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- Tasks: Source and arrange cost-effective placements for adults, ensuring quality support services.
- Company: Essex County Council, dedicated to improving community wellbeing.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development, and a supportive work environment.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while developing your career in social care.
- Qualifications: A-levels or equivalent experience in customer care; knowledge of the care market is a plus.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for growth and learning in a high-pressure environment.
The predicted salary is between 21500 - 24500 £ per year.
The Placement Coordinator will source and arrange the most cost-effective Placements, Support Services and Support Packages that deliver the specified requirements to adults at best value to Essex County Council (ECC). Ensuring that all requests for a service or support package identified by Adults, Health and Community Wellbeing teams are placed adhering to service specification standards.
The role requires the ability to work in a high-pressured environment, and have an understanding of the care market, relevant contracts and the needs of the Adult and carers. This role has a rolling rota to cover core working hours - Monday-Friday, 09:00-18:30 and Saturday, 10:00-16:00 - 37 hours per week.
Role responsibilities- Responsible for sourcing placements for Adults, in line with current ECC purchasing procedures and contractual arrangements, to ensure the efficient use of pre-contracted and approved providers.
- Maintain a current understanding of the care market, including capacity issues, providing the necessary information and evidence to enable Commercial colleagues to maintain market intelligence and inform development.
- Identify and respond to urgent or critical situations referred by Operational Teams by liaising with providers, professionals and the adult/their representative/s to find a solution appropriate to the needs of the adult.
- Negotiate 'Best Value' spot purchases for support where the need cannot be met through existing framework/block contracts.
- Work collaboratively with operational teams to support requests to meet the adult's needs within the market environment.
- Support the Placement Team Managers to develop and maintain successful working relationships with internal and external partners, to investigate and respond to complaints and enquiries, and the design and implementation of new systems and processes, in line with the ECC digital agenda.
- Provide a specialised brokerage service to adults and their families both for self-funders and those adults referred for local community services, to meet Good Lives outcomes.
- Responsible for ensuring adults and their representatives are fully informed and supported through the sourcing process through professional communication, sometimes in challenging circumstances.
- Responsible for ensuring purchase order agreements on TCS or the Mosaic Social Care Management System are processed accurately to enable prompt payment of providers and maintaining up-to-date records in relation to sourcing activity.
- Maintain a good knowledge and understanding of Safeguarding and be confident in the process to escalate provider concerns or safeguards or hand backs.
- RQF level 3 (A level) or working towards an NVQ 3 in Customer Care or equivalent by experience.
- Evidence of continuing professional development and knowledge in relevant professional area.
- Experience of working within a complex business environment, with knowledge and understanding of contracts is desirable.
- Detailed knowledge and working experience of IT systems including Microsoft Word and Excel and database systems.
- Able to demonstrate knowledge and an understanding of the main principles of the Care Act and other relevant social care.
- Knowledge of requirements of Caldicott, Data Protection and Freedom of Information.
- Experience of working under pressure and working flexibly.
Placement Coordinator in Chelmsford employer: Connected Local Government
Contact Detail:
Connected Local Government Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Placement Coordinator in Chelmsford
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the care sector, 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 understanding their values. Be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their needs, especially around sourcing placements and working under pressure.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your communication skills! As a Placement Coordinator, you'll need to convey information clearly and professionally, even in tough situations. Role-play with a friend or use online resources to sharpen those skills.
✨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 Coordinator in Chelmsford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Placement Coordinator role. Highlight your experience in sourcing placements and working within a care market, as this will show us you understand what we're looking for.
Showcase Your Skills: Don’t forget to mention your IT skills, especially with Microsoft Word and Excel. We want to see how you can use these tools to manage data effectively, so give us examples of how you've done this in the past.
Demonstrate Your Understanding: We’re keen on candidates who know the ins and outs of the Care Act and safeguarding principles. Use your application to demonstrate your knowledge and how it relates to the role, as this will set you apart from other applicants.
Apply Through Our Website: Remember, the best way to apply is through our website. It’s straightforward and ensures your application goes directly to us, making it easier for you to be considered for the role!
How to prepare for a job interview at Connected Local Government
✨Know Your Care Market
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of the care market before the interview. Understand current trends, capacity issues, and how they impact service delivery. This will show that you're not just familiar with the role but also proactive about staying informed.
✨Demonstrate Your Negotiation Skills
Since negotiating 'Best Value' is a key part of the job, prepare examples from your past experiences where you've successfully negotiated terms or resolved conflicts. This will help you illustrate your ability to handle challenging situations effectively.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
The role requires professional communication, especially in tough circumstances. Think of scenarios where you've had to communicate complex information clearly and empathetically. Practising these examples will help you convey your suitability for the role.
✨Familiarise Yourself with Relevant Systems
Get comfortable with IT systems like Microsoft Word, Excel, and any database management tools mentioned in the job description. If you can demonstrate your proficiency with these tools during the interview, it will give you an edge over other candidates.
