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

? Location: London Borough of Hackney
? Rate: £200.49 per day (Umbrella)
? Contract: 3 Month Contract
⏰ Hours: Full Time
? Pay: Bi-Weekly

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Summary

Hackney Council is on the lookout for a seasoned Lead Resources Officer to enhance its Children's Integrated Commissioning Service. This pivotal position within the Commissioning & Resources Hub is essential for managing and delivering tailored care, support, and educational packages for children and young people. Collaborating with Children's Social Care, Education, Public Health, and Health services, your role will ensure services are effectively commissioned, cost-efficient, and yield positive outcomes for children and families. The ideal candidate will oversee daily operations, handle complex commissioning cases, offer expert guidance, and manage the allocation of work while supporting a team of up to nine members.

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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.
  

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Essential

Requirements

Requirements:

• 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.
  

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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.
  

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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.
  

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Ideal for candidates with experience as a Lead Resources Officer, Senior Placements Officer, Brokerage Manager, Children's Commissioning Officer, Placement Finding Officer, Commissioning & Resources Officer, Children's Brokerage Lead, Placements Team Leader, or Children's Services Commissioning Specialist.