At a Glance
- Tasks: Support transformational change in children's services and ensure quality assurance.
- Company: Join a dedicated team focused on improving lives across Cambridgeshire.
- Benefits: Wellbeing package, flexible holidays, professional development, and paid volunteering hours.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for personal and professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on children's futures while growing your career.
- Qualifications: Social Work registration or relevant degree with experience in children's social care.
The predicted salary is between 31500 - 38500 £ per year.
Ready to help shape transformational change that will improve the lives of children, young people and families now and for generations to come? We have an exciting opportunity for three experienced and motivated children's social care practitioners to join our Quality Assurance Service on a fixed-term basis or secondment until March 2028, as Quality Assurance Officers. This unique role will play a pivotal part in supporting the implementation of the national Families First Programme, helping to shape the future of children's services across Cambridgeshire.
If you would like to discuss the role in more detail please email Helen Love, Service Manager Quality Assurance, Participation and Independent Visitors via helen.love@Cambridgeshire.gov.uk to arrange a phone call or Teams meeting. Interviews to be held in person at Scott House in Huntingdon week commencing 3rd August. Appointment to this post will be subject to the outcome of an Enhanced Disclosure obtained through the Disclosure and Barring Service. The Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.
Benefits- A comprehensive wellbeing package to cover all aspects of wellbeing, both in and out of work, which can also be accessed by your family.
- Buy up to 4 weeks additional annual leave (pro-rata) through our salary sacrifice scheme.
- Take your bank holidays flexibly to better suit your personal circumstances.
- Make Additional Voluntary Contributions (Shared AVCs) to your pension with tax and National Insurance savings.
- Access to development opportunities, apprenticeships and qualified coaches to support your personal and professional growth.
- Paid volunteering hours each year so you can make a positive impact on our community during your normal working day.
- Access to Peer Support Groups through our IDEAL staff equality, diversity and inclusion network.
- Opportunities to nominate and receive Employee Recognition Awards.
- An Our Cambs Rewards account, giving you access to in-store and online discounts as well as our Car Lease and Cycle to Work schemes.
You will be working at the heart of a significant programme of reform, providing quality assurance, evaluation and oversight of new models of practice, including Family Help, Family Group Decision Making and Multi-Agency Child Protection Teams. You will gather and analyse evidence, evaluate pilot programmes, support the development of new service structures and help ensure that emerging systems and processes are effective, child-focused and deliver lasting improvements. Through your work, you will directly influence how services are designed and delivered, helping create meaningful and sustainable change for children and families across Cambridgeshire.
About youIdeally, you are a Social Worker who is registered with Social Work England. But if you have a degree (or equivalent) in a related field and extensive experience working in children's social care, we'd love to hear from you too! You are professionally curious and want to understand why something has happened, what the impact might be and how we could improve it. You can be flexible with changing demands and are creative in your approaches to meeting work challenges.
For a full list of the requirements of the role, please check out the Job Description apprenticeships; our wellbeing package; staff benefits; our commitment to equality, diversity and Inclusion.
Quality Assurance Officers employer: Cambridge County Council
Cambridge County Council is an excellent employer, offering a supportive work culture that prioritises the wellbeing of its employees. With a focus on professional development and a comprehensive wellbeing package, this part-time Social Worker role in the Learning Disability Team provides meaningful opportunities to make a positive impact in the community while enjoying a balanced work-life environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Quality Assurance Officers
✨Get Involved in Local Community Projects
One of the best ways to land a temporary role in social work is to dive headfirst into local community projects. Volunteer your time or skills at local charities or community centres to not only gain experience but also to connect with professionals in the field. They might just have some insider knowledge on temporary positions that pop up!
✨Engage with Social Work Networks
Join online forums and social media groups specifically for social workers. Platforms like Facebook or LinkedIn have dedicated groups where professionals share temporary job opportunities. Being an active member can help you stay in the loop and even get recommendations from those already in the field.
✨Attend Workshops and Seminars
Keep an eye out for workshops, seminars, or conferences related to social work in your area. These events aren't just great for learning; they're also hotbeds for networking! You never know who might be hiring or can point you towards a temporary position while you're soaking up new skills.
✨Apply Directly Through Our Website!
When you spot a role that piques your interest, especially for a temporary position, make sure to apply directly through our website! This not only shows your commitment to Cambridge County Council, but also gives you an edge by putting your application right in front of the hiring team. Let’s get you moving on that path to your next opportunity!
We think you need these skills to ace Quality Assurance Officers
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Social Work:In your cover letter, let's highlight why you're passionate about social work and how your values align with those of Cambridge County Council. Share specific experiences where you made a difference, as this field thrives on genuine motivation and connection.
Demonstrate Relevant Experience:When listing your experience, focus on any internships, volunteer roles, or temporary positions you've had in social work or related fields. Those skills are gold! Think about situations where you helped individuals or communities, and don't forget to mention any relevant certifications, like safeguarding or mental health first aid.
Keep It Concise and Relevant:Remember, for a temporary role, hiring managers want to see how you fit in and can hit the ground running. Keep your CV clear and to the point, showcasing only the experience that really matters for the role at Cambridge County Council. We recommend a two-page limit – make every word count!
Emphasise Flexibility and Adaptability:Considering this is a temporary position, it's vital to show you can adapt to new environments quickly. In your application, highlight any past experiences where you had to adjust to different teams or roles smoothly. This shows you understand the nature of temporary work and are ready for the challenge!
How to prepare for a job interview at Cambridge County Council
✨Sharpen Your Empathy Skills
In social work, it's all about understanding and connecting with people from diverse backgrounds. Make sure to prepare some examples from your experience where you've demonstrated empathy and resilience. Practising active listening techniques can help you articulate your approach during the interview with Cambridge County Council.
✨Know Your Frameworks
Familiarise yourself with key social work theories and frameworks, like the ecological systems theory or person-centred approaches. These concepts might pop up during your interview for the temporary Quality Assurance Officers role at Cambridge County Council, so it's good to have a couple of insights ready to share.
✨Highlight Flexibility and Adaptability
Since this is a temporary position, showcasing your flexibility is key. Be prepared to discuss past experiences where you quickly adapted to new environments or changing client needs, which is crucial in the dynamic world of social work.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect some scenario-based questions that test your decision-making skills and ethical judgement. Think about how you would handle specific challenges you might face in the field. Having a clear structure for your answers will show Cambridge County Council that you can think critically and act effectively under pressure.
