Placement and Contracts Officer

Suffolk County Council Address: Endeavour House, Ipswich, IP1 2BX [Hybrid] Salary: £28,598 per annum (pro rata for part time) Hours: 2 x 37 hours - Flexible working options available Contract: Permanent and fixed term for 12 months Are you passionate about making a positive difference for children and young people in Suffolk? Join our Home Finding (Placement) Team and play a vital role in sourcing safe, supportive homes for those in care. Your innovation and commitment will help us deliver the best outcomes for our community—supported by a collaborative team and opportunities for professional growth. Reimagine the Possibilities. Your role and responsibilities As a Home Finding (Placement) and Contracts Officer, you will: Source homes for children and young people in care (up to 18 years old) Work closely with internal and external professionals and providers to negotiate and arrange individual care packages Ensure contract compliance and financial accountability Build positive relationships with social care teams and providers to safeguard children We’re looking for someone who: Is a strong team player with excellent communication and IT skills Understands customer needs and delivers great service Works confidently on their own initiative, knowing when to seek support Has a keen eye for detail and strong organisational skills Can prioritise work to meet deadlines and team objectives You can view a full list of requirements in the Job and Person Profile (word). If you believe you can succeed in this role, apply. Even if you don't meet all requirements, still apply. We would appreciate the opportunity to consider your application. The team You’ll join a small, supportive team dedicated to finding the right homes for children when they need them most. We value solution-focused thinking, good humour, and strong relationships with our partners. The team includes a Manager, Senior Placement Officer, Finance and Business Officer, and three Home Finding and Contracts Officers. Empowering Everyone We’re big believers in potential, possibility and the power of different ideas. We’re always searching for ways to encourage, respect and enable everyone to be the best they can be. We want to represent the diverse communities we serve. We welcome applications from all individuals, especially those from groups that are currently underrepresented in the organisation, as shown in our Workforce Equality Report. For more information Please contact Nicola Lewis (01473 260207) or Rachel Rowe (01473 263730) (she/her), for a casual conversation. You can reach them by calling or emailing Nicola.lewis2@suffolk.gov.uk or Rachel.Rowe@suffolk.gov.uk How to apply Step 1 - Read the Job and Person Profile (JPP) (word). Step 2 - Click ‘Apply Now’ to start your online application. Step 3 - Upload a supporting statement indicating how you meet each of the criteria in the ‘Person Profile’ section of the JPP. You should use the Supporting Statement template. Please use Arial font size 11 and keep your statement to a maximum of two sides of A4. We value authentic applications that showcase your genuine skills and experiences. Applications suspected of being generated by AI may be rejected. We ask you to present your own work and ideas throughout the application process. Please note: Without a supporting statement, your interest will not be progressed. If you require any reasonable adjustments to the application process before the next selection stage, please contact our Recruitment Team by emailing recruitment@suffolk.gov.uk or calling 03456 014412. If you are invited to the next stage of selection, you will have another opportunity to request adjustments for the next stages of the process. Closing date: 11.30pm, 7 December 2025 This authority 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. DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) checks or police vetting will be required for relevant posts. #LI-Hyrbid