At a Glance
- Tasks: Support social work teams in sourcing placements for vulnerable children.
- Company: Join Stockport Council, a recognised leader in inclusive employment.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, hybrid working, and commitment to employee wellbeing.
- Other info: Dynamic team environment with opportunities for personal and professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while developing your skills.
- Qualifications: Strong organisational skills and customer service experience required.
The predicted salary is between 26403 - 28142 £ per year.
Scale 4 (£26,403 - £28,142)
37 hours Full-Time Permanent Hybrid: Stopford House and homeworking
Application Deadline: 26th August 2026 11:59pm
Please be aware that we may close this vacancy early if a high volume of applications are received. We encourage you to submit your application as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.
Shortlisting Date: 27th August 2026
Interview Date: w/c 1st and 2nd September 2026
Interview Type: In person
Your Role
This is an exciting opportunity to join a team who provide essential support to our Social Work Teams in sourcing external placements for vulnerable children in our care. You will contribute to achieving improved outcomes for Children in our Care by coordinating and identifying quality placements that are matched, cost effective and that will meet their assessed needs and ensure the child or young person is supported to achieve the highest level of care / independence.
The role involves working in a fast-paced environment working proactively with a range of partners and professionals both internally and externally, seeking and responding to information, searching for packages for children and young people in a range of settings appropriate to their needs these include, foster care, residential children’s homes, semi-independent and supported accommodation.
About You
We expect staff recruited at scale 4 to be hard-working, well-organised and to work well as part of a team. You will have a commitment to providing a high standard of customer service, with strong organisational and interpersonal skills. You will be able to empathise and be sensitive to the needs of the people using our services. You will have previous experience of dealing with customers and be able to prioritise your own workload. You should be proficient in working with standard office IT applications including MS Office and with training be able to navigate in-house case management systems to retrieve and record information.
About Us
This is a vital role working with an experienced team supporting our Social Work teams to find the best outcomes for the Children in our Care. This is a fast paced and rewarding role where full training will be given. This is a good opportunity to work with services across the Council and we support hybrid working.
If you think you have the skills, enthusiasm and experience to fulfil such an important role and would like the opportunity to make a real difference, please see the more detailed Job Profile and Job Booklet which will tell you more about what it is like to work in Business Support.
At Stockport Council we are one ambitious team on a mission to create opportunities for everyone who lives, works and spends time in the borough. Working at Stockport Council means contributing to one of the most thriving towns in the North. We’re keen to recruit people with the right values and behaviours that can help us ensure our workplace values are at the heart of everything we do.
We are proud to be recognised under the Good Employment Charter as an organisation committed to the wellbeing of our colleagues. As members of the charter, we have been recognised as a great place to work for all colleagues and pledge to pay the real living wage, engage staff in key decisions and endorse fair and flexible working conditions.
Stockport Council holds a Visa sponsorship licence but this can only be used for certain roles and this campaign does not currently qualify. Please note that we have made a commitment to improve the employment opportunities for people with disabilities, care leavers and ex-military personnel. As part of the Guaranteed Assessment Scheme you will therefore be guaranteed to be shortlisted for Assessment if you meet both the criteria for the scheme and the essential job role criteria.
Find out if you meet the criteria here: https://www.greater.jobs/our-guaranteed-assessment-scheme
Privacy Notice
Stockport Council is committed to promoting a diverse and inclusive workforce culture - a place where we can all be ourselves and succeed. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and communities to join our workforce. We want our employees to have a good work life balance and in many job roles we can offer a range of flexible/hybrid working arrangements. We also have inclusive employment policies and staff engagement forums to support our diverse workforce. We will listen to, learn from, and develop our workforce.
Business Support Officer – External Placements Team in Stockport employer: Stockport Council
St Paul’s CE Primary School is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and nurturing environment where staff are valued and encouraged to grow professionally. With a strong commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, the school fosters a collaborative work culture that prioritises continuous improvement and high-quality professional development. Located in the heart of Brinnington, employees benefit from a warm community atmosphere and the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on the lives of children and families.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Business Support Officer – External Placements Team in Stockport
✨Dive into Local Community Groups
Social work thrives on community connections, so get involved in local groups or forums specific to your interests. Whether it’s volunteering at local shelters or joining community action boards, these are great ways to boost your visibility and make direct contacts that could lead to opportunities like the one at Stockport Council.
✨Attend Social Work Events and Workshops
Keep an eye out for workshops, seminars, or conferences in social work. These events are fantastic for meeting professionals in the field, learning about emerging trends, and spotting job openings. Plus, you might just bump into someone from Stockport Council!
✨Showcase Your Passion and Expertise
Use platforms like Instagram or LinkedIn to share your journey and insights into the social work sector. Whether it’s writing about your experiences or sharing relevant articles, this helps to establish you as an engaged professional. Potential employers, like Stockport Council, will notice your enthusiasm!
✨Leverage Your Network
Don’t hesitate to reach out to professors, mentors, or even past colleagues who are in social work. They might have inside knowledge about openings at Stockport Council or be able to connect you with someone who’s hiring. Networking is key, especially in a full-time role where relationships matter.
We think you need these skills to ace Business Support Officer – External Placements Team in Stockport
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Social Work:In your cover letter, let us see your passion for social work shine through! Talk about the experiences that made you want to pursue this career—whether it’s volunteering, personal experiences, or academic projects. We want to know why this field matters to you.
Emphasise Relevant Qualifications:Make sure your CV highlights any relevant qualifications, like degrees in social work or certifications like a DBS check. If you've done any workshops or training, don’t forget to include those as well. We're keen to see your commitment to your professional development!
Detail Your Experience with Clients:Since this is a hands-on field, detailing any direct experience you have with clients is crucial. Whether it's internships, volunteer roles, or previous jobs, highlight those experiences in your CV to show us you've got the practical skills necessary for the job!
Tailor Your Application to Stockport Council:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Stockport Council! Research our mission and values, and refer to them in your cover letter. This shows us that you understand our work and are genuinely interested in being a part of our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Stockport Council
✨Understanding the Role of Empathy
In social work, understanding and demonstrating empathy is key. Be prepared to share personal experiences or scenarios where you effectively showed compassion and support. This helps show that you genuinely care about the well-being of others, which is crucial in social work.
✨Demonstrating Knowledge of Frameworks
Familiarise yourself with the frameworks and models used in social work, such as the Strengths-Based Approach or the Ecological Perspective. Be ready to discuss how these frameworks apply to your work, especially if you can tie them into real-world examples or case studies you've encountered.
✨Showcasing Your Multi-Disciplinary Skills
In a full-time social work role, you'll often collaborate with healthcare professionals, educators, and law enforcement. Be prepared to describe your teamwork experiences and how you've effectively communicated with other disciplines to achieve the best outcomes for clients.
✨Preparing for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that put you in hypothetical social work situations, such as dealing with a crisis or managing a complex case. Think through your thought process for these scenarios beforehand, considering how you'd assess the situation and what steps you'd take, as this demonstrates your critical thinking and problem-solving abilities.
