Placement Broker for Looked-After Children

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

Job summary

Hertfordshire County Council seeks a Placement Officer to broker and monitor placements for looked‑after children. You will work with health, voluntary and local bodies to ensure high‑quality, cost‑effective services and oversee placement quality through visits and evaluations.

The role requires strong analytical, negotiation and ICT skills, with an ability to handle pressure and manage complex multi‑agency demands. DBS checks are required.

Qualifications

• Strong analytical and problem‑solving abilities for placement decisions.
• Excellent verbal and written communication including de‑escalation.
• Ability to work under pressure and manage urgent placement requests.
• Proven negotiation and stakeholder management skills.
• Proficient in data and ICT systems to inform decisions.

Responsibilities

• Identify, broker, and monitor placements for looked‑after children.
• Collaborate with agencies to secure cost‑effective, high‑quality placements.
• Monitor placement quality through visits, investigations, and evaluations.
• Support service development by identifying gaps and assisting commissioning.
• Provide administrative support including duty tasks and inbox management.

Skills

Analytical skills

Communication skills

Working under pressure

Negotiation & stakeholder management

Data & ICT systems proficiency

Researching alternative provisions

Job description

Hertfordshire County Council seeks a Placement Officer to broker and monitor placements for looked‑after children. You will work with health, voluntary and local bodies to ensure high‑quality, cost‑effective services and oversee placement quality through visits and evaluations.

The role requires strong analytical, negotiation and ICT skills, with an ability to handle pressure and manage complex multi‑agency demands. DBS checks are required.