Development Officer – Therapeutic Practice & Service Standards

Development Officer – Therapeutic Practice & Service Standards

Full-Time 19581 - 21694 £ / year (est.) No working from home possible
Webrecruit - Client Branded

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Support the delivery of therapeutic practice standards and coordinate governance processes.
  • Company: Join Family Action, a respected charity transforming lives since 1869.
  • Benefits: Flexible working, competitive salary, 30 days leave, and professional development opportunities.
  • Other info: Embrace diversity and inclusion; we welcome applications from all backgrounds.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact on therapeutic practices while enjoying a healthy work-life balance.
  • Qualifications: Experience in project management and policy development, with strong communication skills.

The predicted salary is between 19581 - 21694 £ per year.

Home-based (UK) with occasional national travel

About Us

At Family Action, we transform lives by providing practical, emotional, and financial support to those experiencing poverty, disadvantage, and social isolation. Since 1869, we have been building stronger families, and today, we work with over 60,000 families across more than 150 community-based services. We also support thousands more through national programmes and grants, ensuring everyone has the tools to overcome challenges and thrive. We are now undertaking an ambitious organisation-wide programme to strengthen and unify standards, governance and workforce expectations across all counselling and psychotherapy services. Bringing together clinical leads, service managers and senior practitioners, the Therapeutic Practice Service Standards Development Programme is helping shape consistent, high-quality therapeutic practice across the organisation.

We are now looking for a Development Officer to join us on a part-time basis, working 22.5 hours per week for an 18 month fixed-term contract.

The Benefits

  • Salary of £32,635 FTE per annum, rising to £36,158 FTE per annum (Pro-rated £19,581 to £21,694.80)
  • Additional £480 per year home-based allowance
  • An annual paid leave entitlement of 30 working days plus bank holidays
  • Up to 6% matched-pension contributions
  • Flexible working arrangements and new starters have the right to make flexible working requests from day one of employment
  • Enhanced paid sick leave and paid family leave provisions
  • Eye care and winter flu jabs vouchers
  • Cycle to work scheme
  • Investing in your professional development with ongoing quality training and career development opportunities

This is an exciting opportunity for a project or service development professional with experience drafting or co-ordinating policies, frameworks or guidance development to join our nationally respected charity. You will have the chance to play a pivotal role in our ambitious organisation-wide programme, building valuable expertise while helping shape the future of therapeutic practice and clinical standards. And, with a part-time schedule of just 22.5 hours per week and a fully home-based setup, you’ll have the flexibility to shape your work around life’s priorities, creating a healthier balance without compromising on career fulfilment or meaningful work.

The Role

As a Development Officer, you will support the delivery of our Therapeutic Practice Service Standards Development Programme, helping strengthen and unify standards, frameworks and guidance across our counselling and psychotherapy services. Working closely with senior clinical leads, service managers and therapeutic teams, you will help co-ordinate governance processes, consultations and multi-stakeholder working groups that support consistent, high-quality therapeutic practice across the organisation. You will also contribute to the drafting and refinement of policies, supervision models and workforce standards, while supporting research synthesis, implementation guidance and workforce monitoring to help strengthen and unify practice standards across our therapeutic services.

Additionally, you will:

  • Maintain project plans, action logs, risk registers and dependency maps
  • Support reporting to governance forums and senior stakeholders
  • Co-ordinate feedback processes, consultations and document version control
  • Support the development of practical tools, templates and implementation resources
  • Maintain workforce registration and membership tracking data
  • Co-ordinate learning events, workshops and briefing materials

About You

To be considered as a Development Officer, you will need:

  • Strong project management or service development experience
  • Experience drafting or co-ordinating policies, frameworks or guidance
  • Strong written communication skills, including report and guidance writing
  • The ability to analyse and synthesise information from multiple sources
  • The ability to build positive relationships with clinical and operational leaders
  • A relevant degree or equivalent experience in a related sector, such as counselling, social care, mental health, clinical governance or service development

The closing date for this role is 21st June 2026.

Our Commitment to Equality, Diversity Inclusion: We are happy to consider any reasonable adjustments that candidates may need during the recruitment process, and you will be asked whether you require any adjustments if shortlisted for an interview. We also make reasonable adjustments on the job, where required. We are committed to Equality, Diversity Inclusion in all that we do and welcome applications from all sections of the community. Intersectionality is important to us, and we particularly welcome applications from ethnically diverse communities, LGBTQIA+ candidates and disabled candidates because we are committed to increasing the representation of these groups at Family Action. We know that greater diversity will lead to even greater results for families and children, and we strive for our workforce to be truly representative of the diverse communities we support. We offer a guaranteed interview scheme for disabled applicants who meet the minimum criteria for the role, and we will reimburse your travel costs if you attend an interview in person.

So, if you’re ready to step into a role with real impact as a Development Officer, please apply via the button shown.

Development Officer – Therapeutic Practice & Service Standards employer: Webrecruit - Client Branded

Family Action is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and flexible work environment that prioritises employee well-being and professional growth. With a commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion, we provide extensive benefits including generous annual leave, a home-based allowance, and opportunities for ongoing training, making it an ideal place for those seeking meaningful and impactful work in the therapeutic sector.

Webrecruit - Client Branded

Contact Details:

Webrecruit - Client Branded Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Development Officer – Therapeutic Practice & Service Standards

Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the field, attend relevant events, and connect with professionals on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.

Tip Number 2

Prepare for interviews by researching the organisation and its values. Understand their mission and how your skills align with their goals. This will help you stand out and show that you're genuinely interested in making a difference.

Tip Number 3

Practice makes perfect! Conduct mock interviews with friends or family to get comfortable with common questions. This will boost your confidence and help you articulate your experience effectively when it counts.

Tip Number 4

Don’t forget to follow up after interviews! A simple thank-you email can leave a lasting impression and show your enthusiasm for the role. Plus, it keeps you on their radar as they make their decision.

We think you need these skills to ace Development Officer – Therapeutic Practice & Service Standards

Project Management
Policy Development
Framework Coordination
Written Communication Skills
Information Analysis
Relationship Building
Governance Processes

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your experience aligns with the role of Development Officer. Use keywords from the job description to show that you understand what we're looking for.

Showcase Your Writing Skills:Since strong written communication is key for this role, include examples of reports or guidance you've drafted in the past. This will help us see your ability to convey complex information clearly and effectively.

Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so avoid jargon and ensure your main points stand out. This will make it easier for us to see your qualifications at a glance.

Apply Through Our Website:Don't forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity with Family Action.

How to prepare for a job interview at Webrecruit - Client Branded

Know Your Stuff

Familiarise yourself with Family Action's mission and the specifics of the Therapeutic Practice Service Standards Development Programme. Understand their approach to therapeutic practice and be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their goals.

Showcase Your Skills

Prepare examples that highlight your project management and policy drafting experience. Be ready to discuss specific frameworks or guidance you've developed, and how they contributed to service improvement in your previous roles.

Build Rapport

Since this role involves working closely with clinical leads and service managers, practice building positive relationships during the interview. Use active listening and engage with your interviewers by asking insightful questions about their work and challenges.

Be Ready for Scenarios

Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving skills and ability to synthesise information. Think of situations where you had to coordinate feedback processes or manage multiple stakeholders, and be prepared to explain your approach.