Overview
Rewarding opportunity to commission services and improve the lives of children in care.
Key Information
* Flexible working available, using a hybrid model in line with the needs of the service
* 30 days annual leave
* Be part of a supportive, innovative and award winning team
* We are building a culture where amazing people like you can do their best work
* Fixed term contract for 1 year
Responsibilities
We’re working to improve the lives of looked‑after children in Somerset – and you’ll be a key part of that. You will act as a Commissioning Officer focusing on fostering services, ensuring children and young people receive the right care and support from both in‑house and external fostering agencies. Your main priority will be to work closely with our fostering service and external agencies, collaborating with other officers and key partners such as education, health and social care. You will maintain effective working relationships with providers and stakeholders, including the voluntary, community and private sector, and use data and information to achieve the best outcomes for young people.
You will have the ability to think on your feet, demonstrate strong communication and negotiation skills, and make use of data and information to achieve the best outcomes for young people.
Qualifications & Experience
Knowledge of the commissioning cycle is an advantage, or you should have demonstrable experience in managing a diverse range of projects. Ideally, you will have knowledge and experience in fostering, supporting foster carers and children in communities, or similar experience within a related field of work. We are open to exploring applications from social workers who have worked in fostering services and wish to develop their understanding of commissioning and enter a new career path.
Benefits
* We promote a healthy work‑life balance and offer flexible working arrangements wherever possible, including working from home.
* Generous annual leave allowance, with the opportunity to purchase additional leave.
* Staff discounts in gyms.
* Employee Assistance for the times you may need some support and a variety of employee wellbeing services.
* Auto enrolment onto our generous Pension Scheme and optional pension enhancement through our Additional Voluntary Contribution scheme.
* A Flexible Benefits Scheme via salary sacrifice to obtain a cycle for work and health screenings.
* My Staff Shop offering discounts in shops, online shopping, restaurants, cinema tickets, insurance benefits and more.
Salary
The salary range for this role is £37,280 to £41,771 per annum.
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