Commissioning Officer

A Commissioning Manager in Children's Social Care plays a crucial role in ensuring that services for children and families are effective, meet local needs, and provide value for money. This position involves working closely with a range of stakeholders including service providers, children, families, and other professionals within the social care sector to develop, procure, and manage services. Below is a general job description for a Commissioning Manager in Children's Social Care:
Key Responsibilities:

- **Strategic Planning and Service Development**:

- Develop and implement commissioning strategies and plans for children's services that are evidence-based and aligned with local and national policy objectives.
- Identify gaps in services and work collaboratively to design innovative solutions that meet the needs of children and families.
- Engage with children, families, and other stakeholders to ensure services are co-produced and reflect the needs of the community.
- **Procurement and Contract Management**:

- Lead the procurement process for children's services, ensuring compliance with legal and regulatory requirements.
- Negotiate and manage contracts with service providers, ensuring services are delivered to agreed standards, outcomes, and within budget.
- Monitor and evaluate service performance, implementing improvements and corrective actions where necessary.
- **Partnership Working and Stakeholder Engagement**:

- Build and maintain strong relationships with a wide range of stakeholders including other local government departments, health services, education providers, and voluntary sector organizations.
- Work collaboratively with partners to develop integrated services that provide holistic support to children and families.
- Represent the local authority in regional and national forums related to children's services.
- **Financial Management and Budgeting**:

- Responsible for the budgetary management of commissioned services, ensuring efficient use of resources and achieving value for money.
- Forecast and manage budgets, identifying cost pressures and savings opportunities.
- **Quality Assurance and Safeguarding**:

- Ensure that all commissioned services adhere to quality standards and statutory safeguarding requirements.
- Implement robust quality assurance frameworks to monitor and improve the quality of services.
- Respond to any safeguarding concerns promptly and in line with legal and policy requirements.

Key Skills and Qualifications:

- A degree in Social Work, Health, Education, or a related field, and relevant professional qualifications.
- Extensive experience in children's services, social care, health, or education, with a proven track record of successful commissioning and contract management.
- Strong leadership and management skills, with the ability to inspire and motivate teams.
- Excellent negotiation, communication, and stakeholder engagement skills.
- Deep understanding of the legislative and policy framework relating to children's services.
- Ability to analyze complex information and make informed decisions.
- Financial management and budgeting skills.

Personal Attributes:

- A commitment to improving outcomes for children and families.
- Strategic thinker with the ability to translate vision into action.
- Resilient and adaptable, able to manage change and uncertainty.
- Collaborative, with a strong focus on partnership working.

**Job Types**: Full-time, Permanent

**Salary**: £70,000.00 per year

**Benefits**:

- Additional leave
- Casual dress
- Company pension
- Free parking
- Sick pay
- Work from home

Schedule:

- 8 hour shift
- Monday to Friday

Supplemental pay types:

- Performance bonus

**Education**:

- A-Level or equivalent (preferred)

Licence/Certification:

- Driving Licence (preferred)

Ability to Commute:

- Letchworth (required)

Work Location: Hybrid remote in Letchworth