Social Work Quality Assurance Practice Lead

Overview

We have a fantastic opportunity for a Social Work Quality Assurance & Practice Development Lead. The successful candidate will be tasked with improving the effectiveness and quality of practice and service delivery.

We want you to act as a 'challenge' and 'change agent' to ensure we promote best practice, in the role of 'critical friend' providing quality assurance on case holding practice via a range of activities including direct observation, practice audits and a link to our locality social work teams.

This is an exciting time to join us, with this opportunity offering the successful candidate the chance to contribute significantly to positive changes in both practice and culture by influencing and supporting colleagues at all levels.

Initiated in 2019, our strength-based practice model, 'Better Lives', has been improving outcomes linked to independence, developing social connections, and improving areas that are important to the residents we support.

About us

In April 2020 Buckinghamshire Council became the UK's newest council. Meaning the residents of Buckinghamshire will be now be served by a single, unitary council. Buckinghamshire is an ambitious, rapidly growing county, and our economy is one of the strongest in the country.

We are looking for motivated, ambitious and inspiring people to join us on our journey.

About the role

The role will involve creating and articulating a vision for improving outcomes for adults that inspires others, improves practice and protective factors for adults. To drive and manage cultural and organisational change and achieve results through influence and negotiation

To make practice and theoretical model meaningful to, and applicable in, everyday practice and leadership. Initiate, develop and implement a quality practice audit framework to support social care/occupational therapy practice in social care. Promote learning and best practice from audits to all staff working closely with the learning and development team to embed positive learning outcomes.

To work with the operational teams in promoting independence, wellbeing and a community assets-based approach to social care practice at all stages in the customer pathway. Being the link person to one of our locality teams, while supporting and implementing a locality learning hub to work together with the teams to consider areas for development while highlighting areas of good practice.

To ensure compliance with all statutory social care requirements including the Care Act, the Mental Health Act and the Mental Capacity Act through timely and proportionate assessment, support planning and review.

About you

Naturally, you'll be a great people person, familiar with working to a strength-based approach. Thinking outside the box, you'll support your clients and help prevent, reduce or delay the need for care. Bringing your in-depth knowledge of the latest legislation and statutory guidance, you'll work independently and with colleagues to support adults and their families. Persistence and an adaptable approach are needed in an outcome-focused way with partners such as health services, community sector, housing, care providers and other stakeholders.

Please see the job summary attached for full details.

Other information

For more information about this role, please contact Sara Franchetti at

You will be required to apply for a DBS at an enhanced level. Further information about the DBS Scheme can be found at GOV.UK

Buckinghamshire Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and adults at risk.

We reserve the right to close the vacancy once we have received sufficient applications, so please be advised to submit your application as early as possible.

Our values and culture

We have a set of values, which our employees have chosen, that represent what we are - Proud, Ambitious, Collaborative and Trustworthy.

By joining Buckinghamshire Council, you can expect:

• a fair and inclusive culture
• the chance to really make a difference to those around you
• health and well-being initiatives including an Employee Assistance Programme, Mental Health First Aiders and mindfulness workshops
• a unified voice through our Employee Representative Group
• ongoing support, and the opportunity to develop and progress in your career with us
• opportunities to take part in fun activities such as fundraising and social events

At Buckinghamshire Council, we know that our biggest strength comes from the people that work for us, and that's why we're working hard to ensure we continue to be an accessible and inclusive organisation.

From dedicated staff networks overseen by our Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Steering Group, to proudly standing as a Disability Confident employer, it's important to us that all our colleagues feel engaged, listened to, and valued. Our offer of flexible working empowers a productive and happy workforce and allows employees to combine work with other responsibilities and commitments.

We believe our workforce should reflect the diverse communities we service in Buckinghamshire, and are looking for like-minded individuals to join us in promoting equality, fairness, and inclusion for everyone.