Placement Information & Placement Officer

Placement Information & Payments Officer
Directorate: Children, Adults and Community Health
Service Area: Corporate Parenting – Placements Management Unit
Location: Hackney
Contract: Initially 3 months - potential to extend
Salary: £27 PH UMB (£20 PAYE)

About the Team
The Placement Management Unit (PMU) sits at the heart of Hackney’s Corporate Parenting service. They are a dynamic commissioning team responsible for sourcing and managing high-quality care arrangements for looked-after children and care leavers. Their focus is on stability, quality, and value — ensuring that every young person receives the support they deserve, while achieving the best outcomes for both children and the Council.
The team also manages provider accreditation, contract quality assurance, and financial processes that support post-permanency arrangements. We take pride in being detail-focused, collaborative, and committed to improving the lives of young people in Hackney.
The Role We’re looking for is for an organised and motivated Placement Information & Payments Officer to deliver a professional, customer-focused, and efficient financial transaction service within our Placements Management Unit.
In this pivotal role, you’ll:

• Prepare scheduled and ad-hoc payments to ensure carers and providers are paid accurately and on time.
• Process and validate invoices, ensuring compliance with financial regulations and HMRC requirements.
• Reconcile financial data, identify discrepancies, and prevent overpayments or underpayments.
• Liaise with carers, suppliers, and internal stakeholders to resolve queries promptly.
• Assist with financial reporting, statutory returns, and end-of-year processes.
• Support new system implementations and deliver training to colleagues.

This is a role that combines technical accuracy with excellent customer service — a perfect fit for someone who thrives on problem-solving, numbers, and meaningful public service.

About You: You’ll bring:

• Strong numerical and analytical skills with a keen eye for detail.
• Proven experience in financial administration, accounts payable/receivable, or similar transactional finance work.
• A solid understanding of financial controls and regulations, ideally within a local government setting.
• Confidence using Microsoft Office (especially Excel) and financial systems.
• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills, with the ability to handle sensitive information tactfully.
• The ability to prioritise workloads, meet deadlines, and contribute effectively as part of a team.

A genuine interest in supporting vulnerable children and families, and a commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion, are essential.

if you are interested in applying for this role, contact Nicola today at Nicola.mansfield@servicecare.org.uk or on 01772 208964