Job Details:
Job Reference: HCC621660
Salary Range: £32,149 - £35,241 per annum
Work Location: Parkway, Fareham (Office Based)
Hours per week: 37
Contract Type: Permanent
Closing Date: 27 July 2025
Interview Date: 30 & 31 July 2025
An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Out of Hours Placement Officer to join our Placements & Quality team at Hampshire County Council.
Are you looking for a challenging and rewarding role where you can make a real difference to the lives of children and young people? Join our friendly and supportive team and help us secure the right placements for Hampshire’s most vulnerable children.
The Role:
As an Out of Hours Placement Officer, you’ll play a vital role in identifying and securing placements for Hampshire Looked After Children. This could include foster care, residential care, SEN schools, supported accommodation, and respite. You’ll work closely with social workers, foster carers, and external providers to ensure placements meet the care planning needs of children and young people.
This is a full-time role, working Monday to Friday from 2pm to 9pm. You’ll support the team during core hours and take the lead on placement searches and emergency requests outside of business hours.
What you’ll do:
1. Conduct placement searches using referral documentation, phone, and email
2. Maintain accurate records and update referral chronologies
3. Provide updates to social workers and senior management
4. Build and maintain relationships with providers and internal teams
What we’re looking for:
5. GCSE-level literacy and numeracy
6. Proficiency in Microsoft Office and business systems
7. Strong communication and relationship-building skills
8. Ability to manage priorities and work independently
9. Understanding of data protection and confidentiality
10. Experience in children’s services (desirable)
11. Knowledge of Mosaic and statutory requirements for looked-after children (desirable)
Why join us?
12. Comprehensive induction and training
13. Opportunity to make a real difference in children’s lives
14. Supportive team environment
15. Career development and progression opportunities
Our package includes details of the holiday entitlement, pension scheme, flexi-time scheme, family friendly policies and interest free travel loans and discounts. We offer a flexible, motivating and inclusive workplace. We have created an environment that you can look forward to being a part of, where you are empowered to be your best and a workplace built on teamwork where people can grow and develop in their roles.
If you think you have what it takes to make a real difference in Hampshire, get in touch!
Hampshire County Council is recognised nationally as one of the highest performing local authorities in the UK. A modern, forward-looking local authority, it offers a pleasant, supportive, and collaborative working environment.
Hampshire County Council is also a flexible employer interested in making the most of your skills and offers a great work life balance.
Additional Information:
Out of Hours - Placement Officer
Vetting Requirements:
This post is subject to a criminal records check. References will be requested prior to interview in line with safer recruitment practices.
Contact Details for an Informal Discussion:
Hugo Laker, Placements & Quality Manager on or Martin Tuck, Assistant Team Manager Placements & Quality on
Hampshire County Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and adults. We expect all employees, workers and volunteers to share this commitment. We will ensure that all our recruitment and selection practices reflect this commitment.
In order to combat discrimination, no unnecessary conditions or requirements will be applied which could have a disproportionately adverse effect on any one group. All sections of the population will have equal access to jobs. No applicant or employee will receive less favourable treatment because of age, disability, gender reassignment, race, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, marriage or civil partnership and pregnancy or maternity, unless a Genuine Occupational Requirement (GOR) applies.
We are a Disability Confident Employer - committed to ensuring that our recruitment and selection process is inclusive and accessible.