Workforce & Practice Development Officer – Children & Families Service

This is an exciting time to join Hackney Children and Families Service (CFS) Quality Assurance and Improvement Team where we are developing and embedding our new practice model of systemic, trauma informed and anti-racist practice (STAR). As the Workforce and Practice Development Officer you will be supporting the implementation of this model, including identifying training needs and contributing to plans as to how to address these. This role will also have key responsibilities in supporting the implementation of our Workforce Strategy and actions relating to our: Wellbeing, Recruitment and Retention, Practice Learning and CPD / STAR workstreams. 

We are looking to recruit someone with experience of planning, coordinating and evaluating different projects, ideally related to staff training and development. You will utilise your knowledge and skills to lead on identifying and responding to the training needs of the workforce and Hackney’s foster carers. You will oversee and ensure the smooth running of established systems and processes for tracking, organising and evaluating training engagement. You will produce reports that analyse qualitative and quantitative data and make recommendations where appropriate. You will also work with external organisations researching and sourcing potential training and development opportunities for the CFS workforce and Foster Carers.

The Quality Assurance and Improvement Team (QAIT) sits within the Safeguarding and Quality Assurance service within CFS. QAIT is made up of four hubs: Quality Assurance; Workforce & Practice Development; Complaints & Feedback; and Project & Service Improvement. This role is part of the Workforce & Practice Development Hub. Our vision and mission statement is focused on improving outcomes for children and families and our service provides specialist support to our frontline practitioner colleagues. 

We are looking for a high performing professional committed to working effectively to bring about positive change for children and families.

You will have:

– Strong written skills, including the ability to present complex information in a concise and accessible format 

– The ability to communicate professionally and effectively with individuals and groups at different levels of the service and within partner organisations

– The ability to multi-task and coordinate multiple projects and pieces of work

– Strong attention to detail and organisational skills

– The ability to use your own initiative, managing your own workload and coordinating your work with colleagues

An Enhanced DBS check is required for this role.

As a Council, our most outstanding asset is our staff, who are highly dedicated to serving our residents and committed to our goals as an organisation.

If you want to work in a place where you can represent our values so we achieve the best for our residents, please click on the apply button below.

We operate a fair and open anonymous selection process. Therefore, we do not accept supporting statements or CV’s.

To proceed with your application, you will need to create an account and submit your application.

As part of the application process, you will need to complete a number of competency based questions. These questions allow you to demonstrate your suitability for the role and provide examples of your skills, knowledge and experience outlined in the job description.

We understand the benefits of using AI in the workplace. However, if you are thinking of using this tool to submit your application, we ask you to think about what value it will add. AI tools tend to lack the personal touch and authenticity we value in candidates. We encourage you to showcase your unique knowledge and skills using your own voice.

This application process replaces a supporting statement.

Closing date for applications: 26 April 2026 (22:59)

Interview date: W/c 11 May 2026

We are also working towards our vision, which is to be a place for everyone; where residents and staff can be proud; a place that celebrates diversity and where everyone can feel valued, included and involved. In order to achieve this, we look for people who are: Proud; Ambitious; Pioneering; Open; Proactive; Inclusive.

Hackney Council works to eradicate discrimination on the basis of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, and sexual orientation. We also recognise that people can be disadvantaged by their social and economic circumstances, so we will also work to eliminate discrimination and disadvantage caused by social class. We also welcome those interested in flexible working. We particularly welcome applications from disabled people, as this group is currently under represented in our workforce.

The Council has a dedicated employment support service (Hackney Works), which offers Hackney residents guidance in relation to applying for jobs. If you are thinking about applying for a job, please contact the Hackney Works team to find out what support is available: hackneyworks@hackney.gov.uk

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