Senior Service Provision Officer

Job title: Senior Service Provision Officer

Salary: £44,253 progressing to £48,738 per annum

Hours: 37

Location: Stevenage

Contract: Permanent

Directorate: Childrens Services

The Children's Services Brokerage Team is responsible for securing high-quality, timely and cost-effective support for children, young people and their families across Hertfordshire.

Working in partnership with Social Workers, SEND services, Health professionals, Commissioners and external providers, the team sources and secures a wide range of services, including support packages, short breaks, specialist provision and placements. The team plays a key role in ensuring children receive the right support at the right time while maintaining a strong focus on safeguarding, quality and value for money.

As a Senior Service Provision Officer, you will support the delivery of an effective brokerage service, helping to secure appropriate support and placements for children and young people with a range of needs.

You will provide day-to-day guidance and support to Brokerage Officers, oversee complex service requests and placement searches, and work closely with colleagues, providers and partner agencies to identify solutions that achieve positive outcomes for children and families.

This is a varied role requiring excellent organisational, communication and problem-solving skills, together with the ability to manage competing priorities within a busy service environment.

• You will support the Team Manager in the day-to-day operation of the Children's Services Brokerage Team and provide guidance and support to Brokerage Officers to ensure high-quality service delivery.
• You will oversee complex brokerage requests and placement searches, working with colleagues, providers and partner agencies to secure appropriate services for children and young people.
• You will build positive relationships with providers, support negotiations to achieve value for money, and help resolve complex service and placement challenges.
• You will monitor performance, undertake quality assurance activities, maintain accurate records and ensure compliance with safeguarding responsibilities, legislation and local procedures.
• You will also contribute to service improvements by identifying trends, barriers and opportunities to enhance service delivery.

We are looking for a motivated and solution-focused individual with a commitment to improving outcomes for children and young people.

• Experience working with disabled children and young people and/or within Children's Social Care.
• Experience working collaboratively with families, professionals and partner organisations.
• Knowledge and understanding of safeguarding principles and responsibilities.
• Strong communication, relationship-building and negotiation skills.
• Excellent organisational skills and the ability to manage competing priorities.
• Ability to analyse information and identify effective solutions.
• Experience maintaining accurate records and using electronic recording systems.
• Good IT skills, including Microsoft Office applications.
• Commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Driving licence and access to a vehicle for work.

• Experience with in a brokerage, commissioning, placement-finding or support coordination function.
• Knowledge of services available for children and young people with SEND and disabilities.
• Experience working with care, education or support providers.
• Understanding of Children's Services legislation and statutory processes.

In return, we offer flexible and hybrid working arrangements that support a healthy work-life balance, alongside a generous…