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- Tasks: Join our team to secure high-quality placements for children and young people.
- Company: Southwark Council is dedicated to improving children's services in the community.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive rate, hybrid working, and the chance to make a real difference.
- Why this job: This role offers a chance to impact lives positively while working in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: Significant experience in children's brokerage and strong negotiation skills are essential.
- Other info: This is a senior-level position with a focus on quality and safety in placements.
Location: Southwark
Contract: Initial 3-month assignment
Hours: 36 hours per week
Rate: £33 per hour (via umbrella company)
Hybrid: Minimum 2 days in the office, up to 5 when on duty
Southwark Council is seeking a Senior Broker to join our Access to Resources Team (ART) in Children's Services. This is a senior-level role — not an entry point — and we are specifically looking for candidates with significant experience in brokerage, particularly within children’s placements.
About the Role: This fast-paced, high-responsibility role is crucial to ensuring that Southwark’s children and young people are placed in high-quality, proportionate placements that meet their assessed needs and support their development.
You will:
- Respond rapidly to referrals from social work teams
- Source, negotiate, and finalise placements in Supported Accommodation, Residential Care, and Fostering Agencies
- Work within a dynamic market to secure value-for-money placements that are safe, stable, and support outcomes
- Proactively monitor placement sufficiency and alert senior managers to emerging risks or gaps
- Maintain regular contact with providers and undertake Quality Assurance visits
- Liaise with the Fostering Service, Social Workers, and Managers to ensure a coordinated, child-focused approach
Key Responsibilities:
- Deliver responsive brokerage, with daily 9AM team meetings to monitor children awaiting placements
- Negotiate placement costs and support packages to ensure financial effectiveness
- Manage contracting, IPA agreements, and Mosaic financial systems
- Provide briefings to management on placement activity, pressures, and risks
- Support improvements in the quality of referrals from social work teams
- Keep comprehensive case records and maintain accurate placement and financial data
- Promote use of internal fostering and family placements to reduce reliance on external options
- Keep updated with legislation, Ofsted guidance, and best practice
Who We’re Looking For:
- Significant experience as a broker in children's services is essential
- Strong knowledge of the children’s social care market, particularly in placements
- Skilled negotiator with a proactive, solutions-focused mindset
- Capable of working independently while knowing when to escalate or seek advice
- Confident managing competing priorities in a fast-paced environment
- Familiar with Mosaic or similar case management and finance systems
If you are an experienced, driven professional ready to help shape and deliver outstanding placements for children in Southwark, we want to hear from you. Apply now to make a lasting impact where it matters most.
Senior Brokerage Officer employer: Service Care Solutions Ltd
Contact Detail:
Service Care Solutions Ltd Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Brokerage Officer
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the specific needs and challenges of children's services in Southwark. Understanding local policies, recent changes in legislation, and the dynamics of the social care market will give you an edge during discussions with hiring managers.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals already working in children's brokerage or related fields. Engaging with current employees can provide insights into the role and the team culture, which can be invaluable during interviews.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your negotiation strategies and past experiences in securing placements. Be ready to share specific examples that highlight your skills in managing competing priorities and achieving positive outcomes for children.
✨Tip Number 4
Stay updated on best practices and recent developments in children's social care. Demonstrating your commitment to continuous learning and improvement can set you apart as a candidate who is proactive and dedicated to making a difference.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Brokerage Officer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your significant experience in brokerage, particularly within children's placements. Use specific examples that demonstrate your skills in negotiation and managing competing priorities.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that clearly outlines your motivation for applying to Southwark Council. Emphasise your proactive, solutions-focused mindset and how your experience aligns with the key responsibilities of the role.
Highlight Relevant Experience: In your application, focus on your previous roles related to children's services. Mention any experience with Mosaic or similar case management systems, as well as your knowledge of the children’s social care market.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your application for any spelling or grammatical errors. A polished application reflects your attention to detail, which is crucial for this senior-level role.
How to prepare for a job interview at Service Care Solutions Ltd
✨Showcase Your Experience
Make sure to highlight your significant experience in brokerage, especially within children's placements. Prepare specific examples of past roles where you successfully negotiated placements or managed complex cases.
✨Understand the Market
Demonstrate a strong knowledge of the children’s social care market during the interview. Familiarise yourself with current trends, challenges, and best practices to show that you are well-informed and proactive.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving skills and ability to manage competing priorities. Think of situations where you had to make quick decisions or negotiate effectively under pressure.
✨Emphasise Team Collaboration
Since the role involves liaising with various stakeholders, emphasise your ability to work collaboratively. Share examples of how you've coordinated with social workers, managers, and external providers to achieve positive outcomes.
