Jobs, fresher vacancy - Children's Placements Officer • West Midlands

Company: Opus People Solutions

West Midlands

Job Title: Children's Placement Officer Location: Walsall Hours: 37 per week, full-time Working Structure: Hybrid - 2 days in office / remainder working from home Pay Rate: £16.89 per hour (PAYE) / £22.16 per hour (Umbrella) Requirement: Enhanced DBS (desirable) Key Duties & Responsibilities Source and identify appropriate foster homes, residential placements, and supported accommodation for children aged 0-17. Ensure all providers meet required quality standards, including valid Ofsted/CQC registration, and that all documentation is up to date and compliant. Negotiate fees with providers to achieve best value while maintaining high-quality care and services. Prepare and complete contracts in line with current frameworks, ensuring accurate recording of all placement searches. Collaborate closely with Children's Social Care Teams, including Commissioning (Adults and Children), Emergency Duty Team, Fostering, and external providers. Respond promptly in urgent situations, supporting teams who may be awaiting immediate placement solutions. Skills & Experience In-depth knowledge of children's social care processes and placement requirements. Strong negotiation skills, balancing cost efficiency with service quality. Excellent communication skills, with the ability to remain calm, professional, and solution-focused under pressure. High attention to detail, particularly in compliance and quality assurance checks. Proven ability to work collaboratively within a small, dedicated team.