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- Tasks: Help find and negotiate care packages for children in need.
- Company: Join Bristol City Council's dedicated Children's Services team.
- Benefits: Enjoy hybrid working after induction and competitive pay rates.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while developing your skills.
- Qualifications: Level 3 qualification or equivalent experience required; customer service skills essential.
- Other info: Initial 3-month contract with potential for permanent position.
Duration: Initially 3 months (potential to become permanent)
Hours: 37 hours per week
Rate: £16.12 umbrella an hour (£12.21 PAYE an hour)
Bristol City Council are looking for a Placement Officer to join their Children’s Services. This position will be in the office for the induction, and then move to hybrid working.
Responsibilities:
- Source and negotiate complex packages of care that meets the needs of the child and offer value for money
- Work in a busy and challenging environment with responsibility for the duty desk and prioritising of new referrals
- Manage a caseload of placement searches to ensure that appropriate placements are made in a timely way
- Present options appraisal and write reports to head of service and service director to gain authorization of placements
- Maintain case records of placement searches and general administration related to departmental policies and procedures
- Quality assure and scrutinize referrals
Requirements:
- Excellent customer service skills
- Relevant level 3 qualification (e.g. NVQ 3, BTEC, relevant A levels etc.) or demonstrate equivalent knowledge and understanding gained through experience
- Ability to demonstrate an awareness and understanding of a range of different behaviours and life experiences that children may experience such as learning disabilities, mental health, offending behaviours, trauma etc.
- High working knowledge of Microsoft Office applications
- Ideally experience working in social care/residential work, youth and community work, commissioning or brokerage
Placement Officer employer: CV-Library
Contact Detail:
CV-Library Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Placement Officer
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the specific needs and challenges faced by children in care. Understanding these issues will help you demonstrate your awareness during interviews and show that you're genuinely passionate about making a difference.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the social care sector, especially those who have experience in placement services. Attend relevant workshops or seminars to build connections and gain insights that could give you an edge in your application.
✨Tip Number 3
Brush up on your negotiation skills, as sourcing and negotiating care packages is a key part of the role. Consider role-playing scenarios with friends or colleagues to practice articulating your thoughts clearly and confidently.
✨Tip Number 4
Stay updated on current policies and best practices in children's services. Being knowledgeable about recent changes can help you engage in meaningful discussions during interviews and showcase your commitment to professional development.
We think you need these skills to ace Placement Officer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience and qualifications that align with the Placement Officer role. Emphasise any experience in social care, customer service, or working with children.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that specifically addresses the responsibilities and requirements listed in the job description. Use examples from your past experiences to demonstrate how you meet these criteria.
Showcase Relevant Skills: In your application, clearly showcase your customer service skills and any relevant qualifications. Mention your familiarity with Microsoft Office and any experience you have in managing caseloads or working in challenging environments.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your application for any spelling or grammatical errors. A polished application reflects your attention to detail and professionalism.
How to prepare for a job interview at CV-Library
✨Showcase Your Customer Service Skills
As a Placement Officer, excellent customer service is crucial. Be prepared to share examples of how you've successfully handled challenging situations or provided exceptional support in previous roles.
✨Demonstrate Relevant Experience
Highlight your qualifications and any relevant experience in social care or related fields. Discuss specific instances where you've managed caseloads or negotiated care packages, as this will resonate with the interviewers.
✨Understand the Role's Challenges
Familiarise yourself with the complexities of working in a busy environment like Bristol City Council. Be ready to discuss how you would prioritise tasks and manage new referrals effectively under pressure.
✨Prepare for Behavioural Questions
Expect questions about your understanding of children's diverse behaviours and life experiences. Prepare thoughtful responses that reflect your awareness and empathy, showcasing your ability to connect with children from various backgrounds.
