Commissioning Officer (Quality Assurance And Send), Children's Services

Commissioning Officer (Quality Assurance and SEND), Children's Services

Employer: Wokingham Borough Council
Salary: £43,421 - £54,707 per annum (depending on experience)
Location: Wokingham Borough Council, Shute End/Home Working
Contract: Permanent
Working Pattern: Full Time
Hours: 37 hours per week.
DBS Check: Enhanced
Closing Date: 21/04/2024 at 23:00
Reference: 712579

We have an exciting opportunity for a Commissioning Officer (QA & SEND) to join the Children’s Commissioning Service here at Wokingham Borough Council.

As Commissioning Officer, you will contribute to the delivery of an ambitious strategic improvement programme across SEND. The post offers a unique opportunity to work collaboratively with colleagues across the department, the council and with partners from across the Health System, to innovate, develop and implement positive change for the children and young people of Wokingham.

The Children’s Commissioning Team covers SEND, Education, Early Years, Social Care and Early Help. This role focusses on developing robust Quality Assurance and monitoring arrangements of commissioned specialist provision and services. 

Key Responsibilities:

• To lead on developing and implementing Quality Assurance and monitoring of Independent and non-maintained special school provision and external alternative provision
• To contribute to and support all stages in the commissioning cycle, for SEND children and young people and families including needs analysis, development of strategies, plans and services; procurement of services, contract monitoring and evaluation, and service/market development.
• To work with and strategically support senior managers and any relevant multi-agency partnerships in the drive for outcomes and joined up and co-ordinated services.
• To undertake contract and performance management as required, to ensure the achievement of required outcomes, performance targets and/or efficiencies, and effective management of risk.
• To plan and lead/support projects and reviews within a defined area of work as directed by the manager to support and enhance service delivery, utilizing appropriate project management methodologies.

Candidate requirements:

The ideal candidate/s will be someone with a keen interest in improving outcomes for children and young people, who is committed to making a difference and enjoys working in a fast paced and sometimes pressured environment.

• Experience working in the SEND/education, health or social care sector or can demonstrate strong knowledge of those sectors.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Good attention to detail and the ability to analyse information, data and possess strong report writing skills.
• You will need to have an enquiring mind and be confident asking challenging questions to get a detailed understanding of services and provider performance.
• Desirable to have some contract knowledge and commissioning experience of Children and Young People’s Services.

We offer an incredible benefits package which includes generous annual leave, an enhanced local government pension scheme, flexible working arrangements, a range of discounts and much more!

For an informal chat about the role please contact Carey Tulloch on carey.tulloch@wokingham.gov.uk

Closing date: Sunday 21^st April 2024, 11pm

Interview date: Week Commencing 29^th April 2024

Please be aware that we will be reviewing the applications we receive on a daily basis, and we reserve the right to close the advert early if suitable candidates are identified.  

Wokingham Borough Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults and expects all staff, other workers and volunteers to share this commitment. All successful candidates for this role will be subject to Disclosure & Barring Service (DBS) checks along with other relevant employment checks.

Wokingham is an equal opportunities employer. 

Further information on this vacancy

• Job Description