At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and support practice improvement in Adult Social Care, shaping high-quality services.
- Company: Join Southampton City Council, committed to innovative and person-centred care.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, generous holiday, flexible working, and excellent pension scheme.
- Other info: Hybrid working options and opportunities for professional development await you.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while developing your career in social care.
- Qualifications: Registered Social Worker or Occupational Therapist with significant experience in Adult Social Care.
The predicted salary is between 47181 - 51357 £ per year.
Are you passionate about improving practice and supporting staff to deliver high-quality, person-centred Adult Social Care? Southampton City Council is looking for experienced and motivated ASC Practice Leads to join our Innovation, Quality, Performance and Practice Development team. This is a key role in shaping practice, developing our workforce, and improving outcomes for the people of Southampton.
About the role
We are recruiting to two ASC Practice Lead posts:
- One full-time (1.0 FTE)
- One part-time (0.8 FTE – 4 days per week)
As an ASC Practice Lead, you will provide professional leadership across Adult Social Care, helping to ensure practice is effective, evidence-based, and focused on what matters most to people. Working closely with the Principal Social Worker and wider colleagues, you will:
- Lead and support practice improvement across the service
- Develop and deliver training based on audit findings, feedback, and performance data
- Embed the Quality Assurance, Training and Practice Frameworks
- Create reflective learning spaces and promote a positive learning culture
- Support staff development, including students, apprentices and newly qualified social workers and OTs
- Contribute to safeguarding practice, policy development and continuous improvement activity
- Work collaboratively with partners, including health and voluntary sector organisations
This is an exciting opportunity to influence how Adult Social Care is delivered, supporting innovation and ensuring best outcomes for people, their families and carers.
About you
You will be a registered Social Worker or Occupational Therapist with:
- Significant post-qualification experience in Adult Social Care
- A strong understanding of relevant legislation, policy and best practice
- Experience of supporting the learning and development of others
- The ability to build strong relationships and influence practice across teams
- Confidence in analysing information, using data and audit findings to drive improvement
- A passion for co-production, innovation and continuous learning
Practice Educator qualification (or willingness to achieve this) is essential.
Why join us?
At Southampton City Council, we are committed to the #SocialCareFuture vision – supporting people to live the lives they want, in the communities they choose. In this role, you will:
- Shape and influence practice across the service
- Work within a supportive and forward-thinking team
- Have opportunities for professional development and career progression
- Play a key role in preparing the service for external assurance, including CQC assessment
Additional information
- Grade: 10
- Enhanced DBS required
- Hybrid working in line with council policy
Salary and benefits
The salary band for this role is £47,181 - £51,357 per annum (pro rata). The starting salary is £47,181 (pro rata) with annual progression through the salary bands. Here at SCC we have a range of different benefits, a few examples can be found below.
- Excellent local government pension with 15.2% employer contribution
- Death in service benefit of x3 salary, and optional salary sacrifice shared cost AVC (additional voluntary contribution)
- Generous holiday 25–31 days, based on role and service
- Flexible working options (role-dependent)
- Family-friendly policies - Maternity, Paternity, Adoption, Shared/Unpaid Parental Leave, Time off for Dependents
- Training and development, including coaching and mentoring
- Health and wellbeing support - Employee Assistance Programme, Menopause Pledge, Mental Health First Aiders and access to a variety of staff networks
- Veteran-friendly employer with the Armed Forces Covenant
- Retail discounts and savings through the Southampton City Council benefits platform
- Discounted memberships at local sports and fitness centres
- Sustainable travel benefits - low emission car scheme, cycle to work, season ticket loans
- Employee volunteering scheme with 2 paid days leave to volunteer
ASC Practice Lead in Southampton employer: Southampton City Council
Southampton City Council is an exceptional employer dedicated to enhancing the quality of Adult Social Care through innovation and professional development. By joining our supportive team, you will have the opportunity to shape practice, influence positive outcomes for the community, and benefit from a range of generous perks including flexible working options, comprehensive health and wellbeing support, and a strong commitment to employee growth and career progression.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land ASC Practice Lead in Southampton
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the social care sector, attend relevant events, and engage with professionals on platforms like LinkedIn. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know that can help you land that dream role.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews! Research Southampton City Council’s values and recent initiatives in Adult Social Care. We want to see how you can contribute to their mission, so think about how your experience aligns with their goals and be ready to share specific examples.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your passion for practice improvement! During interviews, highlight your experiences in developing training or leading teams. We love candidates who can demonstrate their commitment to enhancing service delivery and supporting staff development.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we’re always looking for talented individuals who are eager to make a difference in Adult Social Care, so let’s get your application in!
We think you need these skills to ace ASC Practice Lead in Southampton
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your experience aligns with the role of ASC Practice Lead. Use keywords from the job description to show that you understand what we're looking for.
Showcase Your Passion:Let your enthusiasm for improving Adult Social Care shine through! Share specific examples of how you've supported staff development or driven practice improvement in your previous roles.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so avoid jargon and make sure your key achievements stand out. This helps us see your potential quickly!
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way to ensure it gets to the right people and gives you a chance to explore more about us and our values.
How to prepare for a job interview at Southampton City Council
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on the latest legislation and best practices in Adult Social Care. Familiarise yourself with Southampton City Council's #SocialCareFuture vision, as this will show your passion for person-centred care and innovation.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've led practice improvements or supported staff development in your previous roles. Highlight your experience in creating reflective learning spaces and promoting a positive learning culture.
✨Data-Driven Decision Making
Be ready to discuss how you've used data and audit findings to drive improvements in practice. This role requires confidence in analysing information, so think of specific instances where your insights made a difference.
✨Build Relationships
Demonstrate your ability to build strong relationships across teams and with external partners. Prepare to talk about how you've collaborated with health and voluntary sector organisations to enhance service delivery.
