Placements Officer SO2

23 months contract with a Local Authority

Job Summary:

• To commission a range of external care placements to meet the needs of the Council s Looked After Children.
  
• To ensure the delivery of Value for Money in all the team s commissioning processes.
  
• To negotiate the costs of individual and volume agreements to deliver ongoing efficiencies.
  
• To develop the provider market to meet the evolving needs of the complex client group.
  
• To ensure that the appropriate contract framework is in place for each placement made.
  
• To advise social workers on other staff on the most appropriate placement option available.
  
• To ensure that all children and young people in external placements are safeguarded from harm and have the appropriate care packages in place to meet their needs.
  
• To act as an interface between external agencies and the operational services to maximise placement stability and minimise placement disruption.
  
• To contribute to the development and implementation of the Department s service strategy its performance and its contribution to the Council s objectives.
  
• To manage within a quality and equalities framework based on Council policy and performance targets professional standards and best practice.
  
• Contribute to the development and delivery of services in a manner that reflects the diversity of the group s users and staff.
  
• To support the Team Manager (Access to Resources) and adhere to the Council s standing orders and financial regulations.
  
• To work closely with partners in Health Education and other Council groups external providers and the private and voluntary sector to ensure that the most appropriate joint planning/funding arrangements are agreed and progressed.
  
• To play a major role in developing and implementing the Service Centre Plan of the Access to Resources Integrated Service.
  

Key Duties/Accountabilities (Sample):

• To play an active role as a member of the Integrated Children s Commissioning Service.
  
• To develop and maintain a work programme that ensures the appropriate tasks and processes are completed to agreed timescales and standards.
  
• To assist in the design and implementation of working systems electronic and other information flows.
  
• To participate in corporate groups where appropriate representing the Access to Resources Team as agreed.
  
• To ensure that the Council s financial policies are implemented and that financial arrangements are adhered to.
  
• To play a key role in safeguarding the external placements budget by directing operational social work staff on the most costeffective placement options.
  
• To contribute to the development of a team plan and associated monitoring and reviewing processes.
  
• To maintain and update the approved lists and contracts for children s agency placements and all related records and documentation.
  
• To attend organisational meetings on the most complex cases to determine best outcomes for Looked After Children in external provision.
  
• Any other duties reasonably requested by management.
  
• Carry out all accountabilities in compliance with the Council s Policies and Procedures.
  

Skills/Experience:

• Knowledge of the range of complex needs of Looked After Children and an understanding of the most appropriate interventions to meet those needs.
  
• Excellent organisational skills including the ability to manage competing demands respond to emergency situations and manage your workload effectively.
  
• Experience in partnership working with statutory sector partners.
  
• Experience in contract monitoring and performance management.
  
• Experience of market management and working with external providers.
  
• Experience within a statutory children s setting
  
• Knowledge and experience of systems for meaningful engagement with young people in planning delivering and reviewing services.