2 months contract with a local authority Job Purpose To commission placements and support services for Looked After Children and care leavers, ensuring that the needs of individual children and young people are closely matched within available resources and using Best Value principles. The role also involves having the lead responsibility for assessments on all IFA, Residential, and Semi-Independent resources commissioned. Key Duties/Accountabilities Ensure quality assurance visits to all residential and semi-independent resources where a looked after child is placed prior to placement or within agreed timescale and critically evaluate the provision against Ofsted evaluation reports. Travel within borough and across the country, undertaking at least 6 assessment visits per month, with the majority of placements being outside of the London Borough. Collate and analyze the assessments information and produce a report quarterly for the Team Manager, Senior Placements Officer, and Head of Commissioning/AD – Strategic Commissioning. Ensure robust management information is available to the Manager, Access to Resources, and Head of Commissioning/AD-Strategic Commissioning in terms of quality, quantity, and cost. Take the lead in developing an annual assessment program for Residential, IFA, and semi-independent provision, reporting to the Senior Placements Officer and the Team Manager, and ensure that services are developed which are sensitive and responsive to individual need and provide value for money. Ensure that placements are matched to children’s needs through evidence-based practice, relevant guidance, inquiry report conclusions, and the principles of the legislator framework. Essential Experience Required Knowledge of the range of complex needs of Looked After Children and an understanding of the most appropriate interventions to meet those needs. Excellent organizational skills including the ability to manage competing demands, respond to emergency situations, and manage workload effectively. Experience in partnership working with statutory sector partners. Experience of market management and working with external providers. Essential Qualification Required Qualification in the use of IT systems to produce data reports and trend analyses. Willingness to undertake a Commissioning course. Additional information to note Working Hours: 35 hours per week. The role requires an enhanced DBS. Car driver preferred as the post will include extensive travel and knowledge and adherence to the lone workers policy. Closing Date: 22nd July 2025