Placement Officer

Hampshire County Council; Winchester; Hybrid; GBP 25,000 - 35,000; Full time

Job summary

A local government authority in Winchester is seeking a Placement Officer in the Children's Services Placement & Quality Team. This role entails sourcing and securing placements for children and young people, managing referrals, and collaborating with social workers. The ideal candidate will have excellent communication skills, proficiency in Microsoft Office, and an ability to work independently. The position offers a flexible work environment with two office-based days per week and opportunities for professional development.

Benefits

Flexible working arrangement

Access to Employee Assistance Programme

Generous annual leave entitlement

Occupational sick pay

Access to Local Government Pension Scheme

Responsibilities

• Manage a caseload of live placement search referrals.
• Complete placement searches using email, telephone, and online systems.
• Maintain accurate records and spreadsheets.
• Provide regular updates to social workers and team managers.
• Build and maintain relationships with external providers.
• Attend meetings and handle incoming duty calls.

Skills

Excellent literacy and numeracy ability

Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, and Teams

Excellent communication skills

Ability to prioritize and manage deadlines

Understanding of data protection and confidentiality

Attention to detail

Strong organizational skills

Job description

Overview

Join our dynamic Children’s Services Placement & Quality Team as a Placement Officer and play a vital role in sourcing and securing the right placements for children and young people – including foster care, residential care, special educational needs schools, supported accommodation, and respite services. In this fast-paced environment, you’ll liaise with social workers and external providers to ensure placements meet care planning requirements, while being committed to improving outcomes for children and young people.

What you’ll do

• Manage a caseload of live placement search referrals.
• Complete placement searches using email, telephone, and online systems.
• Maintain accurate records, spreadsheets, and written chronologies.
• Provide regular updates to social workers and team managers.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with external providers.
• Attend meetings (online and in-person) and handle incoming duty calls.

What we’re looking for

• Excellent literacy and numeracy ability.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, and Teams.
• Excellent communication skills to engage with diverse stakeholders.
• Ability to prioritise, manage deadlines, and work independently.
• Understanding of data protection and confidentiality requirements.
• Flexible and collaborative approach to working within a team.
• Attention to detail and strong organisational skills.

Why join us

• Work as part of a friendly, supportive team in a role that makes a real difference.
• Enjoy flexible working with two office-based days per week and the option to work from home for the remaining days.
• Access to training and development opportunities in administration, commissioning, and contract management within Children’s Services.
• Be part of an organisation committed to improving outcomes for children and young people.
• Access to Health Assured's comprehensive Employee Assistance Programme to support your physical and mental wellbeing, including 24/7 telephone support, a suite of online resources, and legal and financial advice.
• A competitive benefits package that includes generous annual leave entitlement, occupational sick pay, and access to the Local Government Pension Scheme. Find more information here.

To learn more about this role, please review our Candidate Pack available on our website. Please click on the Apply button for details.

Applicants can expect to hear from us within two weeks of the advertised closing date.

Please note: We are unable to offer sponsorship for this role and therefore it is essential that you already have the right to work in the UK before applying.

Other roles you may have experience of may include: Care Placement Coordinator, Care Placement Officer, Children’s Placement Officer, Placement Services Advisor, Placements Specialist, Care Planning and Placement Officer