At a Glance
- Tasks: Support children and young people by sourcing and coordinating care placements.
- Company: Join a North London public client dedicated to children's services.
- Benefits: Competitive pay, potential for contract extension, and hybrid working options.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of looked-after children while developing your career.
- Qualifications: Experience in placements or commissioning within children's services is essential.
- Other info: Full-time role with a supportive team and expert career guidance.
We are working in partnership with a North London public client to find an experienced Placement Officer to join their Access to Resources Team, supporting children and young people up to 18 years of age. The role involves commissioning and coordinating a range of external care placements including Independent Fostering Agencies, Residential, Special Needs, and Welfare Secure settings. Key Responsibilities: Source, negotiate, and commission placements that meet the needs of looked-after children. Work collaboratively with social workers, providers, and partner agencies to ensure quality, cost-effective placements. Maintain accurate records, ensure compliance with policies, and respond promptly to urgent placement needs.Requirements: Previous experience in a Placements or Commissioning Team within children\’s services. Strong organisational, negotiation, and partnership working skills. Ability to work proactively, maintaining confidentiality and professionalism under pressure. Contract length: 3-6 months (with expectation of an ongoing extension) Rate of Pay: £19.95 – £24.94 per hour (Negotiable DOE). Hours: Full time, 37 hours each week. (Hybrid working arrangements TBC). Hit the apply button now and follow the steps below: Contact Leasha on (phone number removed) Here at Spencer Clarke Group, we pride ourselves on connecting you with the best career opportunities; our experienced Consultants have extensive market knowledge in Children\’s Services and will also provide expert career advice along the way. We also have a market leading referral scheme of up to £250* so if you know of someone who may also be looking for an exciting career opportunity, ask them to contact Leasha at Spencer Clarke Group.*T\’s & C\’s apply
Placements Officer employer: Spencer Clarke Group
Contact Detail:
Spencer Clarke Group Recruiting 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 contacts in children's services and let them know you're on the lookout for opportunities. You never know who might have a lead or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the organisation and its values. Be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their mission, especially in sourcing and negotiating placements for looked-after children.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your negotiation skills! Since this role involves commissioning placements, being able to demonstrate your ability to negotiate effectively will set you apart from other candidates.
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we’re here to support you every step of the way in landing that Placement Officer role.
We think you need these skills to ace Placements Officer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Placements Officer role. Highlight your experience in children's services and any relevant skills like negotiation and partnership working. We want to see how you can bring value to our Access to Resources Team!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about supporting looked-after children and how your previous experience makes you the perfect fit for this role. We love a good story, so make it personal!
Showcase Your Organisational Skills: In your application, be sure to mention specific examples of how you've successfully managed multiple placements or projects in the past. We need someone who can juggle tasks effectively, so let us know how you’ve done it before!
Apply Through Our Website: Don't forget to hit that apply button on our website! It’s the easiest way for us to receive your application and get the ball rolling. Plus, it shows you’re keen to join our team at StudySmarter!
How to prepare for a job interview at Spencer Clarke Group
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you understand the role of a Placements Officer inside out. Familiarise yourself with the types of placements you'll be working with, like Independent Fostering Agencies and Residential settings. This knowledge will help you answer questions confidently and show that you're genuinely interested in the position.
✨Showcase Your Skills
Highlight your organisational and negotiation skills during the interview. Prepare specific examples from your past experience where you've successfully sourced or commissioned placements. This will demonstrate your ability to work collaboratively and effectively under pressure, which is crucial for this role.
✨Be Ready to Discuss Compliance
Since maintaining accurate records and ensuring compliance is key, be prepared to discuss how you've handled these aspects in previous roles. Bring up any relevant policies you've worked with and how you ensured adherence to them, as this will show your attention to detail and professionalism.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare some thoughtful questions to ask at the end of your interview. Inquire about the team dynamics, the challenges they face in sourcing placements, or how they measure success in this role. This not only shows your interest but also helps you gauge if the company culture aligns with your values.