At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a team to find safe, nurturing homes for children in need.
- Company: Portsmouth City Council, dedicated to making a positive impact.
- Benefits: Hybrid working, competitive salary, and a supportive work environment.
- Other info: Join a values-driven organisation committed to inclusivity and collaboration.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while developing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: Social Work qualification or equivalent experience, with strong leadership and negotiation skills.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
We are seeking a dedicated and experienced Home Finding & Commissioning Team Leader to join our Home Finding & Commissioning Team within Children We Care For Services. This is a vital leadership role where you will help ensure children who cannot live with their families are placed in safe, stable and nurturing homes that meet their needs, reflect their identity and support positive, long-term outcomes.
About the role
You will lead a dedicated team delivering a high-quality home finding and brokerage service, ensuring the right placements are secured at the right time, with a strong focus on quality, stability and value for money. You will also play a hands-on role in complex and urgent placement searches, acting as a key escalation point and working collaboratively across services and with external providers.
Key responsibilities include:
- Leading, supervising and developing Home Finding & Commissioning staff.
- Managing workflow and the allocation of placement referrals to ensure timely and effective service delivery.
- Undertaking complex placement searches and negotiating with providers to secure suitable options.
- Building strong relationships with both internal and external providers.
- Monitoring performance, demand and financial pressures.
- Coordinating multi-agency working to support successful placements.
- Ensuring compliance with statutory, safeguarding and procurement requirements.
- Supporting ongoing service improvement, reporting and sufficiency planning.
The ideal candidate
We are looking for a confident leader with strong professional knowledge and a passion for improving outcomes for children. You will have:
- A recognised Social Work qualification (or equivalent experience/Level 6 management qualification).
- Proven leadership experience within children's placements, commissioning or brokerage.
- Strong negotiation and relationship management skills.
- A solid understanding of placement matching, safeguarding and risk assessment.
- Knowledge of Ofsted, regulatory and procurement frameworks.
- Ability to analyse data and drive service improvement.
- Excellent communication and collaboration skills.
- Resilience and flexibility to respond to urgent placement situations.
Working Arrangements: You will be required to work a minimum of two days per week in the office as per our Hybrid Working Policy.
Contact Details for an Informal Discussion: If you have any questions, or would like an informal discussion about the role, please contact Danielle Pryer.
About Portsmouth City Council
Portsmouth City Council is a unique organisation, committed to making a difference, and is guided by core values that set who we are as people, what we stand for, and how we act. We are committed to our values of respect, integrity, collaboration, inclusivity and being people-focused.
Application process
We anonymise applications during application & shortlisting to ensure only relevant information is considered. As part of your application, we ask that you complete a personal statement, this statement is crucial and is where you must demonstrate how you meet the requirements of the job against each of the points described in the 'Who is the Person' points on the Job Profile using examples from your experience or transferable skills.
We are a disability confident employer and Armed Forces Covenant gold standard. More information can be found at Equality, diversity and inclusion - Careers portal. We are committed to offering an interview to all those candidates that qualify under our corporate commitments and meet the minimum criteria.
You will need to demonstrate that you have the Right to Work in the UK. No post will be offered without it. Please note: We are not able to offer sponsorship for this position.
Safeguarding
Portsmouth City Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, and young people, and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Every post is subject to PCC and Portsmouth Safeguarding Children Partnership safer recruitment procedures. Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) at Standard/Enhanced level will be required prior to any offer of employment and this post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974.
You will need to explain any gaps in your career history within the last 5 years - this is essential for all safeguarding roles.
Home Finding and Commissioning Team Leader - Portsmouth employer: Portsmouth City Council
Portsmouth City Council is an exceptional employer dedicated to making a positive impact in the community, particularly through its commitment to safeguarding and improving outcomes for children. With a strong focus on collaboration, inclusivity, and professional development, employees are supported in their growth while working in a dynamic environment that values respect and integrity. The hybrid working policy allows for flexibility, ensuring a healthy work-life balance while contributing to meaningful social care initiatives.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Home Finding and Commissioning Team Leader - Portsmouth
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the social care sector, especially those who might know about opportunities at Portsmouth City Council. A friendly chat can sometimes lead to a foot in the door.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by researching the council's values and recent initiatives. Show us that you’re not just a fit for the role but also align with our commitment to respect, integrity, and collaboration.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your negotiation skills! As a Home Finding & Commissioning Team Leader, you’ll need to demonstrate your ability to secure placements effectively. Role-play scenarios with a friend to boost your confidence.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage directly with us.
We think you need these skills to ace Home Finding and Commissioning Team Leader - Portsmouth
Some tips for your application 🫡
Read the Job Profile Carefully:Before you start writing, make sure to read the job profile thoroughly. Pay special attention to the 'Who is the Person' section, as this will guide you on what to include in your personal statement.
Showcase Your Experience:When crafting your personal statement, use specific examples from your experience that align with the key responsibilities and skills mentioned in the job description. This is your chance to shine!
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application clear and to the point. Avoid jargon and ensure your writing is easy to understand. We want to see your passion and qualifications without wading through unnecessary fluff.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, we love seeing applications come directly from our site.
How to prepare for a job interview at Portsmouth City Council
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you have a solid understanding of the key responsibilities outlined in the job description. Brush up on your knowledge of placement matching, safeguarding, and risk assessment. Being able to discuss these topics confidently will show that you're serious about the role.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples from your past experiences where you've successfully led a team or managed complex situations. Highlight your negotiation and relationship management skills, as these are crucial for this position. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses.
✨Understand the Values
Familiarise yourself with Portsmouth City Council's core values: respect, integrity, collaboration, inclusivity, and being people-focused. Think of ways you can demonstrate these values in your work and be ready to discuss how they align with your own professional ethos.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect to face scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving abilities in urgent placement situations. Practice articulating your thought process and decision-making strategies. This will help you convey your resilience and flexibility, which are essential traits for this role.
