Placements Officer (Looked after Children)
| Posting date: | 23 February 2026 |
|---|---|
| Salary: | £260.42 to £350.00 per day |
| Additional salary information: | Rates: PAYE: £260.42 per day, Umbrella/Ltd: £350.00 per day |
| Hours: | Full time |
| Closing date: | 25 March 2026 |
| Location: | Grays, Essex |
| Remote working: | Hybrid - work remotely up to 3 days per week |
| Company: | Neway International Ltd |
| Job type: | Contract |
| Job reference: | OR23605 |
Summary
Neway International are seeking a Placements Officer to join our client Thurrock Council.
Location: New Road, Grays, Essex, RM17 6SL, United Kingdom
Hours: 37 hours per week
Start Date: 02 March 2026
Duration: 52 Weeks
Rates: PAYE: £260.42 per day, Umbrella/Ltd: £350.00 per day
Work Pattern
Two days in the office each week, including Wednesday
About the Client
Thurrock Council’s Children’s Commissioning Team plays a vital role in ensuring that Children Looked After (CLA) and young people receive safe, appropriate, and well‑matched placements that support their welfare, stability, and long‑term outcomes. The team works collaboratively with Social Workers, fostering services, external providers, and internal stakeholders to deliver high‑quality placement solutions in line with statutory requirements and council policies.
The Role
The Placements Officer will be responsible for identifying, assessing, and coordinating suitable placements for children and young people. You will ensure all placements meet the required standards, align with care plans, and promote the wellbeing of each child. The role requires strong communication, attention to detail, and the ability to work collaboratively across Children’s Services.
Key Responsibilities
Review referral information to identify the most suitable placements for children and young people, considering cultural, religious, linguistic, disability, and individual needs.
Ensure all placement details are accurate and update the placements administrator accordingly.
Ensure external placements comply with National Minimum Standards and Ofsted requirements.
Maintain consistent information sharing between the Placement Team Manager, Placement Officer, and Social Workers.
Provide electronic records of all work undertaken and compile evidence‑based reports when required.
Work closely with in‑house fostering duty teams to identify appropriate internal placements.
Source foster placements within the independent sector when requested.
Identify supported accommodation for young people aged 16–17 when required.
Review placement referrals to ensure they meet criteria and escalate concerns where necessary.
Contribute to the development and monitoring of systems that track placement data and service quality.
Maintain effective information systems relating to placements and accommodation.
Remain alert to safeguarding concerns and escalate appropriately.
Participate in team meetings, supervision, and ongoing training to support professional development.
Candidate Requirements
Experience working within Children’s Services, commissioning, placements, or a similar environment.
Strong understanding of safeguarding principles and statutory responsibilities relating to Children Looked After.
Ability to analyse referral information and match children to appropriate placements.
Excellent communication and relationship‑building skills with internal and external stakeholders.
Strong organisational skills with the ability to manage competing priorities.
Competent in maintaining accurate electronic records and producing clear reports.
Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a team.
Commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusive practice.
Ability to work flexibly in line with service needs.
Location: New Road, Grays, Essex, RM17 6SL, United Kingdom
Hours: 37 hours per week
Start Date: 02 March 2026
Duration: 52 Weeks
Rates: PAYE: £260.42 per day, Umbrella/Ltd: £350.00 per day
Work Pattern
Two days in the office each week, including Wednesday
About the Client
Thurrock Council’s Children’s Commissioning Team plays a vital role in ensuring that Children Looked After (CLA) and young people receive safe, appropriate, and well‑matched placements that support their welfare, stability, and long‑term outcomes. The team works collaboratively with Social Workers, fostering services, external providers, and internal stakeholders to deliver high‑quality placement solutions in line with statutory requirements and council policies.
The Role
The Placements Officer will be responsible for identifying, assessing, and coordinating suitable placements for children and young people. You will ensure all placements meet the required standards, align with care plans, and promote the wellbeing of each child. The role requires strong communication, attention to detail, and the ability to work collaboratively across Children’s Services.
Key Responsibilities
Review referral information to identify the most suitable placements for children and young people, considering cultural, religious, linguistic, disability, and individual needs.
Ensure all placement details are accurate and update the placements administrator accordingly.
Ensure external placements comply with National Minimum Standards and Ofsted requirements.
Maintain consistent information sharing between the Placement Team Manager, Placement Officer, and Social Workers.
Provide electronic records of all work undertaken and compile evidence‑based reports when required.
Work closely with in‑house fostering duty teams to identify appropriate internal placements.
Source foster placements within the independent sector when requested.
Identify supported accommodation for young people aged 16–17 when required.
Review placement referrals to ensure they meet criteria and escalate concerns where necessary.
Contribute to the development and monitoring of systems that track placement data and service quality.
Maintain effective information systems relating to placements and accommodation.
Remain alert to safeguarding concerns and escalate appropriately.
Participate in team meetings, supervision, and ongoing training to support professional development.
Candidate Requirements
Experience working within Children’s Services, commissioning, placements, or a similar environment.
Strong understanding of safeguarding principles and statutory responsibilities relating to Children Looked After.
Ability to analyse referral information and match children to appropriate placements.
Excellent communication and relationship‑building skills with internal and external stakeholders.
Strong organisational skills with the ability to manage competing priorities.
Competent in maintaining accurate electronic records and producing clear reports.
Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a team.
Commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusive practice.
Ability to work flexibly in line with service needs.