Childrens Team Manager Social Care Qualified

CRA GROUP RECRUITMENT AND PAYROLL LTD; London; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading authority in London seeks a Children’s Placements Manager to oversee the commissioning, procurement, and oversight of accommodation services for children and young people in care. Candidates must have substantial experience in children's services and knowledge of relevant legislation. This temporary contract offers the opportunity to lead strategic and operational placements, ensuring compliance and high-quality outcomes for looked-after children.

Qualifications

• Substantial experience in children's services roles, especially in local authorities.
• Strong knowledge of legislation like the Children Act 1989 and Care Standards.
• Proven ability in managing budgets and driving service improvements.

Responsibilities

• Lead the commissioning and management of placements for children in care.
• Ensure compliance with statutory responsibilities and legislative frameworks.
• Monitor budgets and service outcomes to ensure accountability and improvements.

Skills

Contract Management

Negotiation

Leadership

Interpersonal Skills

Data Analysis

Education

Social Work Qualification

Social Work England Registration

Job description

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Client:

CRA GROUP RECRUITMENT AND PAYROLL LTD

Location:

London, United Kingdom

Job Category:

Other

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EU work permit required:

Yes

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Job Reference:

cdc11d6b30e9

Job Views:

4

Posted:

29.06.2025

Expiry Date:

13.08.2025

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Job Description:

Job Description
3 months contract with a Local Authority Job Summary:
• A temporary opportunity has arisen for an experienced and qualified Children’s Placements Manager to lead the commissioning, procurement, and oversight of accommodation services for children and young people in care.
• The role involves managing the full placements process — from commissioning to allocation and contract monitoring — with a focus on quality, value for money, and meeting the individual needs of looked-after children.
Key Duties/Accountabilities (Sample): • Lead the strategic and operational delivery of placements for children in care, including foster care, residential care, and supported accommodation.
• Oversee the full commissioning cycle, from needs analysis and procurement to monitoring and review.
• Ensure placement decisions align with statutory responsibilities and reflect the best interests and specific needs of children and young people.
• Manage provider relationships and contracts, ensuring compliance with legislative and regulatory frameworks such as the Children Act 1989 and Care Standards.
• Work collaboratively with social workers, providers, finance officers, and external agencies to maintain placement sufficiency and quality.
• Monitor and manage budgets, performance indicators, and service outcomes to ensure accountability and continuous improvement.
• Lead or contribute to multi-agency planning and sufficiency strategy development.
• Promote evidence-based decision-making and maintain accurate, timely records to support placement activity and reporting.
Skills/Experience: • Substantial experience working in a commissioning, placements, or related role within children’s services, preferably in a local authority or similar setting.
• Strong knowledge of relevant legislation and statutory frameworks (e.g. Children Act 1989, Care Standards, fostering regulations).
• Demonstrable experience in contract management, provider performance monitoring, and working with external agencies.
• Proven ability to manage budgets, deliver to targets, and apply data and analytics to support strategic decision-making.
• Excellent interpersonal and negotiation skills with the ability to influence a wide range of stakeholders.
• Effective leadership skills, with the ability to drive service improvements and manage competing priorities.
• Commitment to child-centred, outcomes-focused practice.
Additional Information:
• The closing date: 26/06/2025.
• Social Work England registration (social work qualification required).
• Enhanced DBS clearance.


Requirements
• Substantial experience working in a commissioning, placements, or related role within children’s services, preferably in a local authority or similar setting. • Strong knowledge of relevant legislation and statutory frameworks (e.g. Children Act 1989, Care Standards, fostering regulations). • Demonstrable experience in contract management, provider performance monitoring, and working with external agencies. • Proven ability to manage budgets, deliver to targets, and apply data and analytics to support strategic decision-making. • Excellent interpersonal and negotiation skills with the ability to influence a wide range of stakeholders. • Effective leadership skills, with the ability to drive service improvements and manage competing priorities. • Commitment to child-centred, outcomes-focused practice.