Job Details:
Job Reference:HCC622902
Salary Range: GBP 27,780 : GBP 30,564 per annum
Work Location: Elizabeth II Court, Winchester (Hybrid Working)
Hours per week: 37
Contract Type: Permanent
Closing Date: 14 December 2025
Interview Date: 18 December 2025
The Role:
Join our dynamic Children's Services Placement and Quality Team as a Placement Officer and play a vital role in sourcing and securing the right placements for children and young people : including foster care, residential care, special educational needs schools, supported accommodation, and respite services. In this fast:paced environment, you'll liaise with social workers and external providers to ensure placements meet care planning requirements, while being committed to improving outcomes for children and young people.
What you'll do:
:Manage a caseload of live placement search referrals.
:Complete placement searches using email, telephone, and online systems.
:Maintain accurate records, spreadsheets, and written chronologies.
:Provide regular updates to social workers and team managers.
:Build and maintain strong relationships with external providers.
:Attend meetings (online and in:person) and handle incoming duty calls.
What we're looking for:
:Excellent literacy and numeracy ability.
:Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, and Teams.
:Excellent communication skills to engage with diverse stakeholders.
:Ability to prioritise, manage deadlines, and work independently.
:Understanding of data protection and confidentiality requirements.
:Flexible and collaborative approach to working within a team.
:Attention to detail and strong organisational skills.
Take a look at our Candidate Pack for more information about the Placement Officer role, team and our values.The section 'About you' explains what specific knowledge, skills and experience we want you to tell us about. Make sure you explain how you meet these requirements and demonstrate our values, in your application.
Why join us?
typedisc:
:Work as part of a friendly, supportive team in a role that makes a real difference.
:Enjoy flexible working with two office:based days per week and the option to work from home for the remaining days.
:Access to training and development opportunities in administration, commissioning, and contract management within Children's Services.
:Be part of an organisation committed to improving outcomes for children and young people.
:Access to Health Assureds comprehensive Employee Assistance Programme to support your physical and mental wellbeing, including 24/7 telephone support, a suite of online resources, and legal and financial advice.
:A competitive benefits package that includes generous annual leave entitlement, occupational sick pay, and access to the Local Government Pension Scheme. Find more information here.
Applicants can expect to hear from us within two weeks of the advertised closing date.
Please note: We are unable to offer sponsorship for this role and therefore it is essential that you already have the right to work in the UK before applying.
Other roles you may have experience of may include: Care Placement Coordinator, Care Placement Officer, Children's Placement Officer, Placement Services Advisor, Placements Specialist, Care Planning and Placement Officer
Additional Information:
Placement OfficerCandidate Pack
Vetting Requirements:
The post is subject to a Criminal Records Check. As such, please note that under safer recruitment requirements for Children's Services, references will be requested prior to interview.
Contact Details for an Informal Discussion:
For general enquiries, an informal chat about the role, Martin Tuck, Assistant Team Manager on 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 o