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- Tasks: Lead a team in managing complex cases and supporting children through court processes.
- Company: Cardiff Council, dedicated to improving children's lives and community welfare.
- Benefits: Competitive pay, flexible payroll options, free training, and wellbeing sessions.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while developing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: Social Work qualification, registration with Social Care Wales, and 3 years of referencing.
- Other info: Join a supportive team with excellent career growth opportunities.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 60000 Ā£ per year.
Cardiff Council is seeking an experienced Principal Social Worker to join one of our Locality Teams, with a primary focus on Court Work and staff supervision.
You will hold a small, complex caseload (approximately 10ā11 children across 4ā5 families) subject to care proceedings and be responsible for all aspects of case management, including statutory visiting, care planning, reviews, and court work. You will complete high-quality, evidence-based assessments to support decisionāmaking around children remaining at home or returning to parental care, with a strong understanding of risk, protective factors, trauma, and children's timescales.
You will have substantial experience working within care proceedings, using the DOH Framework for Assessment and applying the principles of the NSPCC Reunification Framework. You will demonstrate excellent analytical skills, an understanding of traumaāinformed practice, and the ability to engage parents with varied learning styles, drawing on multiāagency input and informal support networks.
This role is predominantly supervisory. You will supervise a pod of Social Work Assistants and less experienced social workers, providing monthly supervision, quality assurance of care plans and assessments, chairing strategy meetings, attending joint visits, and contributing to key forums such as Child Looked After Reviews. You will play a key role in fostering a supportive and positive team culture.
While largely nonācaseāholding, you will step in to take allocation where risks escalate, retaining cases until risks reduce and can be safely reallocated. You will be supported by a Team Manager and Operational Manager and work within a wellāresourced team including social workers, social work assistants, and dedicated administrative support.
Benefits of working for Hoop:
- 20 years' experience of the Social Work market
- Your local agency based in Cardiff
- Welshāspeaking consultant available should you wish to converse in Welsh throughout your job search
- PAYE and Umbrella payroll options available ā you choose!
- Dedicated point of contact (support team to cover whilst on leave)
- Twice weekly payroll
- Actively supplying every Local Authority in South/West Wales and South West England
- Provides free training sessions (Contributes CPD)
- Refer a friend scheme available
- Birthday gifts
- Wellbeing sessions
To apply for this role, you will need to hold:
- A relevant Social Work Qualification
- Registration with Social Care Wales
- Enhanced DBS registered on the update service or be happy to apply for a DBS
- 3 Years of referencing
- Driving license with access to a car
Given the nature of the role, only applications from individuals with a social work qualification and registration with either professional body - Social Care Wales / Social Work England can be considered. Please only apply if you meet this criteria.
Please contact Kate Bowen at Hoop Recruitment on 02922 400519 if you want to find out more.
Principal Social Worker - Court Work - Cardiff Council in London employer: Hoop Social Work
Contact Detail:
Hoop Social Work Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice š¤«
We think this is how you could land Principal Social Worker - Court Work - Cardiff Council in London
āØTip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the social work field, especially those who might know about opportunities at Cardiff Council. A friendly chat can sometimes lead to a foot in the door.
āØTip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by brushing up on your knowledge of the DOH Framework and NSPCC Reunification Framework. We want you to showcase your expertise and how it aligns with the role's requirements.
āØTip Number 3
Practice your responses to common interview questions, especially around case management and trauma-informed practice. We recommend doing mock interviews with friends or colleagues to build confidence.
āØTip Number 4
Donāt forget to apply through our website! Itās the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, weāre here to support you every step of the way!
We think you need these skills to ace Principal Social Worker - Court Work - Cardiff Council in London
Some tips for your application š«”
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Principal Social Worker role. Highlight your experience with court work, case management, and any relevant frameworks you've used. We want to see how your skills match what we're looking for!
Showcase Your Experience: When detailing your past roles, focus on your experience in supervising staff and managing complex cases. Use specific examples that demonstrate your analytical skills and understanding of trauma-informed practice. This will help us see your fit for the team.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language and avoid jargon where possible. We appreciate a well-structured application that makes it easy for us to see your qualifications and experience.
Apply Through Our Website: Donāt forget to submit your application through our website! Itās the best way for us to receive your details and ensures youāre considered for the role. Plus, itās super easy to do!
How to prepare for a job interview at Hoop Social Work
āØKnow Your Case Management Inside Out
Make sure youāre well-versed in case management principles, especially around care proceedings. Brush up on the DOH Framework for Assessment and the NSPCC Reunification Framework, as these will likely come up during your interview.
āØShow Off Your Supervisory Skills
Since this role involves supervising Social Work Assistants and less experienced social workers, be prepared to discuss your previous supervisory experiences. Think of specific examples where youāve fostered a positive team culture or provided effective support.
āØDemonstrate Your Analytical Prowess
Youāll need to showcase your analytical skills, particularly in relation to risk assessment and trauma-informed practice. Prepare to discuss how youāve used these skills in past roles to make informed decisions about childrenās welfare.
āØEngage with Real-Life Scenarios
Be ready to engage in hypothetical scenarios that reflect the complexities of court work. Practise articulating how you would handle various situations, drawing on your experience to demonstrate your thought process and decision-making abilities.
