Service Delivery Manager Quality Assurance in Leeds

Adult Social Care wish to recruit an experienced registered Social Worker, Occupational Therapist or Nurse Care Manager to work with us on our strengths-based and asset-based practice. The role focuses on responsibility for the continued implementation of our quality assurance framework, practice framework, and supervision model. You will work with Service Delivery Managers, Team Managers, Safeguarding and Risk Managers to support and oversee practice improvement plans and the development and socialisation of practice guides, ensuring they have a positive effect on social work, social care and safeguarding practice. You will support the implementation of Care Quality Commission (CQC) improvement plans across service areas and how they intersect with professional practice. This role also supports Leeds’ anti-racist, anti-discrimination and anti-oppressive practice efforts and involves developing relationships across the system to help senior management shape practice city-wide. You will support Heads of Service in embedding new ways of working, building on the Strength Based Social Work Approach and Community Led Support. You will work in collaboration with other SDM colleagues across the city.

Job Purpose

Lead and manage the delivery of services in specified service areas, ensuring high-quality, effective and efficient services, contributing to and being jointly responsible for service improvement and the ongoing development of partnerships to provide fully integrated provider services.

Responsibilities

• Support delivery of programmes of strategic significance to the Council to deliver services in line with Council priorities.
• Develop and deliver the service plan and drive continuous improvement through leading and contributing to cross-Council projects.
• Lead the strategic development of practice improvement initiatives aligned with departmental, council, regional, and national priorities.
• Lead service-wide development and implementation of safeguarding practice peer reviews.
• Lead workforce development initiatives to build capacity and competence across social work teams.
• Lead day-to-day service delivery and the continuous development and improvement of social work and social care services in accordance with agreed targets and objectives in council and service plans.
• Ensure service-wide implementation of policies and procedures that ensure safe, effective, and compliant social work and social care practice, service delivery, aligned with CQC registration requirements and the Adults and Health quality assurance framework, including safeguarding protocols.
• Ensure fair and equal treatment for all people drawing on our services and employees.
• Ensure information held on people is comprehensive, regularly updated and that data protection standards and information sharing protocols are in place and complied with.
• Ensure service delivery is flexible and responsive to changing priorities and needs.
• Ensure specific service workforce development plans and skills mix meet service requirements.
• Ensure that service practice meets defined standards and that all managers and staff are aware of the requirements.
• Support the Principal Social Worker in promoting excellent practice, supervision, and decision-making.
• Drive the implementation of the safeguarding competency framework and standardisation of safeguarding practice.
• Oversee quality assurance processes and use performance data to inform continuous improvement.
• Champion diversity, equity, and inclusion in service delivery, promoting equality of outcomes and culturally competent practice across all teams.
• Collaborate with internal and external partners to deliver effective services and practice for the people we serve.
• In a specific service area, ensure all aspects of service delivery, community engagement and staffing focus on equality of outcomes and equitable access, including safeguarding.
• Directly manage performance of both staff and the service, ensuring early intervention where performance falls below required standards.
• Implement regular, formal performance monitoring and reporting using agreed management information systems.
• Identify, develop and manage strategic partnerships.
• Be responsible and accountable for all financial resources within the service area, ensuring value for money and compliance with financial regulations.
• Review and monitor performance of services, systems, budget, teams and individuals against standards and outcomes in a cost-effective and flexible way responsive to local context.
• Be aware that duties are not exhaustive and may include other duties within the spirit of the post.
• Support difference and equality for all, upholding Leeds City Council values and anti-discriminatory practices.
• Recognise and challenge incidents of racism, bullying, harassment, victimisation, and abuse, ensuring compliance with policies and procedures.
• Understand and observe Leeds City Council’s approach to equality, diversity and inclusion.
• Carry out duties with regard to Health and Safety policies.

Qualifications & Requirements

The successful candidate will have a passion for excellence in social work, occupational therapy or social care and a proven track record in delivering innovative social work services. Reporting to the Head of Service for Professions, Access and Quality Assurance, the role requires significant experience in Adult Social Care, quality assurance, practice development and improvement. The person will hold a registered Social Work, Occupational Therapy or Nursing qualification and substantial experience in building credible, effective, collaborative relationships. Experience of working in a role based in the UK; right to work in the UK must be evidenced prior to employment. Appropriate and relevant professional qualification; working context includes flexible/hybrid working with regular time in the workplace. Hours mainly Monday to Friday; occasional outside hours including evenings/weekends to meet service needs.

Essential Experience & Skills

• Able to demonstrate managing services, implementing change and achieving quality outcomes.
• Able to manage competing priorities and deliver across multiple programmes.
• Able to promote a people-focused culture within the service.
• Able to monitor performance, set objectives and review at service level.
• Able to produce high-quality reports and business cases and deliver presentations.
• Able to provide leadership that empowers staff to achieve results.
• Able to manage and control budgets and resources.
• Able to translate departmental plans into policies and implementation plans.
• Able to manage change and support continuous improvement.
• Able to identify, develop and manage strategic partnerships.
• Knowledge of applicable legislation, regulations, policies, inspections and performance information.
• Understanding of economic strategy, local government political systems, and political sensitivity.
• Understanding of the social care agenda and social care within local government.
• Experience of senior leadership and management in service delivery.
• Experience of strategic and operational resource management and evaluating priorities.
• Experience leading change programmes, driving up standards and performance.
• Experience engaging in decision-making processes and developing productive working relationships with Council Members, trade unions and Corporate Leadership Team.
• Experience of delivering multi-disciplinary or integrated services and managing services to meet people’s needs.
• Significant leadership experience in a broadly based service delivery or operational area, including safeguarding.

Benefits

• Membership of the West Yorkshire Pension Fund with generous employer contributions.
• Flexible and hybrid working arrangements subject to service requirements.
• A competitive salary and annual leave entitlement plus statutory holidays.
• A clear career pathway and continuing professional development opportunities.
• A range of staff benefits to support wellbeing and financial wellbeing.