Placement Officer

Help shape the support that enables children and young people to thrive.

Who we are & what we stand for

Do you want to help make Gateshead a place where everyone thrives? If that sounds like you, keep reading - we might be the perfect match.

We’re delighted that you’re interested in working with us. You’d be joining us at a very exciting time.

We pride ourselves on our ambitious and forward-thinking approach to taking care of Gateshead and its people, and we passionately believe that our employees reflect that spirit in truly enabling Gateshead to thrive.

At Gateshead Council you’d be a highly valued member of a team that recognises and respects the skills that you bring to your role, encourages creativity and passionately advocates a great work / life balance. Our actions speak louder than words, and with flexi-time and hybrid working available across many of our roles, as well as a full suite of outstanding employee benefits, we’re confident that it isn’t just the salary that attracts our staff.

Join a team committed to improving the lives of children and families.

The Commissioning Service plays a key role in ensuring adults, children, and families across Gateshead receive the right care and support at the right time. The team works closely with social care professionals, providers, health partners and wider council services to source high-quality placements, shape the provider market and make sure services deliver good outcomes for residents. As part of the Commissioning, Performance and Service Development function, the service is responsible for contract management, provider accreditation, data analysis, and maintaining robust systems that support effective decision-making. It’s a fast-paced, collaborative environment where accuracy, communication and problem-solving are essential to helping people access safe, appropriate, value-for-money care.

Connecting Children to the Support They Need.

Every child and young person deserves access to the right care, support, and opportunities to thrive. As a key member of our Commissioning Team, you will play an essential role in helping us secure high-quality care packages and placements that meet the individual needs of children and young people. Working closely with social care professionals, providers, and partners, you will ensure that critical information is accurate, services are effectively coordinated, and children receive timely access to the support they need. Your work behind the scenes will make a real difference to the lives of children, young people, and families across our communities.

What you will get to do

• Be the first point of contact for all enquiries about children and young people's care packages and placements, providing excellent customer service by phone, email and in person.
• Liaise with social care professionals to confirm requirements for assessed packages of care and placements.
• Source placements, support providers with electronic data updates, and ensure accurate information is held within commissioning systems.
• Maintain and develop information systems to record placement searches, track provider data and ensure accurate, timely payments.
• Collate data and produce reports that support strategic commissioning and service planning.
• Support the commissioning team to set up new contracts, including provider accreditation, monitoring, and review activity.
• Work closely with internal colleagues and external providers to ensure smooth processes, effective communication and high-quality service delivery.
• Contribute to the wider Commissioning Service in a flexible, team-focused way, responding to changing priorities and service needs

What you will bring

• NVQ Level 3 in Business Admin (or equivalent) or relevant experience
• Strong knowledge of Microsoft Office and experience using databases, financial/social care systems, and digital recording/monitoring tools.
• Experience of data input, retrieval, analysis and reporting, including use of spreadsheets and producing reports for managers.
• Ability to work independently, manage competing priorities and meet deadlines.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to work sensitively with providers, partners and service users.
• Strong numeric and financial-monitoring skills, with attention to detail and accuracy.

What’s in it for you

• Competitive Salary: We offer fair and transparent pay that reflects your skills and experience.
• Outstanding Pension Scheme : We don’t just offer a great salary – we invest in your future too. Find out what benefits a Local Government Pension provides:
• Generous Annual Leave : Enjoy 28 days of annual leave, rising to 32 days after 5 years (2 of which can be fixed by the Council), plus the option to buy up to 10 extra days.
• Flexible Working Hours: Benefit from up to 26 flexi days per year (subject to business needs), giving you more control over your time.
• Hybrid & Flexible Working: We support a healthy work-life balance with flexible and hybrid working options.
• Learning & Development: Access a wide range of training, development, and progression opportunities to help you grow your career.
• Health & Wellbeing Support : From discounted gym memberships through our partner GLL to mental health resources, we care about your wellbeing.
• Cycle to Work Scheme : Save money and stay active with our tax-efficient cycle to work programme.
• Electric & Hybrid Car Scheme: Get behind the wheel of a brand-new electric or hybrid vehicle through our salary sacrifice car scheme in partnership with NHS Fleet Solutions – a cost-effective, environmentally friendly way to drive (after 12 months service).
• Exclusive Discounts & Salary Sacrifice : Through our VIVUP employee benefits platform, enjoy discounts on shopping, travel, and services – plus salary sacrifice options on white goods, electronics, and more, helping you spread the cost of essential purchases (after 6 months service).

Our commitment to you

We are an equal opportunities employer and aim to have a culture and a workplace where our people feel a sense of belonging, are respected and empowered to do their best work. We know that we deliver better services when our workforce reflects the full range of backgrounds and experiences in the society we serve. We welcome applications from suitably qualified people from all sections of the community, regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, and sexual orientation

How to apply

You can apply online using the apply now button below. Within the form, you’ll be asked for details about you, your career history, skills, experiences and qualifications.

We advise you to be as detailed and specific as possible, paying particular attention to any of the above which are relevant to the role to which you are applying. If you have any questions about your application, please don’t hesitate to reach out to our recruitment team via View email address on northeastjobs.org.uk

Please note: As a Disability Confident employer, we guarantee an interview to all disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for the role. However, in high-volume recruitment situations, it may not always be practicable to interview every eligible candidate. In such cases, we may need to prioritise those who best meet the essential criteria, based on the information provided in the application.

Additionally, the Council reserves the right to close this vacancy early or adjust the shortlisting criteria, including the pass mark for interview selection, to ensure a fair and manageable recruitment process. We encourage early applications.