Placement Officer

Location: Grays
Contract: 1 Year Fixed-Term (Umbrella)
Rate: £350 per day (Umbrella) (£260 PAYE a day)
Hours: 37 hours per week
Working Pattern: Hybrid – 2 days per week in the office (including Wednesday)

About the Role

Thurrock Council is seeking an experienced and motivated Placement Officer to join our Children’s Services team on a 12-month contract. This is a vital role focused on securing high-quality, suitable placements for Children Looked After (CLA) and young people, ensuring their safety, stability, and positive outcomes.
You will work collaboratively with Social Workers, the Placement Team Manager, fostering services, and external providers to identify and secure placements that meet the assessed needs of children and young people in line with council policy and statutory requirements.

Job Purpose*To search for and identify suitable placements for looked after children.
*To ensure placements meet required criteria and are supported by appropriate documentation.
*To secure the most suitable, well-matched placements aligned with identified needs, council policy, and relevant legislation.
*To ensure placements are planned and promote the welfare and best interests of children and young people.
*To ensure services are delivered in line with the Council’s childcare policies and statutory guidance.
Key Responsibilities Under the direction of the Team Manager and Placement Officer (and independently when required), you will:
*Review referral information to identify suitable placements, with due regard to race, gender, religion, culture, sexual orientation, disability, and language needs.
*Ensure all placement details are accurate and updated with the Placements Administrator.
*Ensure external placements comply with National Minimum Standards and Ofsted requirements.
*Maintain effective information sharing between the placement team, social workers, and relevant stakeholders.
*Work closely with Social Workers to ensure placements align with care plans.
*Identify appropriate in-house foster placements and liaise with independent fostering agencies when required.
*Source supported accommodation for young people aged 16–17 where requested.
*Maintain accurate electronic records and provide reports of placement searches as required.
*Monitor data and contribute to the continuous improvement of placement systems and service quality.
*Maintain effective placement and accommodation information systems.
*Remain vigilant to safeguarding concerns and escalate appropriately.

About You

We are looking for a candidate who:
*Has experience working within children’s social care or placements services.
*Understands legislation, national standards, and safeguarding responsibilities relating to Children Looked After.
*Demonstrates strong organisational skills and attention to detail.
*Can work independently and manage competing priorities.
*Has excellent communication and partnership-working skills.
*Is committed to achieving the best outcomes for children and young people.