At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead system alignment and drive practice improvement for children's services.
- Company: Dynamic team focused on enhancing outcomes for children and families in North Yorkshire.
- Benefits: Permanent position with a competitive salary and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Join a transformative environment with a commitment to diversity and safeguarding.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while shaping innovative practices.
- Qualifications: Experience in children's social care, quality assurance, and project management required.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
Are you passionate about improving outcomes for children, young people and families? Do you thrive at the intersection of practice, quality assurance, and digital systems? Are you energised by change, innovation, and collaboration? If so, this is a rare opportunity to play a pivotal role in shaping how practice is delivered, recorded and evidenced across Children & Families Services.
About the service
Supporting practitioners across Children and Families Service with aligning their practice with the IT system which stores and illustrates best practice across the current service, and in the near future the Family First Partnership Programme, therefore, aligning best practice within government guidance policy procedures and legislation.
About the Role
You will be at the heart of driving excellent practice across our service. Working closely with the Principal Social Worker, senior leaders, practitioners and partners, you will ensure our practice models, quality assurance frameworks and electronic systems are aligned, effective and future‑ready for the Family First Partnership Programme, the Children’s Social Care National Framework and much more.
- Turning insight, data and feedback into meaningful improvement
- Supporting practitioners to work confidently and consistently within our systems
- Ensuring we are inspection‑ready and evidence‑strong
- Embedding learning, innovation and best practice across the service
You’ll operate in a dynamic environment of transformation, where your expertise will directly influence the quality of services delivered to children and families across North Yorkshire.
Key tasks
- Leading system and practice alignment
- Driving practice improvement, performance insight and dashboard development
- Horizon‑scanning legislation, statutory guidance and research to inform change
- Developing and embedding policy, procedures, guidance and process maps
- Supporting practitioners and managers with expert advice, training and workshops
- Project‑managing service improvements and system developments
- Acting as a key interface between practice, technology teams and software suppliers
- Building strong partnerships across agencies to deliver integrated solutions
- Contributing to inspection readiness, quality assurance and continuous improvement
You will bring a deep understanding of children’s social care practice, policy and statutory frameworks along with experience of quality assurance, performance management and service improvement, with strong project management and influencing skills.
It is an exciting time in Children and Young Peoples Services in North Yorkshire as we plan our approach in respect of the Families First Partnership Programme and how we will be responding to the social care reforms. Work is underway to plan our approach and implementations for 2027. As a result of this, some realignment may happen with job roles in the future, we want to be transparent about this in respect of this role.
Interview date: Monday 29th June 2026 at County Hall, racecourse Lane, Northallerton
Enhanced Level DBS Disclosure is required for appointment to this post. NYC are committed to directly recruiting staff and will not accept applications nor services from agency suppliers in respect of our vacancies. NYC are committed to meeting the needs of our diverse community and aim to have a workforce reflecting this diversity. We are also committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and adults. We expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.
Effective Practice and QA System Alignment and Development Officer in Northallerton employer: Applefields School
As an employer, North Yorkshire Council offers a dynamic and supportive work environment where your contributions directly impact the lives of children, young people, and families. With a strong focus on professional development, collaboration, and innovation, you will have the opportunity to grow your skills while working alongside dedicated professionals in a role that is pivotal to shaping effective practice and quality assurance. Located in the picturesque Northallerton, you will enjoy a fulfilling career in a community-oriented setting that values diversity and commitment to safeguarding.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Effective Practice and QA System Alignment and Development Officer in Northallerton
✨Dive into Local Community Groups
Social work thrives on community connections, so get involved in local groups or forums specific to your interests. Whether it’s volunteering at local shelters or joining community action boards, these are great ways to boost your visibility and make direct contacts that could lead to opportunities like the one at Applefields School.
✨Attend Social Work Events and Workshops
Keep an eye out for workshops, seminars, or conferences in social work. These events are fantastic for meeting professionals in the field, learning about emerging trends, and spotting job openings. Plus, you might just bump into someone from Applefields School!
✨Showcase Your Passion and Expertise
Use platforms like Instagram or LinkedIn to share your journey and insights into the social work sector. Whether it’s writing about your experiences or sharing relevant articles, this helps to establish you as an engaged professional. Potential employers, like Applefields School, will notice your enthusiasm!
✨Leverage Your Network
Don’t hesitate to reach out to professors, mentors, or even past colleagues who are in social work. They might have inside knowledge about openings at Applefields School or be able to connect you with someone who’s hiring. Networking is key, especially in a full-time role where relationships matter.
We think you need these skills to ace Effective Practice and QA System Alignment and Development Officer in Northallerton
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Social Work:In your cover letter, let us see your passion for social work shine through! Talk about the experiences that made you want to pursue this career—whether it’s volunteering, personal experiences, or academic projects. We want to know why this field matters to you.
Emphasise Relevant Qualifications:Make sure your CV highlights any relevant qualifications, like degrees in social work or certifications like a DBS check. If you've done any workshops or training, don’t forget to include those as well. We're keen to see your commitment to your professional development!
Detail Your Experience with Clients:Since this is a hands-on field, detailing any direct experience you have with clients is crucial. Whether it's internships, volunteer roles, or previous jobs, highlight those experiences in your CV to show us you've got the practical skills necessary for the job!
Tailor Your Application to Applefields School:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Applefields School! Research our mission and values, and refer to them in your cover letter. This shows us that you understand our work and are genuinely interested in being a part of our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Applefields School
✨Understanding the Role of Empathy
In social work, understanding and demonstrating empathy is key. Be prepared to share personal experiences or scenarios where you effectively showed compassion and support. This helps show that you genuinely care about the well-being of others, which is crucial in social work.
✨Demonstrating Knowledge of Frameworks
Familiarise yourself with the frameworks and models used in social work, such as the Strengths-Based Approach or the Ecological Perspective. Be ready to discuss how these frameworks apply to your work, especially if you can tie them into real-world examples or case studies you've encountered.
✨Showcasing Your Multi-Disciplinary Skills
In a full-time social work role, you'll often collaborate with healthcare professionals, educators, and law enforcement. Be prepared to describe your teamwork experiences and how you've effectively communicated with other disciplines to achieve the best outcomes for clients.
✨Preparing for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that put you in hypothetical social work situations, such as dealing with a crisis or managing a complex case. Think through your thought process for these scenarios beforehand, considering how you'd assess the situation and what steps you'd take, as this demonstrates your critical thinking and problem-solving abilities.
