Placements Officer

Nurture Fostering; City Of London; On-site; GBP 23,000 - 28,000; Full time

Job summary

Nurture Fostering is seeking a Placements Officer to coordinate referrals and identify suitable foster placements for children and young people. You will match needs with carers’ skills, liaise with authorities and carers, and support the placement process from referral to confirmation.

The role requires strong organisational, written and verbal communication, safeguarding awareness, and the ability to manage competing deadlines in a fast-paced environment.

Qualifications

• Experience in fostering or social care is advantageous.
• Strong organisational and communication skills required.
• Ability to manage referrals and competing deadlines.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate placement referrals and identify suitable foster placements.
• Match children’s needs with carers' skills and capacity.
• Liaise with local authorities, social workers, foster carers and colleagues to facilitate placements.
• Review referral information to assess placement suitability in line with safeguarding requirements.
• Maintain placement records and communicate with relevant professionals.

Skills

Organisational skills

Written communication

Verbal communication

Attention to detail

Safeguarding knowledge

Job description

About Nurture Fostering

Nurture Fostering is an independent fostering agency based in Lewisham, South East London. We are committed to providing children and young people who are unable to live with their birth families with safe, stable and nurturing foster homes where they can feel valued, supported and thrive.

About the Role

Our placements team plays a vital role in ensuring that children and young people who are entering or are already in care are matched with the most suitable approved foster carers within our agency.

The successful candidate will help identify appropriate placements by carefully considering each child’s individual needs, background, circumstances and care plan, alongside the experience, skills and availability of our approved foster carers.

This is a rewarding opportunity for someone who understands the importance of safe, stable and well-planned placements and is passionate about achieving positive outcomes for children and young people.

Key Responsibilities

• Coordinate placement referrals and identify suitable foster care placements for children and young people.
• Match children’s individual needs with the skills, experience and capacity of approved foster carers.
• Liaise effectively with local authorities, social workers, foster carers and internal colleagues to facilitate appropriate placements.
• Review referral information and assess placement suitability in line with safeguarding requirements and the needs of the child.
• Maintain accurate placement records and ensure information is communicated clearly and promptly to relevant professionals.
• Support the placement process from initial referral through to placement confirmation.
• Contribute to placement stability by helping to identify potential challenges and ensuring relevant information is shared appropriately.
• Manage competing priorities and respond effectively to urgent placement requests.
• Work collaboratively with colleagues to promote the welfare, safety and best interests of every child.

About You

We are looking for someone who is proactive, empathetic and highly organised, with excellent communication skills and the ability to work effectively in a fast-paced environment.

The ideal candidate will have:

• Strong organisational skills and the ability to manage multiple referrals and competing deadlines.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong attention to detail and the ability to assess information carefully.
• The confidence to liaise with a range of professionals and build positive working relationships.
• A clear understanding of safeguarding, confidentiality and the importance of putting children’s needs first.
• A solution-focused approach and the ability to make informed decisions.
• A genuine commitment to improving outcomes for children and young people in care.

Experience in fostering, social care, placements coordination or a similar role would be advantageous.

Why Join Nurture Fostering?

At Nurture Fostering, you will have the opportunity to contribute to work that makes a meaningful difference to children and young people. You will join a team dedicated to finding safe, suitable and nurturing homes and supporting foster carers to provide the best possible care.

Job Details

Location: Lewisham, South East London

Job Title: Placements Officer

Salary: £25,000

Hours: 37 Hours 30 Minutes

Contract: Permanent Position

Nurture Fostering is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. The successful candidate will be required to complete appropriate pre-employment checks, including an enhanced DBS check, in line with the requirements of the role.