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- Tasks: Lead the placement of children in suitable services, ensuring their needs are met effectively.
- Company: Join a dynamic team dedicated to improving children's lives through quality placements.
- Benefits: Enjoy a hybrid work model and competitive pay of £33.84 per hour.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on children's futures while working in a fast-paced environment.
- Qualifications: Significant experience as a broker in children's services is essential.
- Other info: Collaborate with social work teams and trusted providers to ensure optimal placements.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 84000 £ per year.
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.
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.
RQ1525121(SJ) – Senior Broker employer: Carrington Blake Recruitment
Contact Detail:
Carrington Blake Recruitment Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land RQ1525121(SJ) – Senior Broker
✨Tip Number 1
Make sure to highlight your extensive experience in children's services during any networking opportunities. Attend industry events or webinars where you can connect with professionals in the field, as personal connections can often lead to job opportunities.
✨Tip Number 2
Familiarise yourself with the latest trends and best practices in children's placements. Being knowledgeable about current legislation and Ofsted guidance will not only boost your confidence but also demonstrate your commitment to the role during interviews.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss specific examples of how you've successfully negotiated placements in the past. Use metrics or outcomes to illustrate your effectiveness, as this will show potential employers that you have a proven track record in similar roles.
✨Tip Number 4
Engage with current employees at StudySmarter through platforms like LinkedIn. Ask them about their experiences and insights into the company culture, which can help you tailor your approach and questions during the interview process.
We think you need these skills to ace RQ1525121(SJ) – Senior Broker
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Relevant Experience: Make sure to emphasise your significant experience as a broker, particularly in children's services. Use specific examples from your past roles that demonstrate your ability to secure suitable placements and support for children and young people.
Showcase Your Skills: Clearly outline your skills that align with the job requirements, such as negotiation, organisation, and the ability to work in a fast-paced environment. Provide examples of how you've successfully managed similar responsibilities in previous positions.
Demonstrate Understanding of the Role: In your application, convey a strong understanding of the importance of getting placements right for children. Discuss your approach to ensuring that placements are proportionate to assessed needs and how you would contribute to achieving the best outcomes for children.
Tailor Your Application: Customise your CV and cover letter to reflect the specific requirements of this senior broker role. Mention your familiarity with local and national best practices, legislative changes, and any relevant systems like Mosaic that you have used in your previous roles.
How to prepare for a job interview at Carrington Blake Recruitment
✨Showcase Your Experience
Make sure to highlight your significant experience as a broker, especially in children's services. Prepare specific examples of past placements you've successfully managed and how they positively impacted the children involved.
✨Understand the Role's Importance
Demonstrate your understanding of why getting placements right is crucial for children and young people. Be ready to discuss how your work ethic aligns with the fast-paced and dynamic nature of the marketplace.
✨Familiarise Yourself with Local Practices
Stay informed about local and national best practices, legislative changes, and Ofsted guidance related to placements. This knowledge will show your commitment to maintaining service quality and improving referral processes.
✨Prepare for Team Collaboration
Since this role involves working closely with various teams, be prepared to discuss your collaborative approach. Share examples of how you've effectively communicated and worked with social work teams or other stakeholders in the past.
