Alternative Provision Placement Officer in Woking

We Do Social Work is seeking an experienced and highly organised Alternative Provision Placement Officer to support the sourcing, coordination and quality monitoring of alternative provision placements for children and young people. The successful candidate will act as a key point of contact for identifying and sourcing appropriate independent alternative provision, supporting the development of a strong provider network and ensuring that placements are appropriately quality assured, monitored and recorded. This is a varied role combining placement brokerage, commissioning support, quality assurance, data analysis and stakeholder engagement. You will work closely with professionals, education providers, families, partner agencies and alternative provision settings to help ensure that children and young people receive appropriate, safe and effective educational opportunities.

Key Responsibilities

• Act as a key point of contact for sourcing appropriate independent alternative provision placements.
• Identify suitable providers and placement opportunities based on the individual needs and circumstances of children and young people.
• Support the development and maintenance of a strong network of alternative provision providers.
• Coordinate referrals and placement enquiries, ensuring information is accurate, timely and appropriately recorded.
• Support frontline professionals with placement enquiries and provide advice regarding available provision.
• Help identify suitable solutions where an appropriate placement is not immediately available.
• Support the effective coordination of placements from initial referral through to placement commencement and ongoing monitoring.

Provider Engagement & Commissioning

• Support the promotion, development and ongoing management of an alternative provision provider framework.
• Engage with existing and prospective providers regarding their services, capacity and suitability.
• Support the onboarding of new providers, including the coordination of relevant safeguarding and quality assurance checks.
• Maintain accurate information regarding approved providers and available provision.
• Maintain an up-to-date directory of alternative provision, including relevant off-framework provision where required.
• Develop constructive relationships with providers, professionals and partner organisations.
• Support commissioning activity and contribute to reviews of provision, service quality and value for money.

Quality Assurance & Safeguarding

• Coordinate quality assurance activity relating to alternative provision providers.
• Ensure appropriate safeguarding and quality checks are completed and monitored.
• Monitor provider performance and raise concerns or emerging issues appropriately.
• Support the identification and resolution of concerns relating to the consistency, suitability or quality of placements.
• Maintain appropriate records and documentation relating to provider checks and placement activity.
• Ensure safeguarding considerations remain central to all placement and provider-related activity.

Data, Analysis & Reporting

• Collect, collate and analyse placement and commissioning data.
• Monitor referrals, placements, provider utilisation, costs and outcomes.
• Maintain accurate and reliable records relating to alternative provision placements.
• Identify trends, gaps, emerging issues and opportunities for improvement.
• Produce management information and reports to support effective decision-making and service planning.
• Provide constructive challenge where placement information or recording is incomplete or inconsistent.
• Contribute to improving the quality, transparency and consistency of placement data.

Stakeholder Management

• Build effective working relationships with education settings, alternative provision providers, social care professionals, families, health professionals and other partner agencies.
• Communicate effectively with a wide range of stakeholders and adapt communication style according to the situation.
• Provide advice, guidance and practical support to professionals involved in alternative provision placements.
• Work collaboratively to resolve placement issues and identify appropriate solutions.
• Represent We Do Social Work professionally when engaging with external providers and partner organisations.
• Use effective influencing, negotiation and interpersonal skills to achieve positive outcomes.

Key Skills & Experience

• Practical experience of placement brokerage, preferably within education, social care, children's services or a related environment.
• Understanding and practical experience of the commissioning cycle.
• Experience of working with external providers, partner agencies and multiple stakeholders.
• Strong organisational and administrative skills, with the ability to manage competing priorities.
• Strong analytical skills and confidence working with data and management information.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Effective influencing, negotiation and relationship-building skills.
• Excellent IT skills and confidence using databases, information systems and data-management tools.
• Experience of maintaining accurate records and producing reports.
• Ability to coordinate projects, reviews or areas of activity through to completion.
• Ability to work independently while contributing effectively to a wider team.
• Ability to remain calm and professional when working under pressure or responding to changing demands.
• Commitment to continuous professional development and learning.
• A strong understanding of safeguarding and the importance of safe, appropriate provision for children and young people.

Qualifications

• Educated to A-level standard or equivalent demonstrable experience.
• A relevant professional or business qualification at Level 4 or equivalent knowledge and experience.
• A relevant degree or professional qualification may be advantageous.
• Evidence of ongoing training and professional development.
• Relevant experience may be considered alongside formal qualifications.

Personal Qualities

• Highly organised and methodical.
• Professional, approachable and confident when communicating with others.
• Comfortable working with complex information and competing priorities.
• Proactive in identifying issues and finding practical solutions.
• Confident in influencing and negotiating with a range of stakeholders.
• Detail-focused, particularly when managing placement and safeguarding information.
• Resilient and able to remain calm under pressure.
• Committed to achieving positive outcomes for children and young people.
• Collaborative and able to establish positive professional relationships.
• Committed to equality, inclusion and respectful practice.

Safeguarding

We Do Social Work is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. The successful candidate will be expected to understand and comply with relevant safeguarding policies and procedures and to ensure that safeguarding considerations are embedded throughout placement sourcing, provider engagement and quality assurance activity.

Equality, Diversity & Inclusion

We are committed to working inclusively and respectfully with children, young people, families, colleagues, providers and partner organisations. The post holder will be expected to promote equality of opportunity and demonstrate an inclusive approach in all aspects of their work.

What Success Looks Like

In this role, you will contribute to:

• Children and young people accessing appropriate and safe alternative provision.
• Strong, effective relationships with alternative provision providers.
• Consistent and transparent placement processes.
• High-quality safeguarding and provider assurance.
• Accurate placement and commissioning data.
• Better visibility of provider capacity, costs and outcomes.
• Effective identification of emerging placement and sufficiency issues.
• Continuous improvement in the coordination and quality of alternative provision.