Job details
Salary range: £51,515 – £54,702 per annum
Work location: County Hall,Oxford city centre. A combination of remote and office-based working is expected
Hours per week: 37 - we are open to discussions about flexible working
Contract type: Permanent
Vetting requirements: This role is subject to a Criminal Records Check
Closing date: Friday 21st June 2024 - Applications will be reviewed ahead of the closing date and we reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive sufficient applications for the role. Therefore, if you are interested, please submit your application as early as possible
Interview date: To be confirmed
Do you want to help us radically change the way we deliver social care?
About us
Join Oxfordshire County Council on an exciting journey towards Delivering the Future Together, our ambitious transformation programme which is enabling us to be an employer, partner, and place shaper of choice. We’re seeking the right people who can help us get there while embracing our value of ‘daring to do it differently’, as we continue to strive to do better.
In Adult Services, this means we're daring to do adult social care differently by supporting Oxfordshire’s residents to stay fit, healthy and independent in their communities for as long as possible through a strength’s-based approach. Working with local NHS services, care providers and community and voluntary groups, we make the most of what each of our strengths are, pulling in the same direction, and united by one shared vision.
This means we keep the people we support at the heart of all that we do. And that works. By listening to people and building on the positives in their lives, we can work collaboratively to help them live the lives they want with the right support around them.
It is something we call the Oxfordshire Way and we can’t do it alone – our proactive, positive approach to social care gives everyone the opportunity to make a bigger difference. If we’re doing a good job, we don’t stand still – we’re ambitious and we’re always striving to do better; it’s in our DNA.
About the role and team
We’re transforming the way we support our communities to get the best outcomes possible for each and every person we work with. Our Strategy and Innovation Team sits at the heart of our adult social care change programmes, with specialist focus on project management, workforce development and strategy.
Our Assurance Lead will be responsible for co-ordinating and delivering a programme of work focused on ensuring that the local authority is well-prepared for CQC Assurance. This will involve close collaboration with a wide range of operational and commissioning colleagues, including our Deputy Director of Adult Social Care, Principal Social Worker, Principal Occupational Therapist, Co-production Team and Commissioning Leads.
The Assurance Lead role will:
1. Be the subject-matter expert on CQC Assurance for local authorities, ensuring we have a thorough understanding of the emerging approach taken by our regulator, briefing colleagues about developments in workshops and webinars.
2. Liaise with colleagues across the service to develop our evidence library, acting as a “critical friend” and quality assuring documentation provided.
3. Ensure the voice of people we support is heard and brought to the fore, as an essential part of quality assurance and improvement.
4. Develop robust improvement plans with colleagues and monitor delivery, refreshing our approach as required.
5. Utilise excellent report writing skills to update our current Adult Social Care Self Assessment Narrative and provide regular updates to senior stakeholders, escalating issues as needed.
CQC assurance for local authorities was introduced in 2023: candidates with transferrable skills and experience are warmly encouraged to apply.
We are committed to supporting ongoing professional training and development, so that you can grow and progress your career with us. We continue to be a financially stable local authority and our investment in Adult Services means we have some ambitious plans to transform and improve the way we do things; it’s a really exciting time to join us!
Please click here to view the Job Description and Selection Criteria
About you
You are…
6. Driven to do it differently to find creative solutions in collaboration with others.
7. Willing to take responsibility, you are a self-leader who has the passion to improve the way we work.
8. Kind and caring, with an understanding of and respect for individuals’ qualities, abilities and diverse backgrounds.
9. Advocating for equality and integrity in all you do with a commitment to human rights and social justice.
10. Always learning, to continuously develop your skills and knowledge, with curiosity and an open minded approach to your work.
Rewards and benefits
11. Up to 33 day’s holiday p.a. plus bank holidays - Option to ‘buy’ additional days
12. Membership of the Local Government contributory pension scheme, employer’s contribution of up to 19.9%
13. Regular monthly formal and informal support
14. Local and national discounts for shopping and travel
15. Learn more here: Our benefits | Jobs (oxfordshire.gov.uk)
For an informal discussion about the role, please contact Rose Rolle-Rowan, Lead Commissioner - Strategy and Innovation: rose.rolle-rowan@oxfordshire.gov.uk
How to apply
To apply, simply send us your CV with a short cover letter to WorkforAdultSocialCare@oxfordshire.gov.uk or please complete an online application form by clicking either of the Apply Now buttons at the top and bottom of this advert. This includes a section asking you to explain how you meet the selection criteria, as specified in the job posting. Make sure you read the Job description first! It’s that simple and quick!
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Our commitment to:
Equality, Diversity and Inclusion
At Oxfordshire County Council we are proud of our diverse workforce. Everyone is accepted for who they are, regardless of age, disability, gender identity, marital status, race, faith or belief, sexual orientation, socioeconomic background, or on maternity or family leave. We have a number of staff network groups which provide peer support, education and safe spaces for all.
Our commitment to:
Guaranteed Interview Schemes
As a Disability Confident employer, we guarantee an interview for disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for the job. We also guarantee interviews to care leavers who have completed further education and who meet the essential criteria for the job. For those leaving care without any further education, we guarantee an interview for our apprenticeships. We are also committed to helping and supporting those transitioning from HM Armed Forces to civilian life and guarantee an interview for those demonstrating the essential criteria for the role, within three years of leaving the service.
Our commitment to:
Safeguarding
Oxfordshire County Council are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and adults. We expect all employees, workers and volunteers to share this commitment. We will ensure that all our recruitment and selection practices reflect these commitments.
Our commitment to:
Flexible Working
We are open to discussions about flexible working, which can include flexi-time, part time working, job sharing, nine-day fortnights and annualised hours, depending on the requirements of the role and the service.
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