Social Worker (Quality Assurance)

Thurrock Council; Grays; Hybrid; GBP 40,000 - 48,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Generous annual leave

Local Government Pension Scheme

Hybrid working opportunities

Ongoing training and development

Employee assistance programme

Staff discounts and local offers

Inclusive working environment

Job summary

Thurrock Council’s Adult Social Care team seeks an experienced Social Worker (Quality Assurance) to lead audits, reviews and improvement initiatives across services. You will partner with managers, practitioners and providers to promote reflective practice and high-quality care for adults.

The role requires a registered Social Worker with knowledge of Care Act 2014 and MCA 2005, strong analysis, and the ability to drive learning through QA frameworks and training initiatives.

Qualifications

• Degree or recognised qualification in Social Work.
• Registration with Social Work England.
• Minimum of two years' post-qualification experience in Adult Social Care.
• Knowledge of the Care Act 2014, Mental Capacity Act 2005, safeguarding legislation and related guidance.
• Experience with audits, quality assurance activities, or practice reviews.
• Excellent written, verbal and analytical skills.
• Proficient use of IT systems e.g. Microsoft Office/365, Oracle and Liquidlogic.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate and support audits, case file reviews and thematic evaluations across Adult Social Care teams.
• Analyse audit findings to identify strengths, areas for development and emerging themes.
• Produce reports and performance information to support service improvement.
• Develop action plans with managers and practitioners.
• Monitor compliance with statutory duties, policies and standards.
• Support QA frameworks and improvement programmes.
• Embed learning from audits, complaints and safeguarding inquiries.

Skills

Analytical skills

Data interpretation

Communication skills

IT literacy

Education

Social Work degree/qualification

Tools

Office 365

Oracle

Liquidlogic

Job description

We are seeking an experienced and motivated Social Worker (Quality Assurance) to join our Adult Social Care team. This is an exciting opportunity for a qualified social worker who is passionate about driving excellence, improving outcomes for adults, and supporting a culture of continuous learning and improvement.

Working closely with operational managers, practitioners, and senior leaders, you will play a key role in monitoring, evaluating, and improving the quality of social work practice across Adult Social Care services. Through audits, case file reviews, thematic reviews, and quality assurance activities, you will help ensure that services are delivered in line with legislative requirements, professional standards, and best practice.

Key Responsibilities

• Coordinate and support audits, case file reviews, and thematic evaluations across Adult Social Care teams.
• Analyse audit findings to identify strengths, areas for development, and emerging themes.
• Produce high-quality reports and performance information to support service improvement.
• Work collaboratively with practitioners, managers and providers to develop action plans.
• Monitor compliance with statutory duties, policies, procedures, and professional standards.
• Support the development and implementation of quality assurance frameworks and improvement programmes.
• Work collaboratively with managers and practitioners to embed learning from audits, complaints, safeguarding enquiries, and service reviews.
• Contribute to the development and delivery of practice guidance, workshops, and learning events.
• Support the preparation of inspections, peer reviews, and regulatory assessments.
• Promote a culture of reflective practice, continuous improvement, and person-centred care.
• Provide support to the Service Manager for Quality Assurance Service Manager and Senior Practitioner (Quality Assurance).

You will be a qualified and registered Social Worker with a strong understanding of Adult Social Care legislation, policy, and practice. You will have excellent analytical skills and the ability to review practice objectively while supporting colleagues to achieve high standards.

Essential Requirements

• Degree or recognised qualification in Social Work.
• Registration with Social Work England.
• Minimum of two years' post-qualification experience in Adult Social Care.
• Strong knowledge of the Care Act 2014, Mental Capacity Act 2005, safeguarding legislation, and related statutory guidance.
• Experience of undertaking or engaging with audits, quality assurance activities, or practice reviews.
• Excellent written, verbal, and analytical skills.
• Ability to interpret data and present findings clearly.
• Strong organisational skills and attention to detail.
• Commitment to continuous improvement and delivering positive outcomes for adults.
• Proficient use of IT systems, e.g. Microsoft Office/365, Oracle, and Liquidlogic.

Desirable Requirements

• Experience in a quality assurance, practice improvement, or audit-focused role.
• Evidence of post qualification study.
• Experience of inspection preparation and service evaluation.
• Knowledge of performance management and quality improvement methodologies.

Essential Qualifications: Qualified Social Worker and registered with Social Work England.

DBS Check: Enhanced with Adults Barred List is required for this post

At Thurrock Council, we value our employees and offer a comprehensive benefits package, including:

• Generous annual leave entitlement
• Local Government Pension Scheme
• Flexible and hybrid working opportunities (where applicable)
• Ongoing training and professional development
• Employee assistance programme and wellbeing support
• Staff discounts and local offers
• A supportive and inclusive working environment

Important Dates