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- Tasks: Secure and manage high-quality placements for children in care while liaising with partners.
- Company: Join Spencer Clarke Group, a local authority dedicated to improving children's lives in Berkshire.
- Benefits: Competitive salary starting at £22+ph, with potential for negotiation based on experience.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in children's lives while working in a supportive, collaborative environment.
- Qualifications: 2+ years of experience in coordinating placements and fee negotiation required.
- Other info: Contract type is 3-6 months with a strong chance of extension; Monday to Friday, 37 hours.
The predicted salary is between 44000 - 66000 £ per year.
Spencer Clarke Group are seeking a Placement Officer (Children's) for a local authority based in Berkshire. In this role you will secure and manage cost-effective, high-quality placements for children in care by overseeing data, negotiating fees, and liaising with multi-agency partners.
Key Duties:
- Source, match and secure cost-effective placements by responding to referrals and negotiating fees.
- Maintain placement databases (e.g., Mosaic) and produce management information on capacity, costs and sufficiency.
- Build and sustain relationships with social workers, local providers and multi-agency partners to develop in-borough placement options.
- Ensure all placements comply with safeguarding, health & safety standards and Council policies.
Qualifications and Experience:
- 2+ years coordinating placements for looked-after children, including fee negotiation with tools like the Care Funding Calculator.
- Proven experience managing and reporting placement data in systems such as Mosaic.
- Building and sustaining partnerships with social workers, in-borough providers and multi-agency stakeholders.
- Applying safeguarding, health & safety and local government financial frameworks; familiarity with Ofsted inspection requirements.
What's on offer:
- Salary: £22+ph (may negotiate higher for exceptional candidates, based on experience)
- Contract type: 3-6 months minimum, with a high likelihood of extension
- Hours: Monday to Friday, 37 hours per week
How to apply:
Once your CV is received, if you are successful, you will be contacted. Due to the extremely high number of applications, it may not be possible to contact every applicant. As such, if you are not contacted, please assume you have not been successful on this occasion. For any further questions, please contact Taylor Kirkham.
Placement Officer employer: Spencer Clarke Group
Contact Detail:
Spencer Clarke Group Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Placement Officer
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the local authority's current placement strategies and policies. Understanding their approach will help you tailor your discussions and demonstrate your knowledge during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the field, especially those who have experience with children's placements. Attend relevant workshops or seminars to build connections that could lead to valuable insights or referrals.
✨Tip Number 3
Brush up on your negotiation skills, particularly in relation to fee negotiations. Being able to confidently discuss financial aspects will set you apart as a candidate who can effectively manage costs.
✨Tip Number 4
Stay updated on safeguarding regulations and Ofsted inspection requirements. Showing that you are knowledgeable about these areas will reassure employers of your commitment to compliance and child welfare.
We think you need these skills to ace Placement Officer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in coordinating placements for looked-after children. Emphasise your skills in fee negotiation and data management, particularly with systems like Mosaic.
Craft a Strong Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that specifically addresses the key duties mentioned in the job description. Discuss your experience in building relationships with social workers and multi-agency partners, and how you ensure compliance with safeguarding standards.
Highlight Relevant Qualifications: In your application, clearly outline any qualifications or training related to safeguarding, health & safety, and local government financial frameworks. Mention familiarity with Ofsted inspection requirements if applicable.
Follow Up: After submitting your application through our website, consider sending a polite follow-up email after a week or two. This shows your enthusiasm for the role and keeps you on their radar.
How to prepare for a job interview at Spencer Clarke Group
✨Know Your Data
Familiarise yourself with placement databases like Mosaic. Be prepared to discuss how you have managed and reported placement data in the past, as this will demonstrate your technical skills and understanding of the role.
✨Showcase Your Negotiation Skills
Since fee negotiation is a key part of the job, think of examples where you've successfully negotiated placements or fees. Highlight your experience with tools like the Care Funding Calculator to show you're equipped for the task.
✨Build Relationships
Emphasise your ability to build and sustain relationships with social workers and multi-agency partners. Prepare examples of how you've collaborated with others to secure placements, as teamwork is crucial in this role.
✨Understand Safeguarding Standards
Be ready to discuss your knowledge of safeguarding, health & safety standards, and local government financial frameworks. This shows that you are not only aware of the policies but also committed to ensuring compliance in your work.
