Permanent – 36 hours per week
Job Purpose
It is a strategic role responsible for providing specialist advice, challenge and support on the quality of practice across early help and children’s social care ensuring that the outcomes of a wide range of quality assurance activities drive a programme of continuous practice improvement and ensure children and young people are effectively safeguarded. The post holder will be responsible for all Ofsted and regulatory inspection readiness in relation to the accurate self-assessment of the quality of practice, developing and maintaining a high quality and accurate programme of practice audit and review. To lead on the implementation of the directorate’s Quality Assurance Framework, with lead responsibility for the analysis of quality assurance, practice learning, thematic reviews and multi-agency audits and working with Directors, Heads of Service and Service Managers to ensure learning is disseminated and acted upon across early help and children’s social care. To ensure that the quality assurance systems are highly effective in identifying strengths and challenges in practice or procedures to promote the highest standards of practice to achieve the best outcomes for children and young people. To provide independent reports for the registering body for social workers when requested.
Minimum Requirements
1. Registered with Social Work England.
2. Proven experience of driving and maintaining improvements in service performance and quality.
3. Extensive experience of developing quality assurance in practice including direct observation of and coaching staff to develop their practice in a number of areas across children’s social care.
4. Evidence of continuous professional development relevant to the role profile.
5. A clear commitment to services working in partnership with families and creating positive change in children’s lives.
6. Demonstrable experience of leading and managing children’s social care services that deliver high quality performance and good outcomes for children.
7. Able to lead, think, plan and manage strategically and systemically, as well as operationally.
8. Able to produce high quality, analytical and evidence-based reports.
9. Able to manage, plan and control delegated budgets.
10. Experience of successfully transforming poorly performing social care services into high performing services.
11. Experience of developing a highly motivated, high achieving and stable workforce with a positive, “can-do”, customer-centred culture.
12. Excellent communication skills (written and verbal) to lead and motivate others.
Why Join Us
Our team consists of experienced, dedicated practitioners. We meet regularly to make sure everyone we work with has the support and knowledge needed to make a difference and be the difference to our families, communities and colleagues. At Croydon relationships matter and we are about strong partnerships and working together to make lasting positive change.
You will have the support of an extremely knowledgeable understanding manager and access to a busy, buzzy, committed workforce and work environment. Opportunities to work from home and work flexibly provides you with more work-life balance. You will have opportunities to think together with your manager about career development and support to help you grow, develop, learn and lead.
Benefits
You will be valued for your skills and expertise, supported by the team of experienced professionals, as well as the management at Croydon Council, one of the largest employers in the borough. We also offer:
1. Highly competitive compensation package
2. Accredited Systemic Practice training
3. A range of CPD opportunities
4. 29-31 days (grade equivalent) annual leave in addition to Bank Holidays and option to purchase more
5. A pension scheme with an average employer contribution of 20%
6. Continuing Professional Development – genuine opportunities to grow, develop and specialise in your career
7. Investment into your wellbeing
8. Access to Employee Discount scheme with a range of programmes (Cycle Benefit Scheme, GymFlex, Retail Discounts and more)
9. We promote flexible & hybrid working arrangements where possible to support a healthy work-life balance
Closing date Sunday 09 February at 11:59 pm
Croydon Council is an inclusive employer and welcomes applications from all sections of the community. We will be pleased to consider applications from candidates seeking flexible working arrangements. As users of the disability confident scheme, we guarantee to interview all disabled applicants who meet the minimum criteria for the advertised role.
Croydon council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults and expects all staff to share this commitment. The successful candidate will be subject to an Enhanced DBS check which allows them to work with children.
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