At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and coordinate services for children with complex health needs in Southampton.
- Company: Join the supportive team at Southampton City Council's Children's Commissioning Team.
- Benefits: Enjoy generous holidays, flexible working, and a strong local government pension.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for training, development, and community volunteering.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of children and families while developing your career.
- Qualifications: Experience in commissioning, children's services, and strong relationship management skills.
The predicted salary is between 33865 - 41391 £ per year.
Are you interested in helping to shape high-quality services for children, young people and families in Southampton? We have an exciting opportunity for a fixed term (until March 2028) Children with Complex health and care needs Commissioner post to join Southampton City Council’s Children’s Commissioning Team.
About the team:
You will join a supportive and collaborative Children’s Commissioning Team working closely with the Children’s Services and Learning Senior Leadership team within Southampton City Council. The team commissions a broad range of children’s services, including support for children with special educational needs and disabilities, children in care, care leavers, youth provision, prevention and early intervention. This post will specifically focus on services for children with complex health and care needs, leading and coordinating commissioning activity and individual funding arrangements for children and young people with complex needs, including residential, specialist and multi-agency placements. Following Children’s Services’ Ofsted rating of Good, with Outstanding Leadership, this is a great time to contribute to continued improvement.
About the role:
As the Children with Complex Needs Commissioner, you will:
- Lead commissioning and funding arrangements for children and young people with complex needs.
- Coordinate Children's Continuing Care (CCC) processes and support joint decision-making across agencies.
- Act as the key link between social care, health, education, CAMHS and wider partners.
- Quality assure referrals and funding submissions to ensure robust, evidence-based decisions.
- Support the development of effective pathways, panels and processes that improve outcomes and reduce delays.
- Contribute to service sufficiency planning, market development and value-for-money commissioning.
- Use data, performance information and intelligence to drive service improvement and strategic planning.
Based in the office 3 days a week.
About you:
- Experience of commissioning, children's services, health, social care or complex multi-agency working.
- Strong understanding of the needs of children and young people with complex needs, disabilities, mental health needs and/or specialist placements.
- Excellent partnership, negotiation and relationship management skills.
- Experience of analysing complex information and translating this into effective commissioning solutions.
- Knowledge of relevant legislation, SEND reforms, Children's Continuing Care processes and integrated working arrangements.
- The ability to influence across organisations and drive improvements in practice and outcomes.
If you want to make a positive difference and have the background, experience and skills for this Children with Complex needs Commissioner role, we would like to hear from you.
What we can offer you:
- Excellent local government pension with 15.2% employer contribution.
- Death in service benefit of x3 salary, and optional salary sacrifice shared cost AVC (additional voluntary contribution).
- Generous holiday 25–31 days, based on role and service.
- Flexible working options (role-dependent).
- Family-friendly policies - Maternity, Paternity, Adoption, Shared/Unpaid Parental Leave, Time off for Dependents.
- Training and development, including coaching and mentoring.
- Health and wellbeing support - Employee Assistance Programme, Menopause Pledge, Mental Health First Aiders and access to a variety of staff networks.
- Veteran-friendly employer with the Armed Forces Covenant.
- Retail discounts and savings through the Southampton City Council benefits platform.
- Discounted memberships at local sports and fitness centres.
- Sustainable travel benefits - low emission car scheme, cycle to work, season ticket loans.
- Employee volunteering scheme with 2 paid days leave to volunteer.
For further information on our benefits package please visit: Employee benefits (southampton.gov.uk)
Contact details for informal discussion:
For an informal discussion, please contact Nazmin Mansuria, Senior Commissioner: Nazmin.Mansuria@southampton.gov.uk.
Recruitment contact details:
Email: recruitment@southampton.gov.uk Tel: 023 8083 4033
For more information about SCC please visit Southampton City Council.
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Children with Complex Health Needs Commissioner in Southampton employer: Southampton City Council
Southampton City Council is an excellent employer, offering a supportive work culture that prioritises the well-being of both employees and the community. As an Emergency Telecare Advisor, you will benefit from comprehensive training and development opportunities, ensuring your growth in a role that makes a meaningful impact on the lives of vulnerable residents. With a commitment to teamwork and resilience, you'll find a rewarding environment that values compassion and quick decision-making in a dynamic 24/7 service.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Children with Complex Health Needs Commissioner in Southampton
✨Get Engaged in Local Politics
Dive into your local council meetings or community boards. These spaces are packed with people who are already in the public sector and might have insider tips on upcoming temporary roles. Plus, you can connect directly with key decision-makers.
✨Stay Alert for Seasonal Recruitment
Many public sector jobs ramp up during certain times of the year, especially around election seasons or local budget planning periods. Keep your eyes peeled for recruitment drives during these windows, as they're prime times for temporary positions.
✨Leverage Online Job Portals
Don’t forget to check government job boards or websites like the local council's site for temporary postings. This is where many roles first get advertised, and applying directly here can speed things up.
✨Tap Into Your University Resources
If you're at university, make the most of your career services to discover opportunities in the public sector. They often have connections with local government employers who are looking for temporary staff and can help you polish your approach.
We think you need these skills to ace Children with Complex Health Needs Commissioner in Southampton
Some tips for your application 🫡
Emphasise your understanding of public policy:In your application, make sure to highlight any knowledge or experience you have related to public policy, governance or community engagement. Show us how you can contribute to the public sector’s mission, especially if you've worked on relevant projects or initiatives before!
Tailor your CV to the sector's expectations:When crafting your CV, focus on including experiences that showcase your ability to work within government structures or similar environments. Use clear, concise language and consider adding any volunteer work or internships that reflect your commitment to public service.
Show flexibility and willingness to learn:Since this is a temporary role, it’s crucial to convey your adaptability and eagerness to pick up new skills quickly. In your cover letter, let us know how you plan to make the most of this short-term experience and what you hope to learn from it.
Include relevant certificates and training:If you've completed any training or have certifications that are relevant to the role (like public administration, project management, or data analysis), don't forget to mention them. These can really make you stand out in the application process!
How to prepare for a job interview at Southampton City Council
✨Demonstrate Your Commitment to Public Service
In the government and public sector, showing that you're genuinely passionate about serving the community is key. Get ready to share examples where you've contributed to social good or tackled community issues, as this will resonate with interviewers from Southampton City Council.
✨Prepare for Policy and Regulatory Questions
Expect questions about policies, regulations, or recently implemented government initiatives. Brush up on the latest news relating to public sector developments—being informed will help you demonstrate that you're ready to hit the ground running, especially in a temporary role.
✨Flexibility is Your Best Friend
Since this is a temporary role, emphasise your ability to adapt quickly. Share examples where you've successfully taken on new challenges or adjusted to different team dynamics, that'll show Southampton City Council that you’re reliable and can effectively support various projects without a long onboarding process.
✨Prepare to Showcase Teamwork Skills
In the public sector, collaboration is vital. Be ready to discuss past experiences working in teams, especially in diverse environments. Highlight how you've contributed positively to group settings—this could really set you apart from other candidates in this temporary role.
