Placement Officer - AR

Job Description

Job Title: Placement Officer
Service Area: Safeguarding & Family Support - Children's Services
Reports to: Team Manager / Commissioning Manager

Job Purpose

To coordinate, source and commission high-quality placements for children and young people aged 0-25 years in line with assessed needs, statutory duties, safeguarding requirements, and budget frameworks. The role ensures timely, appropriate, and cost-effective placement solutions that promote stability, safety, and positive outcomes.

Key Responsibilities Placement Coordination & Brokerage

• Receive and process placement referrals from social workers and operational teams.
• Identify and source suitable placements including foster care, residential care, specialist provision, and supported accommodation.
• Match children and young people to placements based on assessed needs, risk, location, and cultural considerations.
• Liaise with internal fostering teams and external providers to secure appropriate provision.

Commissioning & Contract Management

• Negotiate placement costs and terms in line with commissioning frameworks and financial regulations.
• Ensure placements comply with statutory requirements and quality standards.
• Monitor placement agreements and elevate concerns where standards or contractual expectations are not met.
• Contribute to market engagement and development of provider relationships.

Safeguarding & Quality Assurance

• Ensure all placements meet safeguarding standards and regulatory compliance.
• Work collaboratively with social workers to ensure placement stability and risk management.
• Escalate safeguarding or quality concerns through appropriate channels.

Financial & Administrative Management

• Maintain accurate records of placements, costs, and contracts.
• Monitor expenditure and support budget management within delegated authority levels.
• Produce reports and data as required for performance monitoring and service development.

Partnership Working

• Develop effective working relationships with internal teams, independent providers, health, and education partners.
• Participate in placement panels or multi-agent meetings where required.

Person Specification Essential Knowledge & Experience

• Experience working within Children's Services, commissioning, brokerage, or placements.
• Knowledge of safeguarding legislation and statutory responsibilities relating to looked-after children.
• Understanding of foster care, residential care, and supported accommodation frameworks.
• Experience negotiating with external providers.

Skills & Abilities

• Strong organisational and prioritisation skills, particularly under pressure.
• Ability to analyse referrals and assess suitability of placements.
• Effective negotiation and communication skills.
• Accurate record keeping and financial awareness.
• Ability to build professional relationships with a range of stakeholders.

Qualifications

• Relevant professional qualification or equivalent experience in social care, commissioning, or related field.

Key Outcomes

• Timely placement of children and young people in safe, suitable environments.
• Improved placement stability.
• Compliance with statutory duties and safeguarding standards.
• Effective budget management and value for money.