At a Glance
- Tasks: Support young people transitioning to adulthood by coordinating care and accommodation.
- Company: Join a supportive team dedicated to improving lives in children's services.
- Benefits: Enjoy generous holidays, pension schemes, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Flexible hybrid working and a commitment to diversity and inclusion.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in young people's lives while growing your career.
- Qualifications: Experience in social care and contract management is preferred.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
About The Role
- Working Hours: 35 Hours per week
- Contract Type: Full time / Temporary (24 Months)
- Working Style: Hybrid - Employees split their time between working remotely and working on-site.
- Closing Date: 06 July 2026
- Closing time: 11.59pm
- Interview Method: Face to Face
This role is subject to:
- Legal right to Work: In accordance with Home Office guidance, successful candidates must evidence their right to work in the UK before commencement of employment.
- 2 References - where possible we require 3 years' history.
- DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) clearance - this post is covered by the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (amended in 2013). Appointable candidates will be required to apply an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check.
About the Candidate
- Promotes innovation, creativity and continuous improvement within placement and commissioning activity.
- Kind, reliable and approachable, with a good sense of humour and a strong commitment to going the extra mile for children.
- Understands the critical importance of effective placement‑finding and the impact this can have on children’s lives, both immediately and long‑term.
- Can manage pressure and complexity calmly, making balanced and well‑reasoned decisions, and working collaboratively to solve problems.
- Has experience of organisational processes, managing change and handling complex or sensitive issues.
- Is able to support the effective and efficient delivery of brokerage and commissioning activity, working closely with operational services, providers and partner agencies, including health colleagues.
- Children Services Knowledge and experience.
- An understanding of young people transitioning to adult social care and the challenges they face.
- Understanding of housing legislation and the challenges faced by young people to find accommodations.
- Ability to manage contracts and to create contracts.
- Experience of using a provider portal would be desirable.
Summary of the Post 16 Hub Worker Role
The Post 16 Hub Worker plays a key role in supporting young people as they move towards adulthood, helping to secure the right accommodation, support, and services at the right time. The role works across children’s services, adult social care, commissioning, providers, and transition teams to coordinate plans for young people with a range of needs, including those with complex or high‑risk circumstances. The post is important in preventing crisis situations, reducing delays in transition planning, and ensuring young people have stable and suitable support arrangements. As part of a small team, the worker contributes to both day‑to‑day operational activity and wider partnership working to improve outcomes for post‑16 young people.
Key Tasks of a Post 16 Hub Worker
- Support transition planning for young people moving into post‑16 services.
- Work closely with social workers, transition teams, adult social care and commissioning colleagues.
- Liaise with providers to identify suitable accommodation and support options.
- Help coordinate packages of care and support for young people with complex needs.
- Monitor placement availability, risks, and emerging pressures within the post‑16 market.
- Attend multi‑agency meetings to support planning and decision‑making.
- Escalate urgent cases where accommodation or support is at risk of breaking down.
- Maintain oversight of young people awaiting suitable post‑16 provision.
- Contribute to reducing emergency placements and unplanned moves.
- Support strong partnership working between internal teams and external providers.
- Keep accurate records and provide updates on key cases and service pressures.
- Contribute to service development and improving post‑16 sufficiency planning.
Benefits we offer
- Generous holiday allowance – Enjoy up to 26 days annual leave per year plus bank holidays. Increasing to 31 days after five years of local government service. You can purchase up to two additional weeks.
- Pension – You’ll be enrolled in the UK’s largest local government pension scheme, with plenty of options to top up your benefits. Includes life cover of three‑times your salary as a lump sum.
- Enhanced parental and carers leave – Take advantage of our enhanced family leave options, designed to provide ample time for you to bond with your newborn or support your family during critical life events.
- Brilliant perks – Access a range of discounts, from saving on the weekly shop to holidays and days out, plus discounts on phone contracts, cycle to work scheme, free flu jabs and eye tests, and more.
- Learn and grow – We are dedicated to nurturing talent and providing you with the tools to thrive. Take part in a diverse set of learning opportunities, from workshops and training sessions through to apprenticeships and qualifications. All this begins with our comprehensive onboarding process.
- A Good Employment Charter member – We are committed to offering secure, flexible work and embedding fairness into everything we do. We review pay annually, recognize three trade unions, and are constantly working to offer the best possible health and wellbeing support throughout all stages of your working life.
- Up to 3 days volunteering leave – Give back to the community with three days pro‑rate of paid volunteering leave, in addition to existing benefits.
Equal Opportunity and Diversity
We actively welcome applications from people of all ages and backgrounds, particularly from Black, Asian, and Minority Ethnic communities, disabled people and young people.
Contact
For an informal discussion about the role, please contact Janell Wilken on 07966282182 or janell.wilken@manchester.gov.uk to arrange a convenient time.
Pre‑Employment Checks
- Proof of Right to Work – You’ll need to provide documentary evidence of your right to work in the UK. Please note, visa sponsorship is not guaranteed for this role.
- References – We’ll require references from your current and previous employer(s).
- Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) Check – A criminal record check may be necessary, depending on the role.
Other relevant information
We want everyone to be able to be themselves at work and give their best. If you need additional support to undertake the duties of the role, we’ll make every effort to source any necessary aids, adaptations or equipment. If, however, any task proves to be unachievable, we will look at redesigning parts of the role.
Commissioning and Contracts Officer in Manchester employer: Old Moat
As a Commissioning and Contracts Officer, you will join a supportive and innovative team dedicated to improving the lives of young people transitioning to adulthood. Our hybrid working model promotes flexibility, while our generous benefits package, including up to 31 days of annual leave and a commitment to employee development, ensures a fulfilling work environment. We pride ourselves on fostering a culture of inclusivity and continuous improvement, making this an excellent place for those seeking meaningful and rewarding employment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Commissioning and Contracts Officer in Manchester
✨Dive into Local Community Groups
Social work thrives on community connections, so get involved in local groups or forums specific to your interests. Whether it’s volunteering at local shelters or joining community action boards, these are great ways to boost your visibility and make direct contacts that could lead to opportunities like the one at Old Moat.
✨Attend Social Work Events and Workshops
Keep an eye out for workshops, seminars, or conferences in social work. These events are fantastic for meeting professionals in the field, learning about emerging trends, and spotting job openings. Plus, you might just bump into someone from Old Moat!
✨Showcase Your Passion and Expertise
Use platforms like Instagram or LinkedIn to share your journey and insights into the social work sector. Whether it’s writing about your experiences or sharing relevant articles, this helps to establish you as an engaged professional. Potential employers, like Old Moat, will notice your enthusiasm!
✨Leverage Your Network
Don’t hesitate to reach out to professors, mentors, or even past colleagues who are in social work. They might have inside knowledge about openings at Old Moat or be able to connect you with someone who’s hiring. Networking is key, especially in a full-time role where relationships matter.
We think you need these skills to ace Commissioning and Contracts Officer in Manchester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Social Work:In your cover letter, let us see your passion for social work shine through! Talk about the experiences that made you want to pursue this career—whether it’s volunteering, personal experiences, or academic projects. We want to know why this field matters to you.
Emphasise Relevant Qualifications:Make sure your CV highlights any relevant qualifications, like degrees in social work or certifications like a DBS check. If you've done any workshops or training, don’t forget to include those as well. We're keen to see your commitment to your professional development!
Detail Your Experience with Clients:Since this is a hands-on field, detailing any direct experience you have with clients is crucial. Whether it's internships, volunteer roles, or previous jobs, highlight those experiences in your CV to show us you've got the practical skills necessary for the job!
Tailor Your Application to Old Moat:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Old Moat! Research our mission and values, and refer to them in your cover letter. This shows us that you understand our work and are genuinely interested in being a part of our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Old Moat
✨Understanding the Role of Empathy
In social work, understanding and demonstrating empathy is key. Be prepared to share personal experiences or scenarios where you effectively showed compassion and support. This helps show that you genuinely care about the well-being of others, which is crucial in social work.
✨Demonstrating Knowledge of Frameworks
Familiarise yourself with the frameworks and models used in social work, such as the Strengths-Based Approach or the Ecological Perspective. Be ready to discuss how these frameworks apply to your work, especially if you can tie them into real-world examples or case studies you've encountered.
✨Showcasing Your Multi-Disciplinary Skills
In a full-time social work role, you'll often collaborate with healthcare professionals, educators, and law enforcement. Be prepared to describe your teamwork experiences and how you've effectively communicated with other disciplines to achieve the best outcomes for clients.
✨Preparing for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that put you in hypothetical social work situations, such as dealing with a crisis or managing a complex case. Think through your thought process for these scenarios beforehand, considering how you'd assess the situation and what steps you'd take, as this demonstrates your critical thinking and problem-solving abilities.
