personally and professionally while contributing to the well-being of the community in Bracknell. The council's commitment to employee welfare, including hybrid working options and a strong emphasis on work-life balance, makes it an attractive place for meaningful and rewarding employment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Placements Officer - Childrens (maternity cover, 12 months fixed term contract) (pay award pending) in Bracknell
✨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 Bracknell Forest Council, 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 Placements Officer - Childrens (maternity cover, 12 months fixed term contract) (pay award pending) in Bracknell
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 Bracknell Forest Council. 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 Bracknell Forest Council. 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 Bracknell Forest Council
✨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 Bracknell Forest Council.
✨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 Placements Officer - Childrens (maternity cover, 12 months fixed term contract) (pay award pending) role at Bracknell Forest Council, 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 Bracknell Forest Council that you can think critically and act effectively under pressure.
