Job Description

Our priority in West Sussex is 'Children First' and this is an exciting and challenging opportunity for a Practice Development Manager to join and be part of West Sussex's commitment and drive to provide quality interventions to the children we help, support and protect.



West Sussex County Council is clear about the positive changes that we want to achieve and the quality of service we offer to children and their families. We are committed to and value our employee's, we strive to provide the best environment and working conditions to enable West Sussex employees to undertake their duties to the best of their ability and to create a stable workforce.



The Quality Assurance (Practice Improvement & Inspection) service aims to maximise organisational effectiveness in responding to the needs of children and families open to the service.


The Opportunity

Salary:

55,057 to 58,829 per annum

Contract Type:

Permanent

Working Pattern:

37 hours per week (Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm)

Location:

Countywide (Base location to be discussed at interview)

Closing date:

7th October 2025

Interview Date:

16th October 2025



The Quality Assurance (QA) service at West Sussex County Council aims to maximise organisational effectiveness in responding to the needs of children and families. This involves providing the organisation with specialist advice on how to improve practice in order to optimise service delivery.



We're looking for Practice Development Managers responsible for the provision of an operational audit service, contributing to the development of social work practice and the application of practice and policies across the authority.



West Sussex are currently driving forward an improvement programme for Children's Services to ensure that all children, young people, and families receive the best service possible. Working within the wider Children, Young People and Learning (CYPL) Directorate, The Quality Assurance (QA) service is responsible for the monitoring of the performance of children's services and, as a Practice Development Manager, you will provide subject matter expertise in relation to what "good" looks like in children's social care by contributing to professional practice standards and effective quality assurance systems, and collaborating with the wider service through learning audits and moderation.


About You


To succeed in this role, you will have:


The technical expertise to provide robust and accurate advice and guidance relating to the application of legislative frameworks, as well as internal procedures and guidance. Experience in contributing to both service and practice developments. Excellent interpersonal skills and a high level of credibility amongst professional colleagues, customers, senior managers and other key stakeholders. The ability to work collaboratively across Children's Services and other directorates as necessary. Reflective practitioner skills with the ability to analyse your own experiences to improve the way you learn and work, in order to help the practitioners and managers learn and gain experience in reflective practice to increase their confidence and self-awareness.

Key Skills:

Excellent communication skills, with the ability to decide the most appropriate form of communication with an audience depending on the situation. Ability to negotiate on behalf of the organisation. Findings from audits may vary, therefore the role holder will need good negotiation skills to ensure findings are understood and actions adopted, whilst maintaining professional relationships. Ability to work independently, organising own workload and responding to Safeguarding policy and practice questions.

Qualifications and/or experience:

Degree level qualification in Social Work or equivalent professional qualification (Diploma in Social Work), or equivalent experience to demonstrate strong knowledge and understanding of that field. Social Worker registration / membership of appropriate professional body. Evidence of experience as a team manager of social work services with a broad background in children's services. Relevant advanced theoretical Social Work or equivalent concepts and practices and detailed organisational knowledge relating to the provision of a professional Social Work service dealing with very complex issues e.g. attachment, impact of developmental trauma, child development. Detailed knowledge of the wider Social Work legislation, organisational policies practices and procedures. In depth knowledge of the specialist area of child development and social care practice, techniques, models and systems as appropriate. Breadth of understanding of the therapeutic interventions that can be used e.g. solution-focused, systemic and evidence-based approaches to practice. An excellent understanding of partnership agencies including health, housing, learning, statutory, voluntary and independent sector. Experience and understanding of the purpose and process of undertaking audits, and of how to apply Practice Standards to audit. Knowledge and experience of what "good" looks like. Experience of challenging practice of practitioners and managers. Understanding of Ofsted judgements and requirements in terms of practice standards and inspection. Commitment to Equality & Diversity. Expert knowledge in continuous professional development requirements.

Benefits


As an employer we recognise that it is our employees that are central to everything we do. We aim to create a supportive and dynamic working environment where employees can achieve their full potential, achieve a healthy work-life balance, and are rewarded for the work they do.



For a full list this can be found at our

Rewards and Benefits page.

Upon joining us you will have access to a range of benefits including the following:

Employer Pension Contribution:

18.70% (this alters per annum on the 1 April each year).

Annual leave:

30 days holiday + Bank Holidays = 38 days




Further Information


The reference number for this role is

CAFHE05982

.



For an informal conversation or for further information regarding the role, please contact Lauren Paget (Service Manager) at

Lauren.Paget@westsussex.gov.uk

For issues or queries regarding your application please contact

kerry.joad@westsussex.gov.uk

.



To apply, please follow the links below to upload your CV and Cover Letter. In your cover letter please outline your motivations for applying and explaining the skills and experience you can bring to the role (please refer to the key skills) ensuring that any gaps in employment are covered in your CV. Please ensure you have saved the job description attached to the main advert on our website as, once the job has closed, you may not have the opportunity to download again.

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people, and vulnerable adults. This post is subject to Social Work England registration, an enhanced DBS check, five years referencing, and an occupational health check.

Equity, inclusion, and accessibility is very important to West Sussex County Council. We welcome and encourage applications from everyone, as this helps us build a diverse and talented workforce, that reflects the communities we serve. We ensure our approach to recruitment is flexible and supportive to enable all applicants to be at their best and to ensure they have the best possible chance of success.



We operate a guaranteed interview scheme for applicants that have a disability, are a veteran or are a care leaver. More information can be found on our

application help

page.



LOCATION

Worthing area

CONTRACT TYPE

Permanent

JOB TYPE

Children's Services

CLOSING DATE

06 October 2025