Job Description
We have an exciting opportunity to join our team!
Job Title: Social Care Placements and Sufficiency Officer
Directorate: Children & Young People
Division/Section: Children's Social Care
Grade: 6
Location: Oldham
Job Purpose:Support in-house and out-of-house placement activities in Children's Social Care, working with Social Work staff and key partners. Process business support and financial transactions for agreed placements.
Key Tasks:
1. Source and support placements for looked after Children
2. Quality assure placements for safety and best outcomes.
3. Track placement activity and contribute to management and oversight.
4. Provide support and guidance to Social Workers for seamless referral, placement, and review.
5. Review Out of area placements as part of scheduled reviews and High Cost Placements Panel.
6. Collaborate with key partners to support placement activities.
7. Plan and review Independent Fostering Arrangements.
8. Ensure transitional arrangements for post-16 and post-18 services.
9. Attend Access to Resources Panel to support placement decisions.
General Responsibilities:
* Foster a high-performance culture and ensure efficiencies.
* Maintain effective working relationships with all partners.
* Act as an ambassador for the service, managing client and stakeholder relationships.
* Draft and contribute to reports regarding development initiatives.
* Facilitate positive engagement with stakeholders for continuous service improvements.
* Handle complaints, comments, compliments, and enquiries.
* Contribute to the overall management of the directorate.
Standard Duties:
* Promote equalities and diversity in the workplace and service delivery.
* Uphold and implement policies and procedures.
* Undertake continuous professional development.
* Perform additional duties as required.
Qualifications and Experience:
* Sufficient literacy and numeracy for the role.
* Experience in practice and working with Children and Young People regarding placements.
* Experience in implementing and managing placements.
* Experience in planning placement activities with Social Work Teams.
* Experience in undertaking placement reviews.
* Collaborative working experience with partners.
* Experience in transitions activities and plans.
* Experience in developing office systems and financial management systems.
* Experience in chairing multi-agency meetings (desirable).
Skills and Abilities:
* Negotiation, persuading, and influencing skills.
* Ability to review options and make recommendations.
* Effective presentation, communication, and interpersonal skills.
Knowledge:
* Understanding of issues and challenges in Children's Social Care.
* Knowledge of key national policy drivers relating to placements.
* Knowledge of Children Act 1989 guidance and regulations.
* Understanding of local government workings.
* Knowledge of good placements practices.
Work Circumstances:
* Ability to work flexibly, including evenings and weekends.