Job Description:

Location: Leeds / Hybrid - 2 days per week in the office
Salary: £30,000 per annum + performance-related bonus of up to 10%
Contract: Permanent, full-time (37.5 hours per week)
Working Hours: Rota basis between 8:00am and 6:00pm

An established organisation supporting children and young people across education and residential services is looking for a highly organised and proactive Placements & Referrals Coordinator to join its Business Development team.

This is a key coordination role, acting as the link between Local Authorities, commissioners and internal operational teams. You will be responsible for reviewing referrals, identifying suitable placement opportunities, coordinating offers and ensuring information is communicated accurately and efficiently.

The successful candidate will be confident working in a fast-paced environment, managing multiple referrals and deadlines while building strong professional relationships with external stakeholders.

• Review and assess incoming referrals from Local Authorities, ensuring all relevant information is obtained and accurately recorded.
• Work closely with Registered Managers and Head Teachers to identify suitable placement opportunities.
• Prepare and issue detailed placement offers within agreed timescales.
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date referral records, placement information and availability logs.
• Develop and maintain strong working relationships with Local Authority commissioners, social workers and other key stakeholders.
• Monitor placement capacity and proactively anticipate future availability.
• Liaise with internal teams to support a smooth transition and onboarding process for new placements.
• Attend and contribute to regular placement meetings.
• Produce reports and provide placement and referral data when required.
• Ensure communication with stakeholders is timely, professional and accurate.

We're looking for someone who is highly organised, commercially aware and confident communicating with a range of stakeholders.

You will ideally have:

• Previous experience in a placements, referrals, commissioning or business development coordination role, ideally within social care, education or a related sector.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong relationship-building and interpersonal skills.
• Excellent organisational skills and attention to detail.
• The ability to manage multiple referrals, priorities and deadlines effectively.
• Confidence using Microsoft Office and databases/CRM systems.
• A proactive approach and the ability to work independently as well as collaboratively.
• Knowledge or experience of children's residential care, fostering or SEND education provision would be advantageous.

• £30,000 per annum
• Performance-related bonus opportunity of up to 10%
• Hybrid working, including 2 days per week in the office
• 37.5-hour permanent contract
• Ongoing training and professional development
• Supportive and collaborative working environment
• The opportunity to play a key role in securing appropriate placements and making a meaningful difference to the lives of children and young people

If you have experience coordinating referrals, placements or commissioning activity and are looking for your next opportunity within the education, social care or children's services sector, we'd be keen to hear from you.