Southend on Sea City Council is a Unitary local authority, providing vital services to meet the needs of the local community. We employ around 1,800 staff who are working alongside our partners and local communities to deliver the city vision and make lives better for the people of Southend.

Working for Southend on Sea City Council offers a challenging and rewarding career in local government within a collaborative and innovate environment, with the benefit of flexible working practices to support a positive work life balance. As a Unitary Authority we are responsible for all local government functions ranging from social services, transport, public health and parks through to planning, trading standards, community safety and education, so we offer a wide range of career opportunities. The diversity of our economy and communities and investment in a number of exciting regeneration projects makes our Council a great place to work, learn and make a difference.

Southend’s Commissioning Directorate are looking to appoint a full-time Quality Improvement Officer in a fixed-term capacity until July 2026.

The Quality and Improvement Team are responsible for ensuring that all providers deliver care services to looked after children and young adults in accordance with the Care Act 2014, Children’s Act 1989 up to Children’s Act 2014. These quality checks are completed before children are placed and then continue to be monitored to improve the quality of care being delivered to children, looked after by the council.

Key responsibilities:

• You will inspect services and record the results of the inspections.
• You will ensure inspections include people who use services and their families and friends.
• You will assess and reconcile quality information to identify opportunities for improvement.
• You will contribute to the collective team working at all levels in the council and the wider health and care system.
• You will ensure PAMMS and other quality systems are used effectively.
• You will have responsibility for an area of organisational safeguarding.

To be successful in this position, it would be beneficial to be degree-educated in a relevant professional background ie Social Worker, Nursing.

You must have proven experience of managing a social care service as well as administration, teamwork and good communication experience.

Have experience and knowledge of current national social care policies and have an understanding of current NHS national, regional and local priorities.

You will need to be able to function under pressure, managing a caseload which involves getting good outcomes for people in receipt of services.

The successful candidate must have strong written and verbal communication skills, excellent interpersonal and engagement skills and knowledge of current health and social care policy and legislation.

When joining the council, you can enjoy a range of benefits including: 25 days annual leave, flexible working and excellent training and development opportunities. They are committed to ensuring that you are supported in this varied and challenging role with the appropriate level of training. A full list of benefits provided by Southend Council can be viewed on the "Why Work For Us?" tab.

If you are interested in this role, please click 'apply online' to forward an up-to-date copy of your CV.

If you would like a copy the Job Description, please click here

Please note: Applications for this vacancy may close prior to the date advertised above so you are advised to apply as soon as you are able to.

All applicants for this role will require an enhanced DBS check.

The Council is an equal opportunities employer. We welcome applications, regardless of race, sex, disability, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, marital or civil partner status, pregnancy or maternity, age or religion or belief.