Placement Broker – Children's Services

Hertfordshire; Stevenage; On-site; GBP 36,000 - 39,000; Full time

Job summary

Hertfordshire County Council in Stevenage is seeking a Placement Officer to identify, broker and monitor placements for looked-after children and young people. The role requires close collaboration with health, social care and independent sectors to secure high-quality, cost-effective placements.

You will manage procurement, monitor costs, visit providers, investigate complaints, and maintain systems to ensure placement quality while supporting service development under the children living away

Qualifications

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent communication, verbal and written.
• Ability to work under pressure and remain solution-focused.
• Negotiation and stakeholder management abilities.
• Proficiency in data and ICT systems to support decisions.
• Experience researching alternative provisions.
• Experience in a complex multi-agency environment.

Responsibilities

• Oversee placements for looked-after children and young people.
• Procure external placements cost-effectively and monitor costs.
• Visit providers and conduct complaint investigations.
• Evaluate providers and ensure placement quality.
• Maintain systems to monitor and improve service delivery.
• Provide admin support including duty tasks and inbox management.

Skills

Analytical skills

Communication skills

Working under pressure

Negotiation & stakeholder mgmt

ICT data analysis

Researching alternatives

Multi-agency experience

Tools

ICT systems

Job description

Hertfordshire County Council in Stevenage is seeking a Placement Officer to identify, broker and monitor placements for looked-after children and young people. The role requires close collaboration with health, social care and independent sectors to secure high-quality, cost-effective placements.

You will manage procurement, monitor costs, visit providers, investigate complaints, and maintain systems to ensure placement quality while supporting service development under the children living away