Job Details

Job Description: Brokerage Officer (Children’s & Adults’ Services)

Location: County Hall, County Council Offices (Oxford)
Hours: Part-time – 18.5 hours per week over 2.5 days
Working Arrangement: Hybrid working – minimum office attendance twice per month, with flexibility to attend more frequently depending on service needs
Pay Rate: G9 – £17.85–£19.32 per hour PAYE

Role Purpose

The Brokerage Officer plays a key role in sourcing and arranging suitable care and support services for children, young people and adults. Working closely with social workers, families, care providers and commissioning teams, the postholder will identify the right support solutions that meet individual needs, promote positive outcomes and provide value for money.

The role involves managing referrals, finding appropriate placements and support packages, negotiating with providers, maintaining accurate records and ensuring arrangements are safe, effective and person-centred. The successful candidate will use their knowledge of social care, placement services and provider markets to support timely decisions and improve outcomes for vulnerable people.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage referrals for care and support arrangements and identify suitable placement options.
• Source placements and support packages that meet individual needs, preferences and outcomes.
• Work with social workers, families and providers to agree effective care solutions.
• Negotiate with providers regarding availability, costs and service arrangements.
• Provide information, advice and guidance to families and professionals throughout the brokerage process.
• Build and maintain strong working relationships with care providers, operational teams and commissioning colleagues.
• Ensure all placements meet safeguarding, quality and legislative requirements.
• Complete accurate documentation, contract paperwork and recording using relevant systems.
• Attend meetings, panels and reviews to support effective decision-making.
• Monitor placement activity, contribute to service improvements and support commissioning priorities.

Skills and Experience Required

Communication & Relationship Building

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to adapt communication style when working with children, families, social workers and providers.
• Strong negotiation and influencing skills.
• Experience managing professional relationships and challenging conversations.

Organisation & Case Management

• Ability to manage multiple cases and competing priorities.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to maintain accurate records.
• Experience working in a fast-paced environment with deadlines.

Systems & Data Skills

• Good IT skills including Microsoft Office, Excel, Teams and SharePoint.
• Experience using case management or placement management systems such as CONTROCC, Mosaic or similar.
• Ability to analyse information, track performance and produce reports.

Problem Solving

• Ability to identify solutions for complex placement and support needs.
• Ability to work independently and make informed decisions.
• Creative approach to overcoming challenges.

Relevant Experience

Suitable candidates may come from backgrounds including:

• Brokerage or placement-finding roles.
• Children’s social care or adult social care.
• Commissioning or procurement.
• Care coordination or service coordination.
• Social work support roles.
• SEND services.
• Supported accommodation services.
• Health and social care environments.
• Customer service roles involving vulnerable people and complex situations.

Knowledge Required

• Understanding of children’s social care and placement processes.
• Awareness of SEND needs and support pathways.
• Understanding of safeguarding responsibilities.
• Knowledge of relevant legislation, policies and government guidance relating to care and support services.
• Awareness of commissioning, procurement and provider management processes.

Ideal Candidate

The successful candidate will be organised, proactive and confident working with a range of professionals and providers. They will have strong negotiation skills, a person-centred approach and the ability to find practical solutions for children, families and vulnerable adults requiring care and support.