Job Title: Placements Officer - Children's Services
Location: Hybrid (Minimum 2 Days in Office Weekly, 5 Days When on Duty)
Organisation: Southwark Council
Contract Type: Full-Time | Ongoing
Salary: Competitive | Commensurate with Experience
Are you a highly experienced, driven, and well-organised professional with a passion for improving the lives of children and young people? Southwark Council is seeking a motivated Placements Officer to join our Access to Resources Team within Children's Services. This critical role is central to ensuring our children are placed in safe, supportive, and suitable environments where they can thrive.
We operate in a fast-paced and dynamic market, and as such, we seek individuals whose work style and ethic reflect the urgency and importance of our mission.
Key Responsibilities:
Proactively work within the Placements Team to ensure timely and suitable placements for all children.
Monitor referral trends and usage of Independent Fostering Agencies (IFAs), escalating risks to senior leadership regarding placement sufficiency.
Develop and maintain tracking systems for referrals, placements, moves, and endings, ensuring accurate and timely management information.
Work in partnership with the Fostering Service to deliver a responsive and transparent placement service that centres the voices of children and young people.
Source and negotiate placements, maintaining accurate financial and case records using Mosaic.
Ensure cost-effective placement solutions and timely completion of placement contracts (IPAs) and finance entries.
Manage provider payments efficiently, ensuring transparency in additional/special payments in line with policy.
Maintain oversight of all children awaiting placement, monitoring progress and raising sufficiency concerns to leadership as needed.
Support and enhance information systems to provide high-quality data for planning and review purposes.
Maximise the use of Southwark's fostering resources, reducing dependency on external providers, and promoting Friends and Family Placements.
Remain up to date with legislative changes, national guidance, and Ofsted requirements to inform best practice.
Deliver briefings and contribute professional insight to team management and wider senior teams.
Provide mentorship and guidance to less experienced colleagues and social work students, promoting professional development.
Maintain organised and up-to-date records and use supervision constructively to reflect, build resilience, and ensure sound decision-making.
The Ideal Candidate Will Possess:
Extensive experience in children's social care, particularly in placement services.
Proven ability to manage complex caseloads and negotiate effectively with providers.
A deep understanding of the importance of matching children with the right support and placements.
Strong knowledge of relevant legislation, guidance, and best practice in children's placements.
Proficiency in using case management systems (e.g. Mosaic) and financial tracking tools.
Excellent organisational, communication, and interpersonal skills.
The capacity to work independently while recognising when to seek guidance or support.
