Children's Placements Officer

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)

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.

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