RQ1525121(SJ) – Senior Broker

Please ensure candidates have significant experience as a broker – particularly in children’s services.

This is a senior role, not an entry-level position, and the pay reflects that.

Ensuring our children and young people have the best possible placements that are proportionate to their assessed needs and that help them achieve their full potential is absolutely key. You will be a highly experienced, motivated, well-organized, and determined colleague who understands why getting placements and support right for our children is crucial.

We operate in a fast-paced and dynamic marketplace, and your work style and ethic must reflect this.

Children’s Services:

You will work as part of the Access To Resources Team (ART) – responding quickly to referrals from Social Work Teams seeking suitable placements and support for our children and young people.

You will collaborate with the service to identify trusted providers in Supported Accommodation, Residential care, and Fostering agencies where we place our children.

This role requires a hybrid working model, with colleagues in the office at least 2 days per week and up to 5 days during duty weeks.

You will proactively work within the Placements Team to ensure all children are placed in suitable placements, monitor referral patterns and the use of Independent Fostering Agencies (IFAs), and alert senior managers to any risks or challenges related to sufficiency or placement availability.

• You will work with the Access To Resources Team and leadership to deliver a responsive and efficient service alongside the Fostering Service, ensuring all involved parties are kept informed during the referral and placement process, and that children’s views are considered.
• You will undertake sourcing and negotiation of suitable placements, providing market information to maintain service quality.
• You will keep accurate records and report on placement and financial activities by updating case notes on Mosaic, attending supervision, and fulfilling all duties and responsibilities.
• You will negotiate placement costs/support packages to ensure cost-effectiveness, authorize managers’ approval, and complete placement contracts (IPAs) promptly, including financial entries in Mosaic.
• After placements are agreed, you will maintain relationships with providers and children, demonstrating the value of investment in providers.
• You will conduct quality assurance visits to placements made by yourself or team members.
• You will attend daily team meetings at 9 A.M. to monitor children awaiting placements and discuss progress in identifying suitable carers or homes, contributing proactively.
• You will ensure optimal use of Southwark’s fostering resources, minimizing external placements, and promoting Friends and Family Placements.
• You will stay informed on local and national best practices, legislative changes, and Ofsted guidance related to placements.
• You will provide placement briefings to the Team Manager and senior management as needed.
• You will work proactively with Social Work teams to improve referral quality and support their development where needed.
• You will maintain case records and management info on appropriate systems, ensuring files are organized and current.
• As a senior broker, you will work independently, knowing when to seek advice, and use supervision to develop resilience and mitigate bias in decision-making.

  Umbrella hourly rate: £33.84

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