At a Glance
- Tasks: Coordinate and source high-quality placements for children and young people aged 0–25.
- Company: Join a dedicated team in Children's Services focused on safeguarding and family support.
- Benefits: Gain valuable experience, develop professional skills, and make a real difference in young lives.
- Other info: Opportunity to build relationships with various stakeholders and contribute to meaningful outcomes.
- Why this job: Be a key player in ensuring stability and safety for vulnerable children and young people.
- Qualifications: Experience in Children’s Services or related fields; strong organisational and communication skills.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
To coordinate, source and commission high-quality placements for children and young people aged 0–25 years in line with assessed needs, statutory duties, safeguarding requirements, and budget frameworks. The role ensures timely, appropriate, and cost-effective placement solutions that promote stability, safety, and positive outcomes.
Key Responsibilities
- Placement Coordination & Brokerage
- Receive and process placement referrals from social workers and operational teams.
- Identify and source suitable placements including foster care, residential care, specialist provision, and supported accommodation.
- Match children and young people to placements based on assessed needs, risk, location, and cultural considerations.
- Liaise with internal fostering teams and external providers to secure appropriate provision.
- Commissioning & Contract Management
- Negotiate placement costs and terms in line with commissioning frameworks and financial regulations.
- Ensure placements comply with statutory requirements and quality standards.
- Monitor placement agreements and elevate concerns where standards or contractual expectations are not met.
- Contribute to market engagement and development of provider relationships.
- Safeguarding & Quality Assurance
- Ensure all placements meet safeguarding standards and regulatory compliance.
- Work collaboratively with social workers to ensure placement stability and risk management.
- Escalate safeguarding or quality concerns through appropriate channels.
- Financial & Administrative Management
- Maintain accurate records of placements, costs, and contracts.
- Monitor expenditure and support budget management within delegated authority levels.
- Produce reports and data as required for performance monitoring and service development.
- Partnership Working
- Develop effective working relationships with internal teams, independent providers, health, and education partners.
- Participate in placement panels or multi-agent meetings where required.
Person Specification
- Essential Knowledge & Experience
- Experience working within Children’s Services, commissioning, brokerage, or placements.
- Knowledge of safeguarding legislation and statutory responsibilities relating to looked-after children.
- Understanding of foster care, residential care, and supported accommodation frameworks.
- Experience negotiating with external providers.
- Skills & Abilities
- Strong organisational and prioritisation skills, particularly under pressure.
- Ability to analyse referrals and assess suitability of placements.
- Effective negotiation and communication skills.
- Accurate record keeping and financial awareness.
- Ability to build professional relationships with a range of stakeholders.
- Qualifications
- Relevant professional qualification or equivalent experience in social care, commissioning, or related field.
Key Outcomes
- Timely placement of children and young people in safe, suitable environments.
- Improved placement stability.
- Compliance with statutory duties and safeguarding standards.
- Effective budget management and value for money.
Placement Officer – AR in London employer: Carrington Blake Recruitment
As a Placement Officer within our Safeguarding & Family Support team, you will be part of a dedicated organisation that prioritises the welfare and development of children and young people. We offer a supportive work culture that values collaboration and professional growth, with opportunities for training and advancement in the field of children's services. Located in a vibrant community, our organisation is committed to making a meaningful impact, ensuring that every placement contributes to positive outcomes for those we serve.
Contact Details:
Carrington Blake Recruitment Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Placement Officer – AR in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, attend events, and connect with professionals on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and role thoroughly. Understand their values and how they align with your experience. This will help you tailor your answers and show that you're genuinely interested in the position.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Conduct mock interviews with friends or family to build your confidence. Focus on articulating your experiences and how they relate to the job description – this will help you stand out during the real deal.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search!
We think you need these skills to ace Placement Officer – AR in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Placement Officer role. Highlight your experience in Children’s Services and any relevant skills that match the job description. We want to see how you fit into our team!
Showcase Your Experience:When detailing your work history, focus on your experience with placements, commissioning, and safeguarding. Use specific examples to demonstrate your skills and achievements. This helps us understand what you bring to the table!
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Avoid jargon and ensure your writing is easy to read. We appreciate clarity, especially when it comes to understanding your qualifications and experiences.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy to do!
How to prepare for a job interview at Carrington Blake Recruitment
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of safeguarding legislation and the frameworks for foster care and residential placements. Being able to discuss these topics confidently will show that you're serious about the role and understand the complexities involved.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare specific examples from your past work in Children’s Services or similar roles. Highlight your experience with placement coordination, negotiation with providers, and any successful outcomes you've achieved. This will help demonstrate your capability to handle the responsibilities of the Placement Officer.
✨Build Rapport
During the interview, focus on building a connection with your interviewers. Use effective communication skills to engage them, and don’t hesitate to ask insightful questions about their team dynamics and challenges they face. This shows your interest in collaboration and partnership working.
✨Be Organised
Bring along any necessary documents, such as your CV, references, and notes on key points you want to discuss. Being organised not only helps you feel more confident but also reflects your strong organisational skills, which are crucial for the role.
