Lead Resources Officer (Children's Commissioning) – 3 Month Contract

Summary

Key Responsibilities

Children's Commissioning & Placement Management

• Develop and source intricate care, support, and educational packages for children and young people.
  
  


• Oversee high-cost and complex placements within regulated environments.
  
  


• Ensure commissioned services maintain quality, cost-effectiveness, and deliver positive results.
  
  


• Evaluate placement arrangements and address cost concerns as needed.
  
  


• Assist in sufficiency planning and market development initiatives.
  
  

Operational Leadership

• Aid the Resources Manager in the daily operations of the Commissioning & Resources Hub.
  
  


• Serve as Duty Manager, managing work allocation and resource prioritization.
  
  


• Offer coaching, mentoring, and technical support to team members.
  
  


• Stand in for the Resources Manager when necessary.
  
  


• Uphold high practice standards and foster continuous improvement.
  
  

Contract & Provider Management

• Collaborate with independent providers to sustain quality services.
  
  


• Conduct service evaluations and contract monitoring.
  
  


• Assist in contract negotiations and annual fee review processes.
  
  


• Address contract compliance issues and performance concerns.
  
  


• Perform quality assurance visits and provider audits.
  
  

Financial & Performance Management

• Manage a commissioning portfolio valued at up to £50 million.
  
  


• Track expenditure, placement costs, and financial performance.
  
  


• Analyze trends, needs, performance, and demand data.
  
  


• Generate reports and recommendations for senior management.
  
  


• Identify opportunities to enhance value for money and service delivery.
  
  

Stakeholder & Partnership Working

• Cultivate effective relationships with:
  
  
  
  • Social Workers
    
    
  
  
  • Education Services
    
    
  
  
  • Health Professionals
    
    
  
  
  • Independent Providers
    
    
  
  
  • Voluntary Sector Organizations
    
    
  
  
  • Senior Managers
    
    
  
  


• Participate in panels, review meetings, and decision-making forums.
  
  


• Contribute to commissioning projects, business cases, and procurement activities.
  
  

Service Improvement

• Support commissioning projects and transformation programs.
  
  


• Engage in market analysis, options appraisals, and procurement activities.
  
  


• Advocate for Hackney's Systemic, Trauma-Informed and Anti-Racist (STAR) practice model.
  
  


• Ensure commissioning processes adhere to compliance and best practices.
  
  

Essential

• Extensive experience in Children's Services commissioning, placements, brokerage, resources, or procurement.
  
  


• Proven track record in commissioning and managing:
  
  
  
  • Care Packages
    
    
  
  
  • Residential Placements
    
    
  
  
  • Supported Accommodation
    
    
  
  
  • Education Provision
    
    
  
  


• Strong understanding of:
  
  
  
  • Children's Social Care
    
    
  
  
  • Looked After Children
    
    
  
  
  • Care Leavers
    
    
  
  
  • SEND
    
    
  
  
  • Children's Commissioning Markets
    
    
  
  


• Experience in:
  
  
  
  • Contract Management
    
    
  
  
  • Quality Assurance
    
    
  
  
  • Provider Monitoring
    
    
  
  
  • Service Reviews
    
    
  
  


• Proficient in managing complex stakeholder relationships.
  
  


• Skilled in negotiating with providers to ensure value for money.
  
  


• Strong analytical, reporting, and financial monitoring capabilities.
  
  


• Experience in supervising, coaching, mentoring, or supporting staff.
  
  


• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced and demanding environment.
  
  

Desirable

• Degree-level qualification or equivalent relevant experience.
  
  


• Qualifications in Social Work, Education, Youth Work, or Commissioning.
  
  


• Experience in Local Government commissioning.
  
  


• Familiarity with placement panels and funding panels.
  
  


• Knowledge of procurement and contract regulations.
  
  

What's on Offer?

• £200.49 per day (Umbrella)
  
  


• 3 Month Contract
  
  


• Bi-Weekly Pay
  
  


• Opportunity to work within a well-established Children's Integrated Commissioning Service.
  
  


• Engagement in complex commissioning, placement sourcing, and provider management.
  
  


• Leadership responsibilities with opportunities to coach and support team members.
  
  


• Chance to influence outcomes for vulnerable children and young people.