At a Glance
- Tasks: Source and arrange care packages, negotiate costs, and coordinate with health professionals.
- Company: Join Stoke-on-Trent City Council, dedicated to improving local services and community wellbeing.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, hybrid working options, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Diverse and inclusive workplace that values every individual's unique contributions.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while developing your skills in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Strong communication, negotiation skills, and knowledge of adult social care systems required.
The predicted salary is between 31022 - 33699 £ per year.
Stoke-on-Trent City Council is looking for a Care Broker to join the Commissioning Team. Brokerage sits at the operational end of the wider commissioning function and acts as the link between assessed need and service delivery. Commissioning teams set the strategic direction (e.g. market shaping, service design, contracts). Brokerage implements this by sourcing individual care packages that align with those frameworks and priorities.
Brokerage provides real-time intelligence on provider capacity, cost pressures, and gaps in provision, which informs commissioning decisions and future service development. While commissioners set pricing frameworks and contracts, brokers negotiate individual packages within these parameters to achieve cost-effective solutions.
Key Responsibilities
- Source and arrange appropriate care and support packages in line with assessed needs
- Work closely with social workers, health professionals and providers to coordinate care
- Negotiate costs to ensure value for money while maintaining quality standards
- Support timely hospital discharges by securing suitable care placements
- Monitor availability within the care market and identify suitable providers
- Maintain accurate records and ensure compliance with policies, procedures, and contracts
- Manage referrals and prioritise urgent cases effectively
- Resolve placement issues and escape risks where required
About You
- Effective communication – clear, professional interaction with service users, families, providers and professionals
- Negotiation and influencing – securing appropriate care at best value
- Organisation and prioritisation – managing multiple referrals and tight deadlines
- Knowledge of adult social care systems – pathways, eligibility, safeguarding and legislation
- Market awareness – understanding of local care providers and available services
- Problem-solving – identifying suitable solutions quickly in complex situations
- Attention to detail – accurate recording, compliance and contract terms
- Partnership working – collaborating across health and social care teams
- Resilience and adaptability – working under pressure in a fast-paced environment
What we offer
- A competitive salary based on your skills, experience and talent
- Hybrid and flexible working options
- An excellent local authority benefits pension scheme
- Professional development through learning opportunities, regular training sessions and apprenticeship and management schemes
For more information on the role, please contact the Recruiting Manager Tina Goodby.
Pre-Employment Checks
- Right to Work in the UK
- Proof of address
- Satisfactory references
- Occupational Health Clearance
- Evidence of professional qualifications or registrations
- DBS check at the appropriate level (if applicable for the role)
The Council will not accept any speculative CVs from employment agencies. No agency terms and conditions accompanying any such CVs will be accepted by the Council. Any unsolicited information sent by an employment agency will be treated as the property of the Council.
Please note that if an employee who is currently at risk of redundancy within the organisation applies for this vacancy their application will receive priority. If this happens you will be advised accordingly.
Equality, Diversity and Inclusion
At Stoke-on-Trent City Council, we believe our strength comes from the diversity of our community, and we want our workforce to reflect that. We welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds and experiences. We understand that some people, especially those from underrepresented or marginalised backgrounds, may hesitate to apply if they don’t meet all the listed requirements. If this role interests you and you think you could be a good fit, we encourage you to apply. We are proud of what makes each of us unique and are committed to creating a workplace where everyone feels included, can be themselves, and can succeed together.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Care Broker
✨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 WMJobs.
✨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 WMJobs!
✨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 WMJobs, 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 WMJobs 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 Care Broker
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 WMJobs:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to WMJobs! 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 WMJobs
✨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.
