Head of Service Placement Sufficiency (Internal candidates only, Fixed term 12 months)

London - UK

Monthly Salary: Not Disclosed

Posted on: 19 hours ago

Vacancies: 1 Vacancy

Job Summary

Description

This position is open to internal candidates only. Any applications received from external candidates will not be considered and will be automatically rejected.

About Barnet Council

Barnet is a borough with much to be proud of. Our excellent schools vibrant town centres vast green spaces and diverse communities all help make it a great place to live and work. As a council we want to build on these strengths as we move into the future. We are growing and developing as an organisation to meet the challenges facing our borough and we are committed to working with partner organisations and residents to make Barnet even better. As an organisation our staff are committed to Our Values: Learning to Improve Caring Inclusive Collaborative which drive everything we do.

About Family Services

The aim of theFamily Service is to ensure that all children and young people in Barnet achieve the best possible outcomes and to enable them to become successful adults especially our most vulnerable children. They should be supported by high quality integrated and inclusive services that identify additional support needs early are accessible responsive and affordable for the individual child and their family.

Placement sufficiency is a Corporate Parenting priority to ensure children who are not able to live with their families are able to reside in a care arrangement that meets their needs provides an effective support network and provides good value for money. For Barnet financial efficiency is crucial to developing effective services for children and families and strong commissioning arrangements is part of our strong financial planning.

About the role

The Head of Placement Sufficiency is a senior leadership role responsible for ensuring that the local authority can meet its statutory duty to provide sufficient suitable placements for children and young people in care.

This position will be responsible for the councils approach to placement sufficiency ensuring a balance between quality availability and cost-effectiveness. The post holder will oversee forecasting and demand analysis to anticipate future needs working closely with commissioning teams social work services and external providers to create a diverse and resilient placement market.

The role requires the post holder to drive innovation in placement solutions including fostering residential care supported accommodation and specialist provision while promoting stability and positive outcomes for children. The Head of Placement Sufficiency will lead market engagement negotiate with providers and monitor performance to ensure placements meet regulatory standards and deliver value for money. They will also champion collaborative working across regional partnerships influence policy development and ensure compliance with statutory guidance and best practice.

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About you

You will have an excellent knowledge of the relevant legislative frameworks government guidance and policies relating to childrens social care. You will have experience of leading a team and of working in brokerage and commissioning as well as a strong understanding of the financial challenges facing childrens social care.

You will be a leader who is able to develop and implement long-term strategies for placement sufficiency balancing quality cost and availability. Your application should be able to demonstrate your proven track record in delivering transformation projects ideally in social care.

Evidence of a UK recognised social work qualification is desirable but not essential.

What we offer

31 days annual leave plus public and bank holidays
Access to the Local Government Pension Scheme which provides a valuable guaranteed income in your retirement together with security for your dependents
Work-life balance options may include hybrid working flexitime job share home working part-time
A vast range of lifestyle discounts from major retailers supermarkets energy suppliers and more
Broad range of payroll benefits including cycle to work eye care vouchers travel and gym membership
Excellent training and development opportunities
Employee well- being training programs including confidential employee assistance

How to apply

Read the job description and person specification before clickingApplyto commence the online application form. If you would like any further information about the role before applying please contact

Barnet Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Barnet operates stringent safer recruitment procedures this may include AI Detection Screening Biometric ID/Right to Work Checks Qualification and Registration Checks Up to 6 years of Employment Data and Insights to Accelerate Screening (Konfir) Up to 5 years of Employment History References DBS (Disclosure & Barring Service) Checks Credit Checks and Social Media Sanctions and Occupational Health Screening.

To deliver Barnet Councils commitment to equality of opportunity in the provision of services all staff are expected to promote equality in the workplace and in the services the Council delivers. As such we value diversity and welcome applications from all backgrounds.

Barnet Council embraces all forms of flexible working (including part-time compressed hours and hybrid working) and is committed to offering employees a healthy work-life balance. Candidates are encouraged to talk about relevant requirements and preferences at interview. We cant promise to give you exactly what you want but we do promise not to judge you for asking.

Barnet Council is a Disability Confident Committed Employer. We welcome and encourage job applications of all abilities. If you require any reasonable adjustments in the application or interview please contact the lead contact on this advert. We will make reasonable adjustments to make sure our disabled applicants and those with health conditions are supported throughout our recruitment process. We support the access to work scheme further details are available at posts with the council are subject to a probationary period of six months during which time you will be required to demonstrate to the council satisfaction your suitability for the position in which you will be employed.

Due to the high number of applications that are received for some posts we may close vacancies before the stated closing date if sufficient number of applications are received. Therefore please apply as soon as possible.

Please ensure you regularly check the email account (including JUNK MAIL folders) that you use to submit your application as any further communication regarding your application will be sent electronically. Should you not hear from us within four working weeks of the closing date for this post then regretfully in this instance you have not been shortlisted.

Responsibilities

Required Experience:

Director

DescriptionThis position is open to internal candidates only. Any applications received from external candidates will not be considered and will be automatically rejected.About Barnet CouncilBarnet is a borough with much to be proud of. Our excellent schools vibrant town centres vast green spaces an...