Placement Officer – AR

Job Details

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 escalate 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-agency 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.