Job Description
At Bath & North East Somerset Council we have one overriding purpose – to improve people’s lives.
Bath & North East Somerset Council is seeking an experienced and proactive Placement Officer to join our SEND service.
About the role:
In this pivotal role, you will combine brokerage functions with commissioning support to ensure that placement activity for children and young people with Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs) is intelligence-led, timely, and contributes to positive outcomes for families.
You will work closely with families, settings and multi-agency partners to secure the right educational placements and improve life outcomes for children and young people with special educational needs.
This role is based in the Keynsham Civic Centre and across our local area, including some travel to other counties. Most of the working week will be spent at the Keynsham Civic Centre and out visiting settings.
Key Responsibilities:
- Placement Coordination
- Needs Analysis
- Market & Gap Analysis
- Commissioning Support
- Caseload Management
- Panel Coordination & Reporting
- Team Collaboration
In addition to the role specific criteria, to be shortlisted for this position your CV and cover letter will clearly evidence:
- Relevant experience in education, social care, health or local authority teams. This may include personal or volunteering experience.
- Evidence that can work flexibly and effectively under pressure and be resilient and be solution focused when facing challenges.
- Evidence of the ability to make decisions in relation to children and young people based on sound assessment of needs and appraisal of available options.
If you are interested in this post and require more details or just to chat through the role and what’s involved, please contact Laura Donnelly, Head of SEND on 01225 477105 or email laura_donnelly@bathnes.gov.uk
Interview date: Friday 5th June 2026.
No agencies please.
*Please note, BANES Council operates a policy of prior consideration for roles for any individual on the Council’s at-risk register (redeployee). This means should a redeployee express an interest in this role, providing they meet the essential criteria for the role they will be considered ahead of external applicants.
Please note that this advert may close earlier than the stated closing date due to high demand. We advise all interested candidates to apply as soon as possible.
About Bath and North East Somerset Council.
Working at Bath and North East Somerset provides an opportunity to contribute to your community and make a positive impact on the lives of residents. Our values shape how we work to deliver public services, and how we communicate with the residents we serve. We care about the best outcomes for local people, through our public services.
Why Bath and North East Somerset Council?
We offer a wide range of benefits, to ensure that you are paid fairly for your work, have the flexibility to enjoy a great work/life balance, and have the support you need. Go to https://jobsandcareers.bathnes.gov.uk/why-work-us/our-benefits
At Bath and North East Somerset Council we have one overriding purpose – to improve peoples lives. Find out more about our values at https://jobsandcareers.bathnes.gov.uk/why-work-us/our-values
We aspire to have a diverse and inclusive workplace and strongly encourage suitably qualified applicants from a wide range of backgrounds to apply and join us. Find out more on our commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion at https://beta.bathnes.gov.uk/equality-and-diversity
We are a Disability Confident Employer – find out more at https://shorturl.at/ajrsW
The Council is committed to having a diverse and inclusive workforce. Applications for job-share, part-time and flexible working arrangements are welcomed and will be considered in line with business needs.
Please note that this role is subject to an Enhanced DBS Check.
Safeguarding Statement: The Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable groups and expects all employees and volunteers to share this commitment. As part of this commitment anyone working in a post with children or vulnerable groups will be expected to undertake an Enhanced DBS check with/without barred list checks.