At a Glance
- Tasks: Support quality assurance and monitoring for SEND and social care services in Dudley.
- Company: Join Connect2Dudley, a collaborative venture between local councils.
- Benefits: Competitive pay, hybrid working, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Dynamic role with a focus on community impact and service improvement.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of children and young people with SEND.
- Qualifications: Experience in quality assurance or social care is a plus.
The predicted salary is between 21 - 22 £ per hour.
Location: Dudley (Hybrid)
Rates: £21.65 PAYE or £28.32 Umbrella
Duration: 6 Months
Job Purpose
The post holder will support the SEND Quality & Safety Officer and the Children's Social Care Quality & Safety Officer in ensuring that education services provided for children and young people with SEND, and social care services provided to the citizens of Dudley, are safe, appropriate, and delivered consistently. The post holder will also help ensure that providers comply with the terms and conditions of the Council's contracts.
This will be done by working directly with providers of services to facilitate development in a way that responds to the needs of children, young people and citizens as communicated through the Directorate's strategies, Market Position Statement, and shaping plan.
This will be done by:
- Monitoring and inspecting as necessary all aspects of provision and contractual compliance in relation to Contracts/Agreements issued by the SEND commissioning team and the social care commissioning team to providers of services.
- Contributing via the monitoring process relevant information for the consistent operation of the commissioning cycle in accordance with agreed strategies, priorities, and systems.
- Supporting the SEND Quality & Safety Officer, the Social Care Quality & Safety Officer, the Commissioning Officers, and the wider Commissioning team in all aspects of their work, including bespoke projects.
Working Arrangements
The post holder's working week will be allocated as follows:
- 2 days per week - SEND: supporting the SEND Quality & Safety Officer with quality assurance and contract monitoring of SEND provision.
- 2 days per week - Social Care: supporting the Social Care Quality & Safety Officer with quality assurance and contract monitoring of social care provision.
- 1 day per week - Administration: administrative tasks across both areas, including recording, report preparation, scheduling of visits, and follow-up of provider actions.
Day-to-day work and priorities in each area will be agreed with the relevant Quality & Safety Officer, under the overall direction of the Service Manager - Commissioning. The allocation may be varied by agreement to meet service need.
Responsibilities
- To establish and maintain direct contact with all providers of services who have a contract to provide services for Dudley's SEND commissioning team and social care commissioning team, working alongside the relevant Quality & Safety Officer.
- To foster an enabling approach to monitoring activity.
- To facilitate and enable providers of services in the development and implementation of Quality Assurance, Quality Standard, Quality of Life, and other systems and their continued monitoring to accord with contract requirements.
- To ensure ongoing quality assurance, monitoring, and inspection of providers of services in relation to contractual compliance and legislative requirements across both SEND and social care provision.
- To be involved as appropriate in the ongoing development of the commissioning activity through support with business planning, action planning, engagement, etc.
- To be responsible for managing allocated workload within an agreed schedule and individual work plan, balancing the time allocated to SEND, social care, and administration as agreed with the Quality & Safety Officers.
- To deliver comprehensive reports to stakeholders relating to quality assurance visits undertaken with providers.
- To work autonomously in organising and implementing site visits and work plans.
- To discuss all aspects of non-compliance and remedial action with the providers in consultation with the relevant Quality & Safety Officer and Commissioning Officer.
- To ensure that providers are held to account when delivery of services does not meet Dudley's stringent requirements.
- To liaise and negotiate with all divisions of the Local Authority and external agents appropriately and constructively.
Connect2Dudley is a trading style of Dudley & Kent Commercial Services LTD - A joint venture between Dudley Metropolitan Council & Commercial Services Kent Ltd. Connect2Dudley is an equal opportunities Employment Agency & Business. It positively encourages applications from all suitably qualified and eligible candidates.
Quality and Safety Officer- SEND & Children's Social Care in Dudley employer: Connect2Dudley
At Connect2Dudley, we pride ourselves on fostering a supportive and inclusive work environment that prioritises professional development and employee well-being. As part of the Housing Maintenance Team, you will enjoy a collaborative culture where your contributions are valued, and you will have access to ongoing training opportunities to enhance your skills. Located in Dudley, our commitment to community service and responsive planning ensures that you will be making a meaningful impact while enjoying a fulfilling career.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Quality and Safety Officer- SEND & Children's Social Care in Dudley
✨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 Connect2Dudley, 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 and Safety Officer- SEND & Children's Social Care in Dudley
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 Connect2Dudley. 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 Connect2Dudley. 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 Connect2Dudley
✨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 Connect2Dudley.
✨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 and Safety Officer- SEND & Children's Social Care role at Connect2Dudley, 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 Connect2Dudley that you can think critically and act effectively under pressure.
