At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a new service in Blackpool, shaping culture and improving outcomes for vulnerable families.
- Company: CGL, a forward-thinking organisation dedicated to social change.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development, and access to a national support network.
- Other info: Join a dynamic team and enjoy opportunities for career progression and strategic influence.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on families affected by substance misuse while developing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: Registered with Social Work England and experienced in safeguarding and partnership working.
The predicted salary is between 45585 - 53330 ÂŁ per year.
A strategic leadership role for aspiring and experienced social work leaders. Be part of something new. Shape a service. Lead system change.
CGL is excited to be launching a new service in Blackpool, working in close partnership with Blackpool Council to improve outcomes for some of the most vulnerable adults, children and families affected by substance misuse. We are now recruiting a Senior Social Worker to play a pivotal leadership role in this new service.
This is not a typical “Senior Social Worker” role. If you are currently working as a Senior Practitioner, Advanced Social Worker, Team Manager or experienced NHS social worker, this role is likely to be a step up in scope, influence and strategic responsibility.
Within CGL, the Senior Social Worker:
- Sits on the Senior Leadership Team
- Operates at a strategic level, alongside the Service Manager and Deputy Service Manager
- Has leadership responsibility that is more akin to senior management roles in a local authority/NHS setting
- Influences practice, partnerships and safeguarding arrangements across the system
This is an ideal opportunity for a social worker who is:
- Ready to broaden their leadership experience
- Aspiring to senior management or principal social work roles
- Interested in system leadership, partnership working and service development
About the role:
As Senior Social Worker, you will:
- Provide strategic and operational leadership within the service
- Line manage and support family safeguarding workers embedded within the local authority, holding Child Protection cases where substance misuse is a factor
- Work closely with the Service Manager and Deputy Service Manager to ensure high-quality, trauma informed practice and continuous improvement
- Act as the Designated Safeguarding Lead for the service
- Oversee and contribute to strategic partnerships, The Blackpool Safeguarding Board (BSAFE), Blackpool MASH Hub and various strategic boards relating to multiple disadvantage, drugs and alcohol treatment and recovery
- Take the lead on: Safeguarding Adults Reviews, Domestic Homicide Reviews, Learning from deaths and serious incidents
- Oversee and support student social workers and social work apprentices
- Liaise with national safeguarding business partners where risk is complex
- Upskill the wider workforce in: Anti-oppressive, trauma informed practice, Risk assessment and safety planning, Safeguarding children and adults, Legal literacy, including the Children Act 1989, Care Act 2014 and MCA 2005
At CGL, social work leadership is valued and invested in. You will benefit from:
- Professional supervision from the Head of Social Work / Principal Social Worker (in addition to line management supervision)
- Membership of a virtual, national network of Senior Social Workers, offering peer support, consultation and involvement in national workstreams
- Quarterly national social work forums to connect, share learning and influence practice across the UK
- These forums and networks can count towards CPD for Social Work England re‑registration
- One day per month for CPD activities
We are keen to hear from social workers who are:
- Registered with Social Work England
- Passionate about supporting people impacted by substance use
- Confident in complex decision-making and safeguarding leadership
- Experienced in partnership working across children’s and adults’ services
- Motivated by leadership, influence and improving systems – not just casework
- Curious, reflective and ready to step into a strategic role
If you are looking for a role where you can:
- Shape a new service
- Influence system-wide practice
- Develop as a senior social work leader
- Make a lasting difference to families and communities in Blackpool
Then we would really encourage you to apply. Informal conversations are very welcome. Please contact Beth Shedden, Head of Social Work or Wendy Moss, Implementation Change Lead.
Direct applications only — we will not be engaging agencies for this vacancy. We reserve the right to close the vacancy early if we receive a high number of applications, so we encourage you to apply as soon as possible.
This post is subject to a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check at an enhanced level.
Senior Social Worker in Blackpool employer: Change Grow Live
Contact Detail:
Change Grow Live Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Social Worker in Blackpool
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the social work field, especially those who might have insights into the new service in Blackpool. A friendly chat can open doors and give you an edge.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by understanding the strategic goals of CGL and how you can contribute. Think about your past experiences and how they align with the role's responsibilities—this will help you stand out!
✨Tip Number 3
Show your passion for system leadership! Be ready to discuss how you've influenced practice or partnerships in your previous roles. This is your chance to shine and demonstrate your commitment to making a difference.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take that extra step to connect with us directly.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Social Worker in Blackpool
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: When writing your application, let your passion for social work and supporting vulnerable communities shine through. We want to see your commitment to making a difference, especially in the context of substance misuse.
Tailor Your Experience: Make sure to highlight your relevant experience that aligns with the strategic leadership role we're offering. We’re looking for examples of how you've influenced practice and worked in partnership, so don’t hold back!
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application clear and to the point. We appreciate well-structured responses that get straight to the heart of your skills and experiences. Remember, clarity is key in showcasing your suitability for this role.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, it helps us keep track of all applications efficiently!
How to prepare for a job interview at Change Grow Live
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you’re well-versed in the key responsibilities of a Senior Social Worker, especially around safeguarding and partnership working. Brush up on relevant legislation like the Children Act 1989 and Care Act 2014, as these will likely come up in conversation.
✨Show Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples that showcase your leadership experience and how you've influenced practice in previous roles. Think about times when you’ve led a team or contributed to strategic changes, as this role is all about shaping a new service.
✨Be Ready for Scenario Questions
Expect to face scenario-based questions that assess your decision-making and problem-solving skills. Practice articulating your thought process clearly, especially in complex situations involving safeguarding and multi-agency collaboration.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions about the new service and its goals. This shows your genuine interest and helps you understand how you can contribute to the team’s success. Inquire about the support available for professional development and how they envision the service evolving.