Children's Broker
Location: Glebe Street, ST4 1RN
Start Date: ASAP
Contract Duration: 4+ Months
Working Hours: Mon – Fri, 09:00 – 17:00, 37 Hours per week
Pay Rate: £ 16.08 per hour
Job Ref:
Job Responsibilities
* Provide an effective and efficient personalized commissioning (care brokerage) service for all users of the service, including children looked after and vulnerable or elderly adults, in sourcing and securing placements and care packages.
* Gather information from operational teams regarding the needs of children and adults who require a placement or care package.
* Engage with social care staff, residents, and families to fully understand care needs and assist in articulating these needs for sourcing appropriate care packages or placements.
* Maximize the use of in-house provisions and utilize frameworks to source placements and care packages.
* Challenge proposed care provisions when alternative sources can meet assessed needs.
* Understand local and national care market options to ensure sourcing focuses on best value for money.
* Negotiate with providers to achieve the best-priced placements and escalate issues to the Senior Care Broker if necessary.
* Ensure individuals are placed as close to their home, family, and friendship groups as possible.
* Provide support and information to operational teams on alternative sources of care/service in line with council vision and priorities.
* Maintain databases of providers and vacancies.
* Support contract monitoring and quality assurance staff in monitoring provider performance.
* Accurately complete and maintain individual placement agreements.
* Ensure care records accurately reflect up-to-date placement or care package information.
* Develop and maintain good working relationships with service users, providers, and operational staff.
* Promote a culture of equality, opportunity, achievement, responsibility, and personal growth.
* Provide high-quality customer service in line with service standards.
* Assist with the development of the personalized commissioning service.
* Work flexibly outside core hours as required.
* Attend meetings with professionals as needed.
* Quality assure referral paperwork to identify the best possible placements.
Person Specifications
* Excellent knowledge and awareness of social care services for children and/or adults.
* Education to level 3 qualification or equivalent.
* Understanding of commissioning and contracting approaches.
* Thorough knowledge of the care market for children and/or adults.
* Experience with financial and performance systems and tools.
* Proficient in using PC and Microsoft suite, including databases and case management systems.
* Experience in engaging with others and building positive relationships.
* Ability to work to deadlines in a high-pressure environment.
* Strong analytical and summarization skills for complex information.
* Excellent oral and written communication skills.
* Ability to communicate effectively with individuals at all levels.
* Collaborative working skills with a range of partners and organizations.
* Assertive, knowledgeable, and flexible approach in dealings with stakeholders.
* High level of accuracy and organizational skills.
* Ability to manage sensitive and confidential information.
* Ability to challenge and negotiate with providers.
* Work with minimum supervision to deadlines.
* Creative problem-solving skills and the ability to formulate solutions.
* Positive attitude and flexible approach to service provision.
* Willingness to work outside of normal working hours if required.
DISCLAIMER: By applying for this vacancy, you consent to your personal information being shared with our client and any relevant third parties we engage with, for the purpose of assessing your suitability for the role. You acknowledge that it is your responsibility to inform i-Jobs in advance if there are any specific organisations or hirers to whom you do not wish your details to be disclosed.
Job Types: Full-time, Fixed term contract
Contract length: 4 months
Pay: £16.08 per hour
Expected hours: 37 per week
Work Location: In person