Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies 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 your skills, and make a real difference in young lives.
- Why this job: Be part of a mission to ensure stability and safety for vulnerable children.
- Qualifications: Experience in Children’s Services or related fields is essential.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for professional growth and impactful work.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Service Area: Safeguarding & Family Support – Children’s Services
Reports to: Team Manager / Commissioning Manager
Job Purpose
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 employer: Carrington Blake Recruitment
Contact Detail:
Carrington Blake Recruitment Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Placement Officer – AR
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your contacts in the Children’s Services sector. Attend events, join online forums, and don’t be shy about asking for introductions. The more people you know, the better your chances of landing that Placement Officer role.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the latest trends in safeguarding and placement services. Be ready to discuss how you can contribute to improving placement stability and compliance with statutory duties. Show them you’re not just a candidate, but the right fit for their team!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your negotiation skills! Since this role involves negotiating placement costs and terms, consider role-playing scenarios with friends or mentors. The more comfortable you are with these discussions, the more confident you’ll be in interviews.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! We’ve got loads of resources to help you stand out. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in working with us. Let’s get you that Placement Officer position!
We think you need these skills to ace Placement Officer – AR
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application 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 can bring your unique background to our team!
Showcase Your Skills: Don’t just list your qualifications; demonstrate how your skills align with the key responsibilities. For instance, if you have experience in negotiating placement costs or working with safeguarding standards, make it clear! We love seeing real examples.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use bullet points where possible to make it easy for us to read. We appreciate clarity, especially when it comes to your experience and achievements!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you 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 understand the role and its responsibilities.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare specific examples from your past work in Children’s Services or commissioning. Highlight situations where you successfully negotiated with providers or managed placements, as this will demonstrate your practical skills and experience relevant to the job.
✨Be Ready to Discuss Challenges
Think about potential challenges you might face in the role, such as managing placement stability or dealing with budget constraints. Be prepared to discuss how you would approach these issues, showing your problem-solving skills and ability to think on your feet.
✨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 or the challenges they face. This shows your interest in the role and helps you stand out.
