Placement Officer

Placement Officer

Fixed Term, Full Time

£28,220 to £33,200 per annum

Location hire:
Chelmsford

Working Style:

Note:
This role is offered as a fixed term contract or secondment opportunity for up to 12 months.

Interviews will be held w/c 9th February 2026.

Children and Families is recognised as a service in which social work can develop and prosper, with a culture of collaboration, integrity, and compassion; promoting the development and wellbeing of children, young people, and their families; protecting them from neglect and abuse. Working together with partners delivers a range of early help, family support and effective social work interventions which build resilience, remove barriers, and enable children and young people to look forward to a brighter future.

The Placement Officer is part of a team working to identify, match and commission suitable in‑house or external placements, care and support packages for children and young people in care and those in need of support or accommodation. The(lines) will have extensive contact with children’s social workers, foster carers and other placement providers to ensure placements are identified and well “matched”, as well as completing the administrative processes associated with placement making.

• Liaise with social workers, foster carers, and placement providers to identify carefully matched placements, care and support packages in line with the child/young person’s care plan, that consider the child/young person’s health, education, cultural, ethnic and religious needs.
• To be part of duty rota arrangements both office based and remotely.
• Hold a caseload of placement‑finding activity, ensuring that placements offer the child/young person care and support in a safe, stable environment that complies with all required regulations and Ofsted.
• In conjunction with the child/young person’s social worker complete written referrals for the placement search, including using relevant documents and liaising with other involved professionals.
• Ensure all relevant documentation, referral, risk assessment and care plan is received from the child/young person’s allocated social worker and shared with the foster carer/care provider.
• Complete agreed administrative processes, notifications and recordings for placements being made.
• To be part of an assigned link for the field‑based quadrant office that may require travel to or from another local office in the future.
• Build strong working relationships across the Council, providers, statutory and voluntary agencies.

• Educated to RQF level 3 (GCSE) or equivalent by experience.
• Evidence of development within the role and knowledge in the relevant professional area.
• Experience working in a supportive relationship with children, young people, carers and families.
• An awareness of problems that can impact on children and families such as trauma, neglect, poverty, bereavement and disability.
• Ability to assess and match children and young people’s needs to appropriate placements, understanding and using risk assessments in placement‑finding activity, in consultation with senior staff.
• Experience collaborating with other professionals and agencies for the benefit of children and young people.
• Competence in the use of all forms of IT and ability to communicate clearly, both written and verbal.

As one of the largest and most dynamic UK local authorities, Essex offers a stimulating public service environment. Covering over 1,420 square miles and serving 1.8 million residents, we’re committed to transformational change and delivering better quality at lower cost. Recognised in the top three of the latest IMPOWER index for productivity, we ensure everyone matters. With flexible working options and a focus on innovation, whether you are looking to develop your career or contribute to the local community, Essex is the ideal place for you.

Essex County Council is proud to be a Disability Confident Leader. We’re committed to interview all disabled applicants who choose to apply under our Job Interview Scheme if they meet the minimum requirements. Please speak to our recruiters if you require…