At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead quality assurance activities to improve services for children and families in Hackney.
- Company: Hackney Council, dedicated to making a difference in the community.
- Benefits: Flexible working options, commitment to diversity, and support for professional development.
- Other info: Join a passionate team committed to anti-racism and meaningful change.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on vulnerable children and families while developing your skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in social work and strong analytical skills required.
The predicted salary is between 31500 - 38500 £ per year.
We are excited to be recruiting a new Quality Assurance Officer to Hackney’s Children and Families Service (CFS). We are looking for someone who is keen to contribute to a Service that is focussed on making a difference and providing the best services we can to children and families in Hackney. Pivotal to achieving this is ensuring we understand the quality of the services we are currently providing to children and families and what we can do to improve these. The Quality Assurance Officer is central to us accomplishing this.
About the role
We are seeking a qualified and experienced social work practitioner who is enthusiastic to use their knowledge and the experience they have gained in their own practice to contribute to our understanding of the quality of current practice with children and families in Hackney, drive improvements where required and learn and share good practice.
Key responsibilities
- You will lead on developing and managing processes for implementing audit and quality assurance activities across all service areas of the Children and Families Service, ensuring that these processes are effectively organised and overseen.
- You will critically evaluate social work practice, and practice in other service areas, through quality assurance activities including constructive support and challenge to ensure that the service achieves best outcomes for children.
- You will contribute to actions to assist with the improvement of practice.
About you
Hackney is looking for enthusiastic, passionate, and highly skilled people who are committed to developing their practice and dedicated to improving outcomes for children and families in Hackney. At the heart of our work is a desire to co-create meaningful change for our children, young people and families. We are seeking applicants who align with our Systemic, Trauma-Informed and Anti Racist (STAR) model of practice and who share our commitment to dismantling systemic racism and injustice.
This post is subject to an enhanced DBS check. The successful candidate will have:
- The ability to use their practice knowledge and experience to analyse audits and other quality assurance findings to identify themes and trends, and practice strengths and areas for improvement.
- Up to date knowledge of good practice and research findings in working with vulnerable children and families.
- Empathy with vulnerable children, young people and families and a commitment to providing them with the highest quality interventions.
- Strong written skills, including the ability to present complex information in a concise and accessible format.
- The ability to communicate with individuals and groups at different levels of the service and within partner organisations.
- Experience of social work practice within a children and families setting.
As a Council, our most outstanding asset is our staff, who are highly dedicated to serving our residents and committed to our goals as an organisation. We are also working towards our vision, which is to be a place for everyone; where residents and staff can be proud. In order to achieve this, we are seeking individuals who embody our “PROUD” values: Purpose and Respect, where we foster belonging through active inclusion, kindness, and open dialogue; Ownership, where we champion proactive collaboration and accountability for our shared success; and Unity and Diversity, where we work as one Council to break down silos and champion anti-racist behavior.
Hackney Council works to eradicate discrimination on the basis of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, and sexual orientation. We also recognise that people can be disadvantaged by their social and economic circumstances, so we will also work to eliminate discrimination and disadvantage caused by social class. We also welcome those interested in flexible working. We particularly welcome applications from disabled people, as this group is currently under represented in our workforce.
The Council has a dedicated employment support service (Hackney Works), which offers Hackney residents guidance in relation to applying for jobs. If you are thinking about applying for a job, please contact the Hackney Works team to find out what support is available: hackneyworks@hackney.gov.uk
Closing date for applications: 22 November 2026 (22:59)
Interview date: Wc 07 December 2026
Please note – we reserve the right to close applications early if we receive a high number of applications.
Quality Assurance Officer – Children and Families Service employer: Hackney
Hackney Council is an exceptional employer, dedicated to fostering a vibrant and inclusive work culture that prioritises the well-being of its staff and the community. With a strong commitment to employee growth and development, we offer opportunities for meaningful engagement in shaping public services that reflect our values of equity and diversity. Join us in making a tangible impact in one of London's most dynamic boroughs, where your contributions will be valued and recognised.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Quality Assurance Officer – Children and Families Service
✨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 Hackney.
✨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 Hackney!
✨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 Hackney, 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 Hackney 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 Quality Assurance Officer – Children and Families Service
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 Hackney:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Hackney! 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 Hackney
✨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.
