At Suffolk County Council, collaboration is at the heart of what we do. As a Senior Home Finding Officer in the Strategic Commissioning and Home Finding Team you'll work with colleagues across children's services, partner agencies, and external providers to build trust, share ideas, and deliver services that make a positive lasting impact for children in care. Reimagine the possibilities.
Responsibilities
- Support the Home Finding team functions including oversight of the home finding referral caseload and day‑to‑day operations.
- Contact providers directly to identify potential homes for children in care.
- Carry out due diligence checks on externally purchased providers and home finding searches.
- Attend multi‑agency meetings in relation to individual children's placements.
- Have regular liaison with Contract Managers, Commissioning and In‑house services.
- Audit and track the Home Finding processes.
- Negotiate costs with providers.
- Deputise for the Home Finding Manager and cover the other Senior Home Finding Officers when required.
Qualifications and Skills
- Knowledge and experience of commissioning homes for children and quality assurance of different types of placements.
- Transferable skills and previous experience in a related role.
- Ability to prioritise workload dynamically and work effectively in a fast‑paced environment.
- Strong communication skills via e‑mail and telephone with external providers and wider children’s services colleagues, with empathy and conflict resolution.
- Precise, objective and accurate recording and reporting skills.
- Openness to collaborate and promote effective teamwork.
Work Arrangement
Hybrid working is supported. Team members are expected to work from Endeavour House on Tuesdays and Thursdays, as well as during periods of high service demand. Occasionally, the need to work flexibly for a limited period may arise at the end of the working day, with additional hours taken back as time off in lieu. Outside of normal operating hours, an Emergency Duty Service provides 24/7 cover for urgent placement needs.
Benefits
- Up to 29 days annual leave entitlement (pro rata), plus UK bank holidays and two paid volunteering days.
- Membership of a competitive Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS).
- Travel, lifestyle, health and wellbeing benefits.
- Performance‑related annual pay progression, in addition to an annual cost‑of‑living pay increase.
- Training and encouragement to expand your knowledge.
- A variety of career development opportunities across our organisation.
- Diverse and active staff networks.
- Flexible working options, with the right to request flexible working from your first day.
Commitment to Safeguarding
This authority is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. DBS checks or police vetting will be required for relevant posts.
