Principal Social Worker (Grade 13) – Children's Services

Rhondda Cynon Taf County Borough Council is seeking an experienced Principal Social Worker to join its Children's Services – Early Intervention, Early Response ACP team.

The successful candidate will provide professional leadership, manage complex cases, promote safeguarding and improve the quality and consistency of social work practice. The role requires substantial social work experience, strong decision-making skills and effective partnership working.

Previous MASH experience and previous Principal or senior-level Social Work experience are essential.

Key Responsibilities

• Safeguard and promote the wellbeing of vulnerable children and young people.
• Manage complex caseloads, undertake high-level assessments and analyse safeguarding risks.
• Deliver evidence-based interventions and develop plans to achieve positive outcomes for children and families.
• Work collaboratively with partner agencies and multidisciplinary teams.
• Represent the service at multi-agency meetings and contribute to safeguarding decisions.
• Provide professional leadership, supervision, guidance and mentoring to social work colleagues.
• Undertake quality assurance activities, individual audits and thematic audits.
• Support practice improvement, service development and the implementation of relevant policies and procedures.
• Ensure children's and families' views and wishes are accurately recorded and reflected in assessments and plans.
• Prepare clear reports and maintain accurate case records and management information.
• Contribute to professional training, staff development and continuous professional development.
• Deputise for the Team Practice & Performance Manager when required.
• Respond to practice-related complaints and information requests as required.
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of legislation, research and safeguarding procedures.
• Comply with professional standards, equality requirements, health and safety policies and safeguarding responsibilities.

Essential Requirements

Applicants must have:

• A recognised Social Work qualification, such as a Degree or MA in Social Work, CQSW, DipSW, CSS or an equivalent predecessor qualification.
• Current registration with Social Care Wales , maintained throughout the assignment.
• Significant post-qualifying Social Work experience.
• Previous Principal Social Worker or senior-level Social Work experience .
• Previous experience working within a Multi-Agency Safeguarding Hub (MASH) .
• Knowledge of child and adolescent development.
• A sound understanding of legislation relating to children, adults and families.
• Knowledge of safeguarding procedures for children and adults at risk.
• Knowledge of statutory guidance and processes relating to looked-after children.
• Knowledge of assessments for care and support needs.
• Experience working with partner agencies and multidisciplinary professionals.
• Strong assessment, risk analysis, decision-making and report-writing skills.
• Experience or ability to provide professional guidance, supervision or mentoring.
• Ability to maintain accurate records and communicate effectively with children, families and professionals.
• Commitment to equality, safeguarding and positive outcomes for service users.
• Ability to travel independently throughout the service area.
• Willingness to undergo the required Enhanced DBS checks.

Desirable Experience

• Experience in quality assurance and case auditing.
• Experience supervising or mentoring social work students.
• Experience delivering professional training and learning opportunities.
• Experience chairing meetings.
• Experience preparing and presenting cases to the Court of Protection.
• Relevant management or post-qualifying professional development qualifications.
• Welsh language skills.

Working Pattern

An initial induction period of approximately 1–2 weeks will be provided, depending on the worker's confidence to work independently. Following induction, the expected office days are Monday and Tuesday.

The successful candidate must be able to work 37.5 hours per week and travel independently throughout the service area.

Applications must clearly demonstrate previous MASH experience and Principal or senior-level Social Work experience. Candidates must also meet the essential qualification, registration and safeguarding requirements outlined above.