Placements Officer

1 - 2 Month Contract With A Local Authority

Job Purpose

To work as part of the Placements Finding Service, coordinating and securing suitable placements and support services for children and young people. The role involves working collaboratively with professionals, carers, families, and external agencies to ensure placements meet assessed needs, achieve positive outcomes, and comply with relevant legislation, policies, and safeguarding standards.

Key Responsibilities

• Coordinate and identify appropriate placements and services for children and young people, ensuring the best possible outcomes.
• Provide professional advice and guidance to referrers regarding placement options and service provision.
• Work collaboratively with internal teams, external agencies, carers, and families to support effective placement planning.
• Arrange emergency, short-term, fostering, residential, and secure accommodation placements where required.
• Ensure placements consider individual needs including health, education, culture, religion, ethnicity, gender, and language.
• Maintain accurate and timely records using electronic databases and case management systems.
• Prepare reports, including court reports and management information, as required.
• Participate in reviews, planning meetings, and multi-agency discussions.
• Ensure all work is completed in line with safeguarding requirements, legislation, data protection regulations, and professional standards.
• Support service development through collaboration with commissioning and strategy teams.
• Participate in supervision, training, appraisal processes, and continuous professional development.
• Undertake additional duties appropriate to the role and service needs.

Requirements

• GCSEs (or equivalent) in English and Mathematics.
• NVQ/OCF Level 3 in Caring for Children & Young People or equivalent qualification.
• Experience working within social care, fostering, residential care, or related services supporting children and families.
• Experience working to deadlines and managing competing priorities.
• Experience in a customer service environment.
• Experience using IT systems including databases, spreadsheets, email, and case recording systems.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Ability to maintain accurate electronic and written records.
• Knowledge of child development and care options for children and young people.
• Understanding of safeguarding, child care legislation, and data protection requirements.
• Effective organisational, negotiation, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to prioritise risk and manage challenging situations professionally.
• Commitment to equality, diversity, and anti-discriminatory practice.
• Willingness to undertake relevant training and continuous professional development.

Additional Information

• Hours per week: 36
• Location: Birmingham, B6
  
• Bi-Weekly Payments
  
• 1 Day In Office Required