At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a team to support kinship carers and ensure safe, nurturing homes for children.
- Company: Join Foster Wales RCT, a supportive and inclusive organisation.
- Benefits: Flexible working, career development, competitive pension, and staff discounts.
- Other info: Diverse workplace with strong support networks and guaranteed interviews for Welsh speakers.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while advancing your social work career.
- 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.
Principal Social Worker in Newport employer: Rhondda Cynon Taf County Borough Council
Foster Wales RCT is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and inclusive work environment for Principal Social Workers. With a strong focus on employee growth, flexible working arrangements, and a commitment to diversity, staff are empowered to make a meaningful impact in the lives of children and families. Located in Maritime Business Park, the role provides access to excellent career development opportunities and a competitive benefits package, ensuring that employees feel valued and supported in their vital work.
Contact Details:
Rhondda Cynon Taf County Borough Council Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal Social Worker in Newport
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees in the social work field, especially those at Foster Wales RCT. They can give you insider info on the team culture and what it takes to shine in the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by brushing up on your knowledge of the Social Services and Wellbeing Act and fostering legislation. We want you to show off your expertise and how you can apply it to support kinship carers effectively.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your responses to common interview questions, especially around managing complex caseloads and mentoring colleagues. We know you’ve got the skills, so let’s make sure you communicate them clearly!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team at Foster Wales RCT.
We think you need these skills to ace Principal Social Worker in Newport
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your experience aligns with the role of Principal Social Worker. We want to see how you can lead and support kinship carers effectively, so don’t hold back on showcasing relevant examples!
Showcase Your Skills:Emphasise your strong assessment, communication, and planning skills in your written application. We’re looking for someone who can manage a complex caseload and mentor colleagues, so let us know how you’ve done this in the past.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application clear and to the point. We appreciate well-structured applications that are easy to read. Use bullet points if necessary to make your key achievements stand out!
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super straightforward!
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 managed complex cases or mentored colleagues, as these are key aspects of the Principal Social Worker role.
✨Emphasise Relationship Building
This role is all about relationships, so be ready to talk about how you've built strong connections with carers, children, and partner agencies. Share stories that demonstrate your strengths-focused approach and how you've advocated for those you support.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare some insightful questions to ask during the interview. This could be about the team dynamics, the challenges they face, or how they measure success in their kinship support initiatives. It shows you're engaged and thinking critically about the role.
