At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and manage a team to source and negotiate care packages effectively.
- Company: Join Nottinghamshire County Council, a leader in adult social care.
- Benefits: Competitive daily rate of £400-£500 and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Dynamic role with a focus on continuous improvement and high standards.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while developing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in adult social care brokerage and strong negotiation skills required.
The predicted salary is between 40500 - 49500 £ per year.
Organisation: Nottinghamshire County Council
Department: Adult Social Care and Health
Rate: £400–£500 per day
Role Purpose
Nottinghamshire County Council is seeking an experienced Brokerage Manager to lead and oversee its Adult Social Care Brokerage function. The role is responsible for managing a large team, ensuring care packages and placements are sourced and negotiated in a timely, compliant and outcomes-focused manner while achieving value for money.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead, manage and develop the Brokerage team, providing clear direction, supervision, coaching and professional guidance.
- Oversee the sourcing, negotiation and commissioning of care packages and placements in line with individual care and support plans.
- Ensure packages are arranged within agreed timescales, personal budgets and Council procurement requirements.
- Build and maintain effective relationships with care providers, operational teams, commissioners and external stakeholders.
- Negotiate and benchmark provider fees and rates to secure quality services and value for money.
- Act as the main escalation point for complex brokerage cases, provider capacity issues and service concerns.
- Promote strength-based approaches by identifying local services, community resources and alternative support opportunities.
- Monitor provider availability, quality, safeguarding concerns and contractual compliance.
- Use market intelligence and brokerage data to inform commissioning strategies and market development.
- Produce reports and financial information to support commissioning reviews and budget forecasting.
- Support the Council in managing its external provider expenditure of approximately £480 million.
- Ensure accurate records, financial information and placement documentation are maintained through systems including Mosaic.
- Attend operational panels, provider forums and regional partnership meetings.
- Promote continuous improvement, effective communication and high standards of customer service.
Key Accountabilities
- Ensure care packages reflect assessed needs and agreed care and support plans.
- Maintain efficient brokerage processes, quality assurance systems and accurate provider information.
- Ensure placements meet financial, procurement, audit and contractual requirements.
- Provide timely information to service users, families, advocates, operational teams and providers.
- Monitor team performance, resources and service delivery.
- Escalate safeguarding, quality, financial and performance concerns appropriately.
- Develop staff competence and maintain strong provider and stakeholder relationships.
- Demonstrate value for money across all commissioned care and support arrangements.
Person Specification
Essential Knowledge and Experience
- Significant experience in adult social care brokerage, commissioning, placements or a related service.
- Understanding of the Care Act 2014, Mental Capacity Act 2005 and adult safeguarding legislation.
- Knowledge of CQC regulatory requirements and social care quality monitoring.
- Understanding of strategic commissioning, contract monitoring and provider management.
- Knowledge of NHS Continuing Healthcare (CHC) and partnership working.
- Experience using social care case management systems, ideally Mosaic.
- Strong financial, commercial and negotiation skills.
- Good IT skills, including Microsoft Excel, Word, PowerPoint, SharePoint and Teams.
- Educated to A-Level/NVQ Level 4 or equivalent in Business Administration, Finance or a related area, or substantial relevant experience.
Key Skills and Competencies
- Strong leadership, team management and staff development skills.
- Excellent communication, negotiation and relationship-building abilities.
- Ability to analyse and present complex financial and performance information.
- Strong organisational, planning and prioritisation skills.
- Ability to work independently and manage competing demands in a fast-paced environment.
- Excellent problem-solving, decision-making and service improvement skills.
- Commitment to equality, customer service and person-centred outcomes.
- Evidence of ongoing professional development.
Brokerage Manager in Arnold employer: We Do Social Work
We Do Social Work is an exceptional employer that prioritises the well-being and development of its staff, offering a supportive work culture where collaboration and innovation thrive. As a Social Work Assistant in the Children & Families team, you will benefit from ongoing training and professional growth opportunities, all while making a meaningful impact in the community. Located in a vibrant area, our organisation values flexibility and encourages a healthy work-life balance, making it an ideal place for those passionate about social work.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Brokerage Manager in Arnold
✨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 We Do Social Work.
✨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 We Do Social Work!
✨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 We Do Social Work, 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 We Do Social Work 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 Brokerage Manager in Arnold
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 We Do Social Work:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to We Do Social Work! 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 We Do Social Work
✨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.
