At a Glance
- Tasks: Source and secure placements for children and young people, ensuring quality and safeguarding standards.
- Company: Join Telford & Wrekin Council, rated Outstanding by Ofsted.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, generous leave, flexible working, and career progression opportunities.
- Other info: Dynamic environment with support from senior leaders and a focus on positive outcomes.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of children and young people while developing your skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in Children's Services and strong negotiation and communication skills required.
The predicted salary is between 29064 - 31022 £ per year.
We are looking for a proactive and child-focused Brokerage Officer to join the CYP Brokerage Team. You will play a key role in sourcing, negotiating, and securing high-quality placements and support packages that meet the needs of children and young people. This is a fast-paced role where you will ensure timely, cost-effective, and outcome-focused provision, working closely with social care teams, providers, and partner agencies.
Key Responsibilities
- Source and secure placements including residential, fostering, supported accommodation, education, and support services
- Respond to urgent and same-day placement requests
- Build and maintain strong relationships with providers
- Negotiate placement fees to ensure value for money
- Work collaboratively with social care, commissioning, and health partners
- Ensure placements meet safeguarding and quality standards
- Maintain accurate records and monitor placement spend
- Contribute to service development and market improvement
What we're looking for
- Experience in Children's Services (brokerage/placements desirable)
- Strong negotiation, organisation, and communication skills
- Ability to manage high workloads and work under pressure
- A solution-focused approach to complex cases
- Understanding of safeguarding and statutory responsibilities
- Opportunity to make a real difference to children and young people
- A dynamic and rewarding working environment
Selection Process
As part of the recruitment process, candidates will be required to deliver a 5 minute discussion on the current children's Residential homes market. Candidates shall demonstrate their understanding of market challenges, sufficiency and placement options.
Why Telford & Wrekin?
We’re incredibly proud to be rated Outstanding by Ofsted and remain the only authority in the West Midlands to have achieved this twice. Our April 2024 Ofsted inspection highlighted:
- Exceptional social work practice
- Participation is a real strength
- Care leavers benefit from a generous local offer
- Staff feel valued and supported by visible senior leaders
Join us and be part of a service where high-quality practice, strong leadership, and positive outcomes for children and young people are at the heart of everything we do.
What we offer
- Competitive salaries and a fantastic leave package - starting at 24 days, rising to 32 days with service, plus 8 bank holidays and an extra concessionary day to enjoy.
- Flexible working & career progression
- Local Government Pension Scheme
- Staff discounts & salary sacrifice perks
- Free parking & confidential wellbeing support
- Hybrid working model - whether you’re in the office or working from home, we support a balance that fits your personal and family commitments
For further information on the role please click on the links below to view the job description and person specification. Additionally, if you would like to find out more about this role contact Team Leader Julie Van Beek on 01952 385749 or email Julie.vanbeek@telford.gov.uk.
Please note: We do not hold a sponsorship licence for visas.
Children & Young People - Brokerage Officer in Telford employer: Telford and Wrekin Council
Telford & Wrekin Council is an outstanding employer dedicated to making a real difference in the lives of children and young people. With a strong focus on employee wellbeing, competitive salaries, and generous leave packages, we foster a supportive work culture that values collaboration and professional growth. Join us in a dynamic environment where your contributions are recognised, and you can truly impact the community.
Contact Details:
Telford and Wrekin Council Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Children & Young People - Brokerage Officer in Telford
✨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 Telford and Wrekin 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 Telford and Wrekin 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 Telford and Wrekin 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 Telford and Wrekin 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 Children & Young People - Brokerage Officer in Telford
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 Telford and Wrekin Council:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Telford and Wrekin 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 Telford and Wrekin 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.
