3-4 months contract with a Local Authority Job Summary: Acting as a single point of access for commissioning placements. To contribute to the delivery of strategic commissioning intentions identified as part of the Commissioning Service and its partners. To deliver delegated activities or products in relation to commissioning, contract management, policy and planning activity as identified. To undertake quality assurance tasks (including visits) to ensure compliance with agreed processes and standards including regulatory and inspection frameworks. To utilise contract management tools to ensure data and information is timely, accurate and complete. To assist in the coordination with a range of providers/organisations and individuals, researching and drafting correspondence. In addition, the management of specific tasks, lead reporting and analysis across a range of specialties, functions and projects will be required to be undertaken. Collating data as required and providing up to date statistical information on a monthly and annual basis. To deliver the service effectively, a degree of flexibility is needed, and the post holder may be required to perform work not specifically referred to above. Such duties, however, will fall within the scope of the post, at the appropriate grade. Key Duties/Accountabilities (Sample): To contribute to the delivery of strategic commissioning intentions identified as part of the Commissioning Service and its partners. To support the establishment of relationships with internal stakeholders, suppliers and organisations that deliver services and support that meet the needs and outcomes of children and young people. To deliver delegated activities or products in relation to commissioning, contract management, policy and planning activity as identified. To assist in the delivery of jointly commissioned services across the health, housing and social care economy. To maintain an overview of and responsibility for identification and assessment systems for children with special educational needs 0-19 and to deliver a high-quality service in relation to identification, assessment and placement of pupils with SEN in line with statutory legislation. To lead on the completion of complex SEN assessments and amendments to SEN documents (including legal documents) and ensure that these are done with statutory timeframes. To commission preferred providers for children with SEN and ensure that that they provide high quality expertise to meet the needs of children with SEN. To lead area meetings with providers which consider commissioning of SEN support and funding. To review placements of pupils with SEN within the agreed framework. To take responsibility for work packages as part of a project team supporting the activities of the Commissioning Service. To undertake quality assurance tasks (including visits) to ensure compliance with agreed processes and standards including regulatory and inspection frameworks. To work collaboratively with partners and colleagues to proactively safeguard and protect vulnerable people/groups ensuring appropriate and timely action is taken. To assist in the coordination with a range of providers/organisations and individuals, researching and drafting correspondence. In addition, the management of specific tasks, lead reporting and analysis across a range of specialties, functions and projects will be required to be undertaken. Commissioning effective and efficient services through a range of direct delivery, innovative partnerships and commercial arrangements which meet the goals and objectives of Children and Young People's Services (CYPS). To utilise contract management tools to ensure data and information is timely, accurate and complete. To collect and analyse data to inform commissioning activity, to complete statutory returns and support performance management. To ensure accurate data collection and returns in line with an agreed framework. As appropriate to lead on the development of aspects of children and young people's involvement in the work of the Commissioning Team. Providing advice and guidance on volume and price negotiations, more complex placement requirements and development of procedures to meet demand. Responding to requests from social workers and care managers to identify suitable placements/care provision that support choice, independence and cost objectives. Liaising with providers and assessors to identify appropriate and available provision, negotiating to ensure value for money service provision that ensures the desired outcomes for individuals. Support and help define the requirements for a contracts database, ensuring all service providers across Adults, Children and Health are identified, including the type of services they provide and any information on their availability and existing usage across the borough. Using internal/external relationships and other appropriate mechanisms (i.e. customer surveys) to gather feedback on the effectiveness, perceived value and fitness for purpose of services delivered. Work with directorates to predict future demand requirements and engage with the market and service providers to build the market Deliver savings to support overall commissioning targets as identified in the commissioning strategy and commissioning intentions plans. To review and lead on the placement protocol for the Placements Commissioning Team which supports the team’s processes to ensure compliance for safeguarding and contract regulations. Coordinate and maintain an audit trail of resolution of contract issues. Promote and encourage operational commissioning staff to work with internal and external stakeholders to build relationships and develop their understanding of the markets and providers we are working with. Develop and maintain a positive working relationship with internal clients and external public and private sector groups/suppliers alongside promoting good practice. Liaising and negotiating with external organisations in relation to the work of the adults, children’s and health services establishing, requesting or providing information and responding to requests. Respond to all requests and enquiries in a professional, timely and effective manner. Demonstrate excellent customer service, capacity building, leadership, management practices and performance across within the Placements Commissioning Team and with stakeholders. Together with other members of the Placements Commissioning Team contribute to cross-functional team working. Provide support with commissioning projects to service leads and head of service within commissioning. Fostering a positive and conducive team culture, contributing to effective collaboration amongst colleagues in commissioning. Ensure compliance with Health and Safety regulations, responding to new Health and Safety guidance as and when required. Undertake any other duties which may be required or requested to meet the needs of the Placements Commissioning Team and the services they offer. Skills/Experience: A professional understanding of all the legal aspects of procurement and commissioning activity. Awareness of Government and European initiatives and developments in relation to procurement and commissioning legislation. An understanding of issues relating to children’s, education, health and social care services. Awareness of relevant Care Quality Commission policies and policies of other public bodies relating to Children’s Services and Adults Services. Supervisory/management experience of teams in a frontline setting. Ability to influence others to gain support, trust and collaboration using highly developed interpersonal and presentation skills. Experience of effective performance management (people and organisational); identifying development needs; addressing skills and knowledge gaps; and managing poor performance. Advanced experienced of applying in practice, the principles of childcare legislation relating to child protection, looked after children and the provision of services to children in need. Demonstrable commitment to the principles and practice of equal opportunities in employment and service provision. Demonstrable understanding of safeguarding, confidentiality and data protection in relation to social care legislation. Demonstrable negotiating and project management skills. IT literate. Additional Information: Driving license. Mostly remote role.