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- Tasks: Lead the Placement Support Service, ensuring timely and quality placements for children and young people.
- Company: Dynamic organisation focused on improving outcomes for vulnerable children.
- Benefits: Competitive daily rate, hybrid working, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while developing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: 2+ years management experience in placement or related services required.
- Other info: Join a supportive team with a commitment to continuous improvement.
The predicted salary is between 72000 - 90000 ÂŁ per year.
An exciting new opportunity has arisen for an experienced Service Manager to lead the Placement Support Service covering long‑term sickness leave. Central to this role will be ensuring high‑quality, timely placement arrangements for children and young people, driving service improvements, and embedding best practice across placement decision‑making.
About your role as Service Manager – Children’s Placements
- Provide operational leadership to the Placement Support Service, ensuring all children and young people receive suitable, needs‑led placements in a timely manner.
- Ensure all placements are sourced in line with commissioning and quality assurance frameworks.
- Offer specialist advice to staff on securing appropriate placements for CYP, including those with complex needs.
- Develop, review, and maintain robust systems and processes for placement oversight and decision-making.
- Lead the early identification and remediation of placements at risk of breakdown to promote stability.
- Work collaboratively with colleagues across Commissioning, Procurement, Health, Housing and Education to ensure joint planning that meets holistic needs.
- Support delivery of the Placement and Sufficiency Strategy, identifying resources, partnerships, and funding opportunities.
- Maintain strong relationships with providers, ensuring services are needs‑led, outcome‑focused and represent best value.
- Represent the Trust at regional commissioning forums to support system‑wide efficiencies.
- Provide strong leadership to the team, promoting high expectations, accountability and continuous improvement.
- Manage service budgets in line with organisational financial frameworks.
Your required experience as Service Manager Children’s Placements
- Minimum 2 years’ management experience at Manager level or above within placement, commissioning, corporate parenting or related services.
- A qualification in Social Work, or substantial experience in fields supporting children in care at risk of placement breakdown.
- Demonstrable knowledge of placement and brokerage services, commissioning, procurement and sufficiency planning.
- Strong ability to communicate with a wide range of stakeholders, from children and families to senior leaders.
- Experience delivering services in a fast‑paced, high‑expectation environment.
- Proven ability to apply high‑level analytical, negotiation and problem‑solving skills.
- Experience in budget management, data systems, quality assurance and performance frameworks.
- A commitment to improving outcomes for vulnerable children and young people.
- DBS clearance (or willingness to obtain).
If you’re interested in discussing this opportunity in more detail or know someone who this may be of interest to, please contact me on 0117 3137110 or apply today.
Recruiting decisions are based on experience and skills. Any reasonable adjustments will be fully supported during the application and hiring process.
Service Manager Placements employer: Trades Workforce Solutions
Contact Detail:
Trades Workforce Solutions Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Service Manager Placements
✨Tip Number 1
Get your networking game on! Reach out to people in the industry, especially those who work in children's placements. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings and even recommendations.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews like a pro! Research the organisation and think about how your experience aligns with their needs. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've improved services or led teams in the past.
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your passion for improving outcomes for children and young people. During interviews, highlight your commitment to quality placements and how you’ve tackled challenges in previous roles.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive and engaged with our platform.
We think you need these skills to ace Service Manager Placements
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Service Manager role. Highlight your management experience and any relevant qualifications in social work or related fields. We want to see how your skills match what we're looking for!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about improving outcomes for vulnerable children and young people. Share specific examples of your past experiences that relate to the role.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills: As a Service Manager, strong leadership is key. In your application, emphasise your ability to lead teams and drive service improvements. We love seeing candidates who can inspire others and promote high expectations!
Apply Through Our Website: Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we’re excited to hear from you directly and see how you can contribute to our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Trades Workforce Solutions
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of placement services and commissioning frameworks. Familiarise yourself with the specific needs of children and young people, especially those with complex needs. This will show that you're not just qualified but genuinely passionate about making a difference.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully led teams in the past. Think about times when you drove service improvements or managed budgets effectively. Be ready to discuss your approach to promoting high expectations and accountability within your team.
✨Communicate Clearly
Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and confidently. You’ll need to communicate with a range of stakeholders, so think about how you can tailor your message for different audiences. Use examples from your experience to demonstrate your strong communication skills.
✨Be Solution-Oriented
Think of specific challenges you've faced in previous roles and how you overcame them. Highlight your analytical and problem-solving skills, especially in fast-paced environments. This will show that you can handle the pressures of the role and are committed to improving outcomes for vulnerable children.
