At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a team to support kinship carers and ensure safe homes for children.
- Company: Foster Wales RCT, dedicated to child welfare and community support.
- Benefits: Flexible working, career development, competitive pension, and staff rewards.
- Other info: Join a diverse team committed to equality and supporting vulnerable individuals.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while mentoring and leading a passionate team.
- Qualifications: Professional Social Work qualification and 3 years of post-qualifying experience required.
The predicted salary is between 49282 - 49282 £ per year.
This role is part of the Kinship Fostering Support Team for Foster Wales RCT. The Principal Social Worker leads a stable and experienced fostering workforce, ensuring kinship carers are well‑equipped to provide safe, stable, and nurturing homes for children within their own families and extended networks.
Key Responsibilities
- Manage a complex caseload while balancing other post requirements.
- Develop and deliver best practice, promote high standards of professional practice, and mentor colleagues.
- Play a key role in promoting relationship‑based, strengths‑focused, and responsive interventions for children and carers.
- Support carers to access appropriate services, advocate on their behalf, and work collaboratively with children’s services and partner agencies.
- Receive and provide regular professional supervision on a six‑weekly basis.
- Contribute to day‑to‑day team management and deputise for the Team Manager when required.
Qualifications
- Professional recognised Social Work qualification.
- Registered Social Worker with Social Care Wales.
- At least 3 years post‑qualifying social work experience.
- Understanding of the Social Services and Wellbeing Act, Fostering legislation, and good practice.
- Strong assessment, communication, and planning skills.
Benefits
- Flexible working arrangements (depending on the role).
- Excellent career development opportunities.
- Competitive pension scheme with employer contributions.
- Occupational health support and advice.
- Staff rewards scheme.
- Vivup Card shopping discounts.
Equal Opportunities Statement
Protecting children and vulnerable adults is a core responsibility of all staff appointed to the Council. The Council values diversity and is committed to ensuring no unlawful discrimination occurs on the grounds of age, sex, race, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity (including non‑binary identities), religion or belief, or pregnancy and maternity. The Council offers staff networks including the Allies Network, Disability and Carers Network, and LGBTQ+ Network. Applicants who are Welsh‑speakers of Level 3 and above will be invited to interview as part of a guaranteed interview scheme. Care‑experienced leavers who meet essential criteria will also be offered a guaranteed interview.
Contact
Further information and informal discussion: Rhiannon Shepherd (Team Manager) – 07393 759247.
Lead Social Worker - Kinship Fostering & Team Mentorship in Newport employer: Rhondda Cynon Taf County Borough Council
Foster Wales RCT is an exceptional employer that prioritises the well-being of its staff and the families they support. With a strong commitment to professional development, flexible working arrangements, and a supportive work culture, employees are empowered to thrive in their roles while making a meaningful impact in the lives of children and kinship carers. The organisation also values diversity and inclusion, offering various staff networks and guaranteed interview schemes for Welsh speakers and care-experienced leavers, making it a truly rewarding place to work.
Contact Details:
Rhondda Cynon Taf County Borough Council Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Lead Social Worker - Kinship Fostering & Team Mentorship in Newport
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the social work field, especially those involved in kinship fostering. They might have insider info on job openings or can even put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your knowledge of the Social Services and Wellbeing Act and fostering legislation. We want you to shine when discussing how you can promote high standards of practice and support kinship carers.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your mentoring skills! Be ready to share examples of how you've supported colleagues in the past. This will highlight your leadership potential and fit for the Principal Social Worker role.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search.
We think you need these skills to ace Lead Social Worker - Kinship Fostering & Team Mentorship in Newport
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your experience aligns with the key responsibilities of the Lead Social Worker role. We want to see how you can manage complex caseloads and promote best practices in kinship fostering.
Showcase Your Qualifications:Don’t forget to emphasise your professional social work qualifications and relevant experience. We’re looking for someone with at least 3 years post-qualifying experience, so make that shine through in your application!
Highlight Your Skills:Use specific examples to demonstrate your strong assessment, communication, and planning skills. We love seeing how you’ve made a difference in previous roles, especially in mentoring colleagues or supporting kinship carers.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website for a smoother process. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands and shows us you’re serious about joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Rhondda Cynon Taf County Borough Council
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on the Social Services and Wellbeing Act and fostering legislation. Being able to discuss these topics confidently will show that you're not just qualified, but also genuinely interested in the role.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare specific examples from your past work that highlight your assessment, communication, and planning skills. Think about situations where you've successfully managed complex cases or mentored colleagues, as these are key aspects of the job.
✨Emphasise Relationship Building
This role is all about relationships, so be ready to talk about how you've built rapport with kinship carers and collaborated with partner agencies. Share stories that demonstrate your strengths-focused approach and how you've supported others.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare some insightful questions to ask during the interview. This could be about the team dynamics, the support available for kinship carers, or how they measure success in their interventions. It shows you're engaged and thinking critically about the role.
