Head of Childrens Placements - White Trees Group : Job Details

Job Title: Head of Childrens Placements

Contract Type: Full time, permanent

Location: Bishops Stortford

Salary: £80,000 - £100,000

White Trees group is owned and operated by SureCare Residential Ltd. We are a leading provider of therapeutic children's homes and bespoke education services for vulnerable children and young people across England. Our mission is to provide stability, safety and opportunity for every child in our care with our therapeutic approach.

We are seeking a Head of Children's Placements to join our senior leadership team and drive high quality, child centered placement services across our residential homes and specialist educational settings. Our mission is to provide stability, safety and opportunity for every child in our care.

Are you passionate about improving outcomes for looked after children Do you have strategic and operational experience to lead placements, admissions, procurement and contracts for a growing, values-driven children’s homes and education provider

The Role:You will play a key role in the successful placement of children and young people in The Whitetrees Group. Operating as the central point of contact for referrals to all spot purchasing teams, the post requires prompt and consistent responses to local authorities and other agencies. You would be required to liaise with fostering, residential and SEND Operations and Commissioning teams to deliver high quality recommendations for placements and transitions within the required timescales. You would also be responsible for collating, analysing and interpreting a range of data relating to referrals and placements.

Responsibilities:Develop, implement and communicate strategy, policy and operational business plans across the wider area of Children Placement ServicesForge strong relationships with the Local Authorities and ensure processes are in place to meet statutory and national responsibilities relating to children and young peopleWork collaboratively with internal and external partners on the development of key strategies and programmes to improve the well being of young people entering our care

Attributes:To lead and manage the end to end placements process, including referrals, admissions, matching and onboardingBe able to develop and maintain strong relationships with local authorities, commissioners and placement teamsOversee placement contracts, framework agreements and procurement activity, ensuring compliance and best valueLead data driven placement planning and forecasting, work closely with operational and education leadersChampion excellent outcomes and safeguarding for looked after children at every stage of the placement journey

We are seeking an individual who has the following qualities and skill set:To understand the organisations Ethos which underpins our work, our mission including our objectivesBe able to develop a deep understanding of the needs for each of our services, capacity and current occupancyWork with relevant managers to understand their preferences and suitability for different type of placementsSignificant experience in placements, admissions or commissioning within children's social careStrong understanding of contracts, frameworks and procurement processes relevant to looked after childrenExcellent communication and negotiation skills, with the ability to build trust with partners and professionalsTo have a child centered approach, with a commitment to improving outcomes for vulnerable childrenLeadership experience, with the ability to manage teams and collaborate cross functionally

Benefits:Referral programmeContributory Pension Scheme (3% Employer Contribution)Employee Assistance Support - supplied via WhiteTrees through an Independent CompanyBlue Light Discount - All staff are eligible for this discount in High Street Retailers & RestaurantsHolidays/Annual Leave - All staff receive 28 days holiday and you will receive additional leave after 3 years serviceOn site parking