At a Glance
- Tasks: Support care home reviews and negotiate care models with external providers.
- Company: Join Nottinghamshire County Council, dedicated to improving health and social care services.
- Benefits: Enjoy hybrid working, competitive salary, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: This role is temporary, ending March 2026, with potential for learning and support.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while developing valuable skills in commissioning.
- Qualifications: Experience in health or social care is beneficial; strong interpersonal and analytical skills required.
The predicted salary is between 31900 - 35800 £ per year.
Salary
£34,434 - £39,152 per annum
Position Details
Fixed Term – 24 months
Hours per week: 37
Work pattern: Full Time
Working arrangements: Hybrid
Work base: County Hall, West Bridgford, NG2 7QP
Closing date: 23 June 2026 23:55
About the Department
The Children & Families Department takes a strengths‑based approach to working with each other, children, young people, and families, and our partner agencies. This is known as "Our Nottinghamshire Approach". We are deeply rooted in our community, aiming to empower individuals and families.
Role Overview
Commissioning Officer in Children & Families Services. The role supports commissioning and brokerage of Alternative Education and Short Break provision for children and young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND). Coordinate Service Organisers, ensuring referrals are processed efficiently and cases are managed in line with quality standards.
Key Responsibilities
- Oversee and coordinate Service Organisers to ensure timely referrals.
- Collaborate with internal teams, providers, families, and partner agencies to secure suitable provisions.
- Monitor activities and resolve issues to support continuous service improvement.
- Contribute to forecasting, data quality, contract compliance, and audit activities.
- Support the reduction of backlogs across the service.
Qualifications
- Degree‑level qualification or equivalent experience in SEND, education, social care, or a related field.
- Strong knowledge of SEND legislation, including Children and Families Act 2014 and the SEND Code of Practice.
- Experience in commissioning, education, or social care settings.
Candidate Profile
- Excellent organisational skills and ability to manage multiple cases effectively.
- Confident communication skills, both written and verbal, able to tailor to diverse audiences.
- Strong problem‑solving abilities and commitment to service improvement.
- Collaborative spirit with ability to build strong relationships with stakeholders.
Benefits
- A friendly, inclusive workplace where everyone is valued.
- Opportunities for professional development and career progression.
- Flexible working arrangements to support work‑life balance.
- A supportive environment that prioritises wellbeing.
Equal Opportunities & EEO Statement
Nottinghamshire County Council strives to go beyond the requirements of the Equalities Act and is proud to be a Disability Confident Leader Organisation. The Council welcomes applications from all candidates irrespective of gender, marital status, disability, race, religion, belief, pregnancy and maternity status, age or sexual orientation. A job share scheme is available for all full‑time posts unless otherwise stated. The post is subject to Disclosure and Barring Service checks. Applicants with disabilities should inform if they'd like consideration under the Disability Confident scheme.
Commissioning Officer employer: Nottinghamshire County Council
Nottinghamshire County Council is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive work culture that prioritises employee growth and development. As a Commissioning Officer, you will have the opportunity to make a meaningful impact in health and social care services while enjoying a hybrid working arrangement from the beautiful County Hall in West Bridgford. With a commitment to inclusivity and professional development, this role provides a unique chance to contribute to the community while advancing your career in a dynamic environment.
Contact Details:
Nottinghamshire County Council Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Commissioning Officer
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the key responsibilities of a Commissioning Officer, especially in health and social care. Understanding the nuances of care home provision and the role of the Continuing Healthcare team will help you articulate your interest and knowledge during discussions.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the health and social care sector. Attend local events or join online forums where you can connect with current or former commissioning officers. This can provide valuable insights and potentially lead to referrals.
✨Tip Number 3
Brush up on your analytical skills and proficiency in Microsoft applications, particularly Excel and Teams. Being able to demonstrate your ability to manage data and collaborate effectively will set you apart from other candidates.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare for potential interview questions by thinking about your experiences related to care models and negotiations. Be ready to discuss how you've contributed to similar projects in the past, even if they were in different roles.
We think you need these skills to ace Commissioning Officer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in health and social care. Emphasise any roles where you've negotiated care models or worked with external providers, as these are key aspects of the Commissioning Officer role.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:In your cover letter, express your passion for making a difference in social care. Mention specific examples from your past experiences that demonstrate your analytical abilities and interpersonal skills, which are crucial for this position.
Highlight Relevant Skills:Clearly outline your proficiency in Microsoft Applications, especially Excel, Word, and Teams. Provide examples of how you've used these tools in previous roles to manage projects or analyse data.
Prepare for Potential Questions:Think about how you would respond to questions regarding your experience with care home provision and your approach to working collaboratively with health colleagues. Being prepared will help you stand out during the interview process.
How to prepare for a job interview at Nottinghamshire County Council
✨Show Your Passion for Health and Social Care
Make sure to express your genuine interest in health and social care during the interview. Share any relevant experiences or stories that highlight your commitment to improving services and making a difference in people's lives.
✨Demonstrate Your Analytical Skills
Since the role requires analytical abilities, be prepared to discuss how you've used data to inform decisions in previous roles. Bring examples of how you've assessed care models or negotiated rates effectively.
✨Highlight Your Interpersonal Skills
As a Commissioning Officer, you'll need to work closely with various stakeholders. Be ready to showcase your interpersonal skills by discussing past experiences where you successfully collaborated with teams or external providers.
✨Familiarise Yourself with Microsoft Applications
Since confidence in using Microsoft applications is essential, brush up on your skills in Excel, Word, and Teams. You might be asked about how you've used these tools in your previous roles, so have some examples ready.
