At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead change in Children and Family Services to improve outcomes for families and children.
- Company: Stoke-on-Trent Council, committed to innovative family-centred services.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development, and a chance to make a real difference.
- Other info: Join a dynamic team focused on impactful change and continuous improvement.
- Why this job: Shape the future of social care and empower families in your community.
- Qualifications: Qualified social worker with leadership experience in children's services.
The predicted salary is between 56700 - 69300 £ per year.
In Stoke-on-Trent we are reshaping Children and Family Services around a bold new delivery model to achieve our ambition of creating an integrated, restorative and family-centred system that intervenes earlier, strengthens families and enables children and young people to thrive.
In achieving our ambition we have created this new role, a key leadership position at the heart of leading change, working across services to influence delivery of practice and shape the best outcomes in Stoke-on-Trent. Reporting to the Corporate Director of Children and Family Services, you will provide strategic leadership and assurance for quality of practice, safeguarding and improvement.
You will help turn our Families First Partnership ambitions into excellent frontline practice, ensuring that change is not simply implemented, but experienced by those who need our support. You will shape our quality assurance framework, improvement planning and inspection readiness, bringing together quantitative performance insight with a deep understanding of practice and impact.
You will oversee professional learning and workforce development through our Learning Academy and strengthen independent challenge. You will also help align practice across the new operating structure, sustaining momentum as our local government landscape evolves.
As a qualified social worker, you will bring a strong grasp of children’s social care practice, quality assurance, performance and service improvement. You may bring experience as a Principal Social Worker, practice leader, improvement lead or senior operational leader. Whatever your route, you will combine authority, curiosity and the ability to influence across organisational boundaries. Visible, values-led and collaborative, you will create the conditions in which practitioners can excel, partners can contribute and learning leads to improved delivery.
Deputy Director of Quality and Practice employer: Social Care Today
North Yorkshire Council is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive work culture that prioritises the wellbeing and personal development of its staff. With a strong commitment to inclusive education, employees benefit from professional growth opportunities and collaborative partnerships with senior leaders and external organisations, all while making a meaningful impact on the lives of young people with SEND in a picturesque North Yorkshire setting.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Deputy Director of Quality and Practice
✨Dive into Local Government Events
Get yourself to local government events and public sector job fairs. These are great for meeting recruiters and understanding what different organisations, like Social Care Today, are looking for. Plus, it shows your genuine interest in the sector!
✨Join Relevant Networks
Look for communities focused on public sector careers. Whether it’s local networking groups or online forums, connecting with professionals in the field can provide insider knowledge and opportunities that you won’t find on typical job boards.
✨Utilise Your University’s Resources
If you’re freshly graduated or still studying, make the most of your university's careers service. They often have exclusive partnerships with companies like Social Care Today and can help you get your foot in the door for these full-time public sector roles.
✨Stay Updated with Government Initiatives
Keep your finger on the pulse regarding new government projects and policies. Understanding current initiatives can give you a leg up in interviews, showing that you are informed and genuinely interested in making a difference in the public sector.
We think you need these skills to ace Deputy Director of Quality and Practice
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Relevant Experience:In the public sector, having experience in community engagement, policy analysis, or project management stands out. Make sure to showcase any previous roles or volunteer work that reflects your understanding of public service values and how they've shaped your career path.
Showcase Your Knowledge of the Sector:When you’re applying for a government role, it’s crucial to demonstrate your understanding of the current political landscape and public policies. Consider including articles you've written or relevant projects that underline your capability to engage with these concepts effectively.
Tailor Your CV to Reflect Core Competencies:Government positions often require a clear demonstration of competencies such as communication, teamwork, and problem-solving. Try to structure your CV to highlight these skills, using specific examples of how you’ve applied them in past experiences, ideally with quantifiable outcomes where possible.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to tell your story and convey your passion for public service. Discuss why you want to work for Social Care Today and how your values align with their mission. Be genuine and let your enthusiasm shine through—this can really set you apart from other candidates.
How to prepare for a job interview at Social Care Today
✨Get to Know Public Sector Values
Before your interview with Social Care Today, dig deep into their mission and values, especially how they align with public service and community impact. Understand the key policies or initiatives they are involved in – you’ll want to show that you genuinely care about serving the community.
✨Brush Up on Regulatory Knowledge
Brush up on the regulations, laws, and compliance standards relevant to the role you’re applying for. Since this is the government and public sector, they might throw technical questions related to policy frameworks or project management best practices that you'll need to navigate day-to-day.
✨Highlight Teamwork and Collaboration
The government sector thrives on collaboration. Be ready to discuss how you've successfully worked in diverse teams or involved stakeholders in your projects. Show us how you bring people together to get a common goal achieved – that's what public service is all about!
✨Prepare Real-Life Examples
Craft a few STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) stories that demonstrate your experience in similar roles. Whether it’s a project that made a difference in the community or a challenging situation you managed, be ready to express how your skills and experiences make you a valuable asset for Social Care Today.
