At a Glance
- Tasks: Support foster carers and ensure effective placement matching for children in care.
- Company: Barnet Council, dedicated to improving the lives of children and families.
- Benefits: Competitive pay, supportive management, and a stable working environment.
- Other info: Great transport links and a collaborative team atmosphere.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of children and foster carers.
- Qualifications: Experience in fostering services or family support is preferred.
The predicted salary is between 27.28 - 27.28 £ per hour.
Barnet Council is seeking a Placements Officer to support the recruitment, engagement and retention of in-house foster carers, and to ensure effective placement matching and sufficiency for children and young people in care.
Based in Colindale, NW9, this is a temporary role paying £20.92–£27.28 per hour via the Prism portal, starting 18 August 2026.
You will act as a key point of contact for in-house foster carers, building positive working relationships and coordinating engagement activities including appreciation events, training-linked sessions and recognition initiatives. You will plan and facilitate foster carer support groups alongside supervising social workers, design and analyse surveys to inform service improvement, and maintain systems to monitor carer availability, capacity and support needs.
The role also involves developing peer networks and buddy systems for new and existing carers, working proactively with supervising social workers and managers to identify carers who may need additional support to prevent deregistration, and contributing to strategies that improve long‑term foster carer satisfaction and retention.
This is a non-qualified social care post — a social work qualification is not required. If you have a background in fostering services, placement coordination or family support and are available to start in August, please get in touch.
What’s on offer:
- Excellent, competitive pay rates – paid weekly
- Supportive management team with approachable, experienced leaders
- A desirable location with great transport links
- A stable, well-resourced, and encouraging working environment
Placements Officer – Fostering Service – #OR110701 employer: Semester.co.uk
Durham County Council is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive management team and a stable, well-resourced working environment in the desirable location of Seaham, County Durham. With competitive pay rates and opportunities for hybrid working, employees can thrive both professionally and personally while contributing to meaningful service development and transformation in children's care.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Placements Officer – Fostering Service – #OR110701
✨Get Involved in Local Community Projects
One of the best ways to land a temporary role in social work is to dive headfirst into local community projects. Volunteer your time or skills at local charities or community centres to not only gain experience but also to connect with professionals in the field. They might just have some insider knowledge on temporary positions that pop up!
✨Engage with Social Work Networks
Join online forums and social media groups specifically for social workers. Platforms like Facebook or LinkedIn have dedicated groups where professionals share temporary job opportunities. Being an active member can help you stay in the loop and even get recommendations from those already in the field.
✨Attend Workshops and Seminars
Keep an eye out for workshops, seminars, or conferences related to social work in your area. These events aren't just great for learning; they're also hotbeds for networking! You never know who might be hiring or can point you towards a temporary position while you're soaking up new skills.
✨Apply Directly Through Our Website!
When you spot a role that piques your interest, especially for a temporary position, make sure to apply directly through our website! This not only shows your commitment to Semester.co.uk, but also gives you an edge by putting your application right in front of the hiring team. Let’s get you moving on that path to your next opportunity!
We think you need these skills to ace Placements Officer – Fostering Service – #OR110701
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Social Work:In your cover letter, let's highlight why you're passionate about social work and how your values align with those of Semester.co.uk. Share specific experiences where you made a difference, as this field thrives on genuine motivation and connection.
Demonstrate Relevant Experience:When listing your experience, focus on any internships, volunteer roles, or temporary positions you've had in social work or related fields. Those skills are gold! Think about situations where you helped individuals or communities, and don't forget to mention any relevant certifications, like safeguarding or mental health first aid.
Keep It Concise and Relevant:Remember, for a temporary role, hiring managers want to see how you fit in and can hit the ground running. Keep your CV clear and to the point, showcasing only the experience that really matters for the role at Semester.co.uk. We recommend a two-page limit – make every word count!
Emphasise Flexibility and Adaptability:Considering this is a temporary position, it's vital to show you can adapt to new environments quickly. In your application, highlight any past experiences where you had to adjust to different teams or roles smoothly. This shows you understand the nature of temporary work and are ready for the challenge!
How to prepare for a job interview at Semester.co.uk
✨Sharpen Your Empathy Skills
In social work, it's all about understanding and connecting with people from diverse backgrounds. Make sure to prepare some examples from your experience where you've demonstrated empathy and resilience. Practising active listening techniques can help you articulate your approach during the interview with Semester.co.uk.
✨Know Your Frameworks
Familiarise yourself with key social work theories and frameworks, like the ecological systems theory or person-centred approaches. These concepts might pop up during your interview for the temporary Placements Officer – Fostering Service – #OR110701 role at Semester.co.uk, so it's good to have a couple of insights ready to share.
✨Highlight Flexibility and Adaptability
Since this is a temporary position, showcasing your flexibility is key. Be prepared to discuss past experiences where you quickly adapted to new environments or changing client needs, which is crucial in the dynamic world of social work.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect some scenario-based questions that test your decision-making skills and ethical judgement. Think about how you would handle specific challenges you might face in the field. Having a clear structure for your answers will show Semester.co.uk that you can think critically and act effectively under pressure.
