At a Glance
- Tasks: Help secure care placements for children and young people with a focus on their needs.
- Company: Durham County Council, committed to supporting children and families.
- Benefits: Competitive pay, supportive management, free training, and great transport links.
- Other info: Hybrid working model with opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while developing your career.
- Qualifications: Strong communication skills and experience in children's services preferred.
The predicted salary is between 35000 - 40000 £ per year.
Durham County Council is seeking a Placements Officer to join the Home Finder Team, based at Seaham Spectrum Business Centre (SR7 7TT) on a hybrid basis (minimum 2 days per week in office). This is an initial 3‑month contract at £17.80 per hour, starting 20 May 2026, subject to review and extension.
As Placements Officer you will work closely with social workers and children’s commissioning colleagues to identify, secure, and manage care placements for children and young people looked after by the Local Authority. You will act as a single point of contact for providers, commissioners, and operational teams, approaching independent providers proactively to maximise placement choice and stability.
Key Responsibilities- Respond to placement requests in a timely, child‑centred manner.
- Finalise placement agreements with commissioned providers.
- Manage emergency placement requests.
- Maintain accurate records of all search activity and provider engagement.
- Contribute to the development of countywide, multi‑agency services for children, young people, and their families.
The successful candidate will demonstrate strong communication and relationship‑building skills, the ability to gather and analyse information effectively, and a solution‑focused approach. Experience working within children’s services, commissioning, or a placements function is desirable. This role does not require qualified social worker status.
Benefits- 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.
- Free ongoing CPD and training opportunities to enhance your skills.
- Competitive rates of pay with prompt, reliable payments through our in‑house payroll.
- Enhanced DBS processing included.
- Dedicated, friendly consultant offering tailored support.
- Access to a wide range of opportunities in your chosen location.
Placements Officer – Home Finder Team – #5296771 in Seaham employer: Semester.co.uk
Durham County Council is an excellent employer, offering a supportive and collaborative work culture that prioritises the well-being of its employees. With competitive pay rates, ongoing professional development opportunities, and a focus on child-centred services, the Placements Officer role within the Home Finder Team provides meaningful work in a desirable location with great transport links. Join us to make a positive impact on the lives of children and young people while enjoying a stable and encouraging working environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Placements Officer – Home Finder Team – #5296771 in Seaham
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the field, especially those already working with Durham County Council or similar organisations. A friendly chat can open doors and give you insider info on the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by researching the Home Finder Team and understanding their challenges. Show us that you’re not just interested in the job, but that you genuinely care about making a difference for children and young people.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your communication skills! As a Placements Officer, you'll need to build relationships quickly. Role-play common interview questions with a friend to boost your confidence and refine your responses.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we’ve got loads of resources to help you ace the process.
We think you need these skills to ace Placements Officer – Home Finder Team – #5296771 in Seaham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your skills and experiences align with the role of Placements Officer. We want to see how you can contribute to the Home Finder Team, so don’t hold back on showcasing your relevant experience!
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so avoid jargon and make sure your key points stand out. This will help us quickly see why you’re a great fit for the position.
Showcase Your Communication Skills:As a Placements Officer, strong communication is key. Use your application to demonstrate your ability to build relationships and convey information effectively. We’re looking for candidates who can engage with various stakeholders seamlessly.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy to do!
How to prepare for a job interview at Semester.co.uk
✨Know Your Role Inside Out
Before the interview, make sure you thoroughly understand the responsibilities of a Placements Officer. Familiarise yourself with the key tasks mentioned in the job description, such as managing care placements and working with social workers. This will help you demonstrate your knowledge and enthusiasm for the role.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
Since strong communication is crucial for this position, prepare examples that highlight your ability to build relationships and effectively convey information. Think of situations where you've successfully collaborated with others or resolved conflicts, as these will resonate well with the interviewers.
✨Be Solution-Focused
The role requires a solution-focused approach, so come prepared with examples of how you've tackled challenges in the past. Whether it's managing emergency placement requests or finding creative solutions to complex problems, showcasing your proactive mindset will impress the interview panel.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
At the end of the interview, don’t forget to ask questions! Inquire about the team dynamics, the types of placements you might be dealing with, or how success is measured in this role. This shows your genuine interest in the position and helps you assess if it’s the right fit for you.
