At a Glance
- Tasks: Coordinate safe placements for vulnerable children and young people in Birmingham.
- Company: Birmingham Children’s Trust, dedicated to improving outcomes for children and families.
- Benefits: Supportive environment, professional development, and a chance to make a real difference.
- Other info: Opportunity to work collaboratively and promote safeguarding and inclusion.
- Why this job: Join a passionate team and help shape the future of children in your community.
- Qualifications: Experience in social care and strong communication skills required.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
Birmingham Children’s Trust is looking for a dedicated and highly organized Children’s Placements Officer to join our Placements Finding Service. This is a fantastic opportunity for an experienced social care professional to play a vital role in securing safe, appropriate, and positive placements for vulnerable children and young people across Birmingham.
At Birmingham Children’s Trust, every member of staff plays an important role in improving outcomes for children, young people, and families. We are passionate about delivering high-quality services through compassion, collaboration, innovation, and strong professional relationships.
About the Role
As a Children’s Placements Officer, you will work as part of a specialist team responsible for identifying, negotiating, and coordinating suitable placements and services for children and young people. You will work closely with social workers, carers, providers, and partner agencies to ensure children receive the right support at the right time. The role requires excellent communication, decision‑making, and organisational skills, alongside the ability to work effectively under pressure and manage competing priorities.
Key Responsibilities
- Identify and coordinate appropriate fostering, residential, emergency, and specialist placements for children and young people.
- Provide professional advice and guidance to referrers regarding suitable placement options and services.
- Work collaboratively with internal teams, external providers, and partner agencies to achieve the best outcomes for children and families.
- Ensure placements appropriately consider health, education, culture, religion, gender, language, and individual care needs.
- Maintain accurate electronic records, reports, and case information using relevant databases and recording systems.
- Participate in meetings, reviews, planning discussions, and court‑related processes where required.
- Support best value and effective resource management when sourcing placements and services.
- Develop knowledge of available services and contribute to improving placement provision across the Trust.
- Promote safeguarding, equality, diversity, inclusion, and anti‑discriminatory practice at all times.
About You
- Experience working within children’s social care, fostering, residential care, or related support services.
- Experience working in fast‑paced environments and managing deadlines effectively.
- Strong customer service and communication skills.
- Knowledge of child development, safeguarding, and different care placement options.
- The ability to assess information, balance risk, and match services to identified needs.
- Experience using IT systems, electronic databases, and case recording systems.
- Excellent report writing, negotiation, and organisational skills.
- A flexible and solution‑focused approach to work.
Essential Qualifications
- GCSE Grade 1-3 (or equivalent) in English and Mathematics.
- NVQ/OCF Level 3 in Caring for Children & Young People or a recognised equivalent qualification.
Why Join Birmingham Children’s Trust?
At Birmingham Children’s Trust, we are committed to creating an environment where staff feel valued, supported, and empowered to make a difference. Our values are at the heart of everything we do: One Team, Accountability and Responsibility, Quality and Innovation, Relationships, High Support, High Challenge. We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expect all staff to share this commitment. Safeguarding checks will be required for this role.
Placements Officer employer: Service Care Solutions Ltd
Birmingham Children’s Trust is an exceptional employer dedicated to improving the lives of vulnerable children and young people in Birmingham. With a strong emphasis on collaboration, innovation, and professional development, we offer a supportive work culture that values every team member's contribution. Employees benefit from ongoing training opportunities, a commitment to safeguarding, and a shared mission to create a positive impact in the community.
Contact Details:
Service Care Solutions Ltd Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Placements Officer
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in social care and let them know you're on the lookout for opportunities. You never know who might have the inside scoop on a role that’s perfect for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching Birmingham Children’s Trust and understanding their values. Be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their mission to improve outcomes for children and families.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your skills! During interviews, highlight your organisational and communication skills, especially how you've managed competing priorities in fast-paced environments. Real-life examples will make your case stronger.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the team at Birmingham Children’s Trust.
We think you need these skills to ace Placements Officer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to highlight your experience in children's social care and how it aligns with the role of a Children’s Placements Officer. We want to see how your skills can help us secure positive placements for vulnerable children.
Showcase Your Communication Skills:Since this role requires excellent communication, be sure to demonstrate your ability to convey information clearly in your written application. Use examples from your past experiences where you effectively collaborated with teams or provided guidance.
Highlight Your Organisational Skills:We’re looking for someone who can manage competing priorities under pressure. In your application, share specific instances where you successfully organised tasks or projects, especially in fast-paced environments.
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 ensure you’re considered for this fantastic opportunity at Birmingham Children’s Trust.
How to prepare for a job interview at Service Care Solutions Ltd
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of child development, safeguarding, and the different care placement options. Being able to discuss these topics confidently will show that you're well-prepared and genuinely interested in the role.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
As a Placements Officer, you'll need to communicate effectively with various stakeholders. Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and concisely. Consider preparing examples from your past experiences where you've successfully collaborated with social workers or partner agencies.
✨Demonstrate Organisational Skills
This role requires excellent organisational abilities. Be ready to discuss how you manage competing priorities and deadlines in fast-paced environments. You might even want to share specific tools or methods you use to stay organised.
✨Emphasise Your Commitment to Values
Birmingham Children’s Trust values compassion, collaboration, and innovation. Think about how your personal values align with theirs and be prepared to share examples of how you've embodied these principles in your work, especially in relation to safeguarding and promoting welfare.
