Commissioning Officer - Children's CHC

Commissioning Lead Officer – Children’s CHC Specialist

Initial 3-6 month interim contract

Midlands – Hybrid working
£450–£500 per day (umbrella), DOE – scope for negotiation
ASAP

 

Interviews will be held within the week, so please get in touch to apply ASAP.

An exciting opportunity has arisen for an experienced Children’s Continuing Healthcare (CHC) specialist to join a forward‑thinking Local Authority as an interim Commissioning Lead Officer.

You will bring expert knowledge of the Children’s CHC National Framework and significant experience managing complex assessments, contested cases and high‑cost packages. This role is ideal for someone who thrives at the interface of health, education and social care and is confident influencing ICB decision‑making while protecting the Local Authority’s position.

 

About your role as Commissioning Lead Officer – Children’s CHC Specialist

• Lead commissioning activity across a defined portfolio, ensuring services align with local and national strategic priorities.
• Act as the Local Authority’s specialist in Children’s & Young People’s CHC, completing and reviewing CHC assessments, DSTs and eligibility evidence.
• Challenge and negotiate ICB decisions where appropriate, ensuring robust application of the Children’s CHC National Framework.
• Use qualitative and quantitative data (including JSNA) to analyse need and shape service planning.
• Produce high‑quality commissioning strategies, specifications and reports for senior leaders and boards.
• Work collaboratively with partners, providers and stakeholders to co‑produce solutions and develop outcome‑focused service models.
• Provide critical challenge to operational teams and support continuous improvement.
• Offer day‑to‑day oversight and support to Commissioning Officers to ensure delivery of key projects.

 

Your required experience as Commissioning Lead Officer – Children’s CHC Specialist

• Extensive experience independently completing end‑to‑end Children’s CHC assessments, referrals, DSTs and contested cases.
• Strong background working within or alongside Children’s Social Care and confidently operating in a statutory Local Authority environment.
• Expert knowledge of the Children’s CHC National Framework, with the ability to evidence eligibility and challenge health decisions.
• Exceptional evidence‑gathering and report‑writing skills, producing documentation that withstands legal, panel and audit scrutiny.
• Experience delivering commissioning, service reviews or project management within health or social care settings.
• Assertive, outcome‑focused practitioner able to manage complex, urgent or high‑cost cases with minimal supervision.
• Ability to build relationships across partners, influence confidently and drive forward strategic objectives.

 

If you’re interested in discussing this opportunity in more detail or know someone who may be suitable, please contact Leah Overend or Lucy Connick on 0117 313 7110 or apply today.

(We offer a senior referral scheme upon successful placement of your recommendation—please get in touch to refer.)

Recruiting decisions are based on experience and skills. Any reasonable adjustments will be fully supported during the application and hiring process.