Job Title: Children's Placement Officer
Location: Walsall
Hours: 37 per week, full-time
Working Structure: Hybrid - 2 days in office / remainder working from home
Pay Rate: £16.89 per hour (PAYE) / £22.16 per hour (Umbrella)
Requirement: Enhanced DBS (desirable)
Key Duties & Responsibilities
- Source and identify appropriate foster homes, residential placements, and supported accommodation for children aged 0-17.
- Ensure all providers meet required quality standards, including valid Ofsted/CQC registration, and that all documentation is up to date and compliant.
- Negotiate fees with providers to achieve best value while maintaining high-quality care and services.
- Prepare and complete contracts in line with current frameworks, ensuring accurate recording of all placement searches.
- Collaborate closely with Children's Social Care Teams, including Commissioning (Adults and Children), Emergency Duty Team, Fostering, and external providers.
- Respond promptly in urgent situations, supporting teams who may be awaiting immediate placement solutions.
Skills & Experience
- In-depth knowledge of children's social care processes and placement requirements.
- Strong negotiation skills, balancing cost efficiency with service quality.
- Excellent communication skills, with the ability to remain calm, professional, and solution-focused under pressure.
- High attention to detail, particularly in compliance and quality assurance checks.
- Proven ability to work collaboratively within a small, dedicated team.
