At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and mentor a team while managing complex cases in children's services.
- Company: Dynamic agency focused on improving outcomes for children and families.
- Benefits: Competitive pay, hybrid work options, and supportive management.
- Other info: Immediate start available with opportunities for professional development.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while advancing your career.
- Qualifications: Qualified Social Worker with experience in children's services and safeguarding.
Advanced Social Worker / Practice Lead
Location: Rhondda Cynon Taf (Hybrid) Rate: £42.60 per hour (Umbrella) Contract: Full-Time | Agency Sector: Children's Services
Are you an experienced Social Worker ready to take the next step in your career?
We are recruiting an Advanced Social Worker / Practice Lead to join a forward-thinking Children's Services team in Rhondda Cynon Taf.
This is an exciting opportunity to combine frontline practice with leadership, mentoring, quality assurance and service development, helping to drive outstanding outcomes for children, young people and families.
The Role
As an Advanced Social Worker, you will play a key leadership role within the service, supporting high standards of social work practice while maintaining your own complex caseload.
You will provide expert advice and guidance to colleagues, champion evidence-based practice, and contribute to the continuous improvement of services across the local authority.
Working closely with managers and partner agencies, you will help shape practice, improve performance and ensure children and families receive the highest quality support.
Key Responsibilities
- Manage a complex caseload involving children, young people and families.
- Undertake high-quality assessments, risk analysis and intervention planning.
- Deliver evidence-based interventions to achieve positive outcomes.
- Provide professional leadership, mentoring and supervision to colleagues.
- Deputise for the Team Practice & Performance Manager when required.
- Lead on quality assurance through individual and thematic audits.
- Promote best practice and support the development of the wider team.
- Represent Children's Services at multi-agency meetings and professional forums.
- Support newly qualified and experienced social workers through coaching and professional development.
- Deliver training and contribute to workforce development initiatives.
- Respond to complaints, FOI requests and Data Subject Access Requests.
- Ensure safeguarding responsibilities are met in line with statutory guidance.
- Promote equality, diversity and anti-discriminatory practice throughout service delivery.
About You
To be successful, you will have
- Qualified Social Worker status.
- Social Care Wales registration.
- Significant post-qualification experience within Children's Services.
- Strong knowledge of UK safeguarding legislation and statutory frameworks.
- Experience managing complex child protection and safeguarding cases.
- Excellent assessment, analytical and decision-making skills.
- Experience mentoring, supervising or supporting other practitioners.
- Confidence working in multi-agency environments.
- Excellent report writing and communication skills.
- A commitment to improving practice and achieving the best outcomes for children and families.
What's on Offer?
- £42.60 per hour Umbrella
- Full-time agency contract.
- Hybrid working opportunities.
- Supportive management team.
- Opportunity to influence practice and service development.
- Challenging and rewarding leadership role.
- Immediate start available.
- Apply Today
If you're an experienced Social Worker looking for your next leadership opportunity in Rhondda Cynon Taf, we'd love to hear from you.
Apply now or get in touch today for a confidential discussion about this opportunity. For more information, contact Natasha Haddon
Principal Social Worker (Grade 13) in Rhondda employer: LinsCare
LinsCare is an exceptional employer that prioritises the development of its staff and the communities it serves. With a strong commitment to inclusivity and innovation, employees benefit from a supportive work culture, flexible hybrid working arrangements, and ample opportunities for professional growth in the vibrant Bromley area. Join us to make a meaningful impact in the lives of children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities while advancing your career in a dynamic environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal Social Worker (Grade 13) in Rhondda
✨Dive into Local Community Groups
Social work thrives on community connections, so get involved in local groups or forums specific to your interests. Whether it’s volunteering at local shelters or joining community action boards, these are great ways to boost your visibility and make direct contacts that could lead to opportunities like the one at LinsCare.
✨Attend Social Work Events and Workshops
Keep an eye out for workshops, seminars, or conferences in social work. These events are fantastic for meeting professionals in the field, learning about emerging trends, and spotting job openings. Plus, you might just bump into someone from LinsCare!
✨Showcase Your Passion and Expertise
Use platforms like Instagram or LinkedIn to share your journey and insights into the social work sector. Whether it’s writing about your experiences or sharing relevant articles, this helps to establish you as an engaged professional. Potential employers, like LinsCare, will notice your enthusiasm!
✨Leverage Your Network
Don’t hesitate to reach out to professors, mentors, or even past colleagues who are in social work. They might have inside knowledge about openings at LinsCare or be able to connect you with someone who’s hiring. Networking is key, especially in a full-time role where relationships matter.
We think you need these skills to ace Principal Social Worker (Grade 13) in Rhondda
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Social Work:In your cover letter, let us see your passion for social work shine through! Talk about the experiences that made you want to pursue this career—whether it’s volunteering, personal experiences, or academic projects. We want to know why this field matters to you.
Emphasise Relevant Qualifications:Make sure your CV highlights any relevant qualifications, like degrees in social work or certifications like a DBS check. If you've done any workshops or training, don’t forget to include those as well. We're keen to see your commitment to your professional development!
Detail Your Experience with Clients:Since this is a hands-on field, detailing any direct experience you have with clients is crucial. Whether it's internships, volunteer roles, or previous jobs, highlight those experiences in your CV to show us you've got the practical skills necessary for the job!
Tailor Your Application to LinsCare:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to LinsCare! Research our mission and values, and refer to them in your cover letter. This shows us that you understand our work and are genuinely interested in being a part of our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at LinsCare
✨Understanding the Role of Empathy
In social work, understanding and demonstrating empathy is key. Be prepared to share personal experiences or scenarios where you effectively showed compassion and support. This helps show that you genuinely care about the well-being of others, which is crucial in social work.
✨Demonstrating Knowledge of Frameworks
Familiarise yourself with the frameworks and models used in social work, such as the Strengths-Based Approach or the Ecological Perspective. Be ready to discuss how these frameworks apply to your work, especially if you can tie them into real-world examples or case studies you've encountered.
✨Showcasing Your Multi-Disciplinary Skills
In a full-time social work role, you'll often collaborate with healthcare professionals, educators, and law enforcement. Be prepared to describe your teamwork experiences and how you've effectively communicated with other disciplines to achieve the best outcomes for clients.
✨Preparing for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that put you in hypothetical social work situations, such as dealing with a crisis or managing a complex case. Think through your thought process for these scenarios beforehand, considering how you'd assess the situation and what steps you'd take, as this demonstrates your critical thinking and problem-solving abilities.
