At a Glance
- Tasks: Secure high-quality placements for children and young people, ensuring their needs are met.
- Company: Join Bristol City Council's dedicated Children's Services team.
- Benefits: Competitive pay, potential for permanent role, and meaningful impact.
- Other info: Fast-paced environment with opportunities for career growth.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of children and young people.
- Qualifications: Experience in placements or children's social care and strong negotiation skills.
The predicted salary is between 21 - 21 € per hour.
Bristol City Council is looking for a dedicated Home Find & Partnerships Officer to join their Children’s Services team. This is a key role focused on securing high-quality, well-matched placements for children and young people, ensuring their needs, outcomes, and aspirations are fully supported.
This is an excellent opportunity for someone with commissioning, placements, or brokerage experience within children’s social care who is passionate about making a meaningful difference.
The Role
As a Home Find & Partnerships Officer, you will play a central role in sourcing and commissioning suitable homes for children and young people. You will work closely with social workers, providers, and multi-agency partners to ensure placements are carefully matched, cost-effective, and compliant with contractual frameworks.
Key Responsibilities
- Receive and review referrals for children and young people, ensuring a strength-based approach is applied
- Identify, engage, and build relationships with residential homes and providers
- Explore suitability of placements and present appropriate options to social work teams
- Negotiate placement packages and costs, ensuring value for money (VFM)
- Commission placements in line with indicative budgets and contract frameworks
- Ensure compliance with contractual requirements, including notice periods
- Produce clear, evidence-based reports to support placement decisions and approvals
- Maintain accurate records and contribute to data tracking and reporting (Excel)
- Work collaboratively with Health, Education, and other stakeholders to ensure holistic support for children and young people
- Demonstrate curiosity and professional judgement when assessing what providers can offer
About You
We’re looking for someone who is:
- Experienced in placements, commissioning, brokerage, or children’s social care
- Skilled in negotiation and managing provider relationships
- Confident in report writing and presenting recommendations
- Highly organised with strong record-keeping and data management skills
- Comfortable working in a fast-paced, multi-agency environment
- Proactive, inquisitive, and committed to achieving the best outcomes for children and young people
Why Apply?
- Opportunity to work within a well-regarded local authority
- Meaningful role directly impacting the lives of children and young people
- Potential for long-term or permanent opportunities
- Competitive hourly rates
If you’re interested or would like more information, apply now or get in touch to discuss further.
Home Finding And Partnerships Officer employer: Service Care Solutions
Bristol City Council is an exceptional employer, offering a meaningful role as a Home Find & Partnerships Officer within the Children's Services team. With a strong commitment to supporting children and young people, the council fosters a collaborative work culture that values professional growth and development, providing opportunities for long-term employment and competitive pay. Working in Bristol, you'll be part of a well-regarded local authority dedicated to making a positive impact in the community.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Home Finding And Partnerships Officer
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the children's social care sector, attend local events, and connect with professionals on LinkedIn. Building relationships can open doors to opportunities that aren't even advertised.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching Bristol City Council and their approach to children's services. Show us you understand their values and how your experience aligns with their mission to support children and young people.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your negotiation skills! Since the role involves negotiating placement packages, consider role-playing scenarios with friends or mentors to boost your confidence and refine your approach.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search!
We think you need these skills to ace Home Finding And Partnerships Officer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Home Finding and Partnerships Officer role. Highlight your experience in placements and commissioning, and show us how your skills align with the job description.
Showcase Your Passion:We want to see your enthusiasm for making a difference in children's lives. Share specific examples of how you've positively impacted children or young people in your previous roles.
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it straightforward and to the point. Use clear language and structure your thoughts logically so we can easily see your qualifications and fit for the role.
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 this fantastic opportunity.
How to prepare for a job interview at Service Care Solutions
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you understand the role of a Home Find & Partnerships Officer inside out. Familiarise yourself with the key responsibilities, especially around sourcing and commissioning placements. Brush up on your knowledge of children’s social care and the importance of matching placements to ensure the best outcomes for children.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Be ready to discuss your previous experience in placements, commissioning, or brokerage. Prepare specific examples that highlight your negotiation skills and how you've successfully managed provider relationships. This will demonstrate your capability and passion for making a meaningful difference.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving abilities and judgement. Think about potential scenarios you might face in the role, such as negotiating placement packages or dealing with challenging referrals. Practising your responses can help you feel more confident during the interview.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
At the end of the interview, don’t shy away from asking questions. Inquire about the team dynamics, the challenges they face, or how success is measured in this role. This shows your genuine interest in the position and helps you gauge if it’s the right fit for you.
