ASC Practice Lead; Prevention

ASC Practice Lead (Prevention) – Community Wellbeing – Adult Social Care

Are you passionate about prevention and improving outcomes for people before needs escape?

Southampton City Council is looking for an experienced and motivated ASC Practice Lead (Prevention) to join our Innovation, Quality, Performance and Practice Development team. This is an exciting opportunity to shape how prevention is embedded across Adult Social Care, working closely with Public Health and system partners.

This is a fixed‑term post until 31 December 2027, partly funded by Public Health, with a specific focus on strengthening prevention approaches across health and social care.

As an ASC Practice Lead (Prevention), you will provide professional leadership to support a shift towards earlier intervention, improved wellbeing, and reduced escalation of need.

• Lead and support the development of prevention‑focused practice across the service
• Embed preventative approaches within assessment, support planning and review
• Work closely with Public Health and wider partners to align priorities and maximise impact
• Use data, audit findings and feedback to identify opportunities to strengthen prevention
• Develop and deliver training to support staff to recognise and respond to early indicators of need
• Promote strengths‑based, person‑centred practice that builds on people’s assets and community support
• Support innovation and improvement activity that reduces demand and improves long‑term outcomes

This role will play a key part in shaping sustainable services that support people to remain independent, connected and well for longer.

You will be a registered Social Worker or Occupational Therapist with:

• Significant post‑qualification experience in Adult Social Care
• A strong understanding of prevention, early intervention and strengths‑based practice
• Knowledge of relevant legislation, policy and best practice
• Experience of using data, audit and insight to drive improvement
• The ability to work effectively across organisational boundaries and build strong partnerships
• A passion for innovation, co‑production and improving outcomes for people and communities

Experience of working with or alongside Public Health or community‑based approaches would be an advantage.

• Fixed term until 31 December 2027
• Grade: 10
• Enhanced DBS required
• Hybrid working in line with council policy

The salary band for this role is £47,181 - £51,357 per annum. The starting salary is £47,181 with annual progression through the salary bands.

• Excellent local government pension with 15.2% employer contribution
• Death in service benefit of x3 salary, and optional salary sacrifice shared cost AVC (additional voluntary contribution)
• Generous holiday 25–31 days, based on role and service
• Flexible working options (role‑dependent)
• Family‑friendly policies – Maternity, Paternity, Adoption, Shared/Unpaid Parental Leave, Time off for Dependents
• Training and development, including coaching and mentoring
• Health and wellbeing support – Employee Assistance Programme, Menopause Pledge, Mental Health First Aiders and access to a variety of staff networks
• Veteran‑friendly employer with the Armed Forces Covenant
• Retail discounts and savings through the Southampton City Council benefits platform
• Discounted memberships at local sports and fitness centres
• Sustainable travel benefits – low emission car scheme, cycle to work, season ticket loans
• Employee volunteering scheme with 2 paid days leave to volunteer