At a Glance
- Tasks: Source and arrange care packages, negotiate costs, and coordinate with health professionals.
- Company: Join Stoke-on-Trent City Council, a proud and inclusive employer.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, hybrid working, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Diverse workplace committed to equality, diversity, and inclusion.
- 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, Directorate: Adult Social Care & All Age Commissioning Section: Commissioning Location: Civic Centre Grade: Level 7 Salary: £31,022 - £33,699 per annum Hours: 37 hours per week This advert is open to both internal and external applicants.
About us
We are a city of strengths, with a proud heritage and bright future. Working for Stoke-on-Trent City Council is more than just a job, it's about making, protecting and improving the services for the local population, reducing inequalities and improving independence for the people who live and work in the city. We are always looking for people of the highest calibre with skills, knowledge and experience to help us deliver our compelling vision. Stoke-on-Trent City Council’s diverse and talented workforce is its greatest asset and most valuable resource.
The Role
Stoke-on-Trent City Council are 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
Further information on our Rewards and Benefits can be found here.
For more information on the role, please contact the Recruiting Manager Tina Goodby, Tina.Goodby@stoke.gov.uk
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.
