Quality of Placements Officer in Andover

This role sits in the Children's Social Care Commissioning team and works closely with social care colleagues. We are a small team responsible for commissioning the services required to support our families, and this is a new role in the team. Hybrid working is supported in the team with attendance at Staffordshire Place One expected once a week. Flexible working hours are also supported and we are happy to discuss this with you.

The residential education schools contract is 2 years until 31st August 2028 and the position is a fixed‑term role for the duration of the contract.

Responsibilities

• Conduct quality assurance (QA) visits to residential schools to ensure compliance with the National Minimum Standards for Residential Education Settings and that needs are met in accordance with care plans and contracts.
• Support the Commissioning Manager to ensure commissioned places deliver high standards of care and comply with council procedures and contracts.
• QA the commissioned centre‑based community support services for children that are not covered by CQC or OFSTED, providing the Local Authority and families with additional protection and oversight.
• Attend the Admissions and Review panels at each residential school when students are considered for support.
• Review individual placement plans, progress and outcomes to confirm placements help children and young people develop life skills, independence, prepare for adulthood, and access local community activities relevant to their needs.
• Attend the Children’s Disability Resource Panel every fortnight, working with Social Care colleagues and raising any safeguarding concerns.
• Contribute to the development of children's services to ensure families receive appropriate support.

Essential Minimum Criteria

• Educated to degree level in a related field or equivalent experience in the social care/health sector and/or commissioning.
• Experience of working directly with children.
• Experience in a children’s social care setting or similar environment.
• Demonstrable knowledge and experience of quality assurance systems.
• Demonstrable effective continuous improvement in service delivery.
• Understanding of relevant legislation and current challenges in this service area.
• Effective communication skills with a range of audiences including children and young people.

Benefits

In addition to a competitive salary, you will have access to a supportive working environment and benefits that support a healthy work‑life balance.