At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and mentor social workers in child protection and family support.
- Company: Join Rhondda Cynon Taf Children’s Services, a supportive and inclusive workplace.
- Benefits: Flexible working, generous leave, and access to professional development resources.
- Other info: Diverse and inclusive environment with guaranteed interviews for care experienced applicants.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while growing your career.
- Qualifications: Experience in social work and a passion for child welfare.
The predicted salary is between 49282 - 51532 € per year.
37 hours per week - Child and Family Teams
Grade 13 at £49,282 per annum. All Social Workers in these teams are eligible to receive a £2,250 market supplement, paid pro rata monthly (regardless of length of post qualifying experience, reviewed in May 2027).
Location will be dependent on vacancies at the time; teams are based in East (Ty Catrin Offices – Pontypridd), North (Cynon Principal Office – Aberdare), South (Ty Elai – Williamstown), and West (Ty Elai – Williamstown).
About the Team
Our Child and Family Teams specialise in care planning for children who require care and support, including cases subject to child protection planning, PLO and Court, and adoption work. A dedicated service enables more focus on risk management to avoid escalation. The overall aim is to reduce the need for PLO, child‑family separations, and care proceedings.
Responsibilities
- Mentor newly qualified practitioners where required.
- Commit to your own development and engage in regular informal and formal supervision.
- Deputise on occasion for the Team Manager.
Why Work for us?
Working in Rhondda Cynon Taf Children’s Services, you will have access to a wide range of staff benefits and extensive learning and development opportunities. We prioritise the well‑being of our practitioners, providing support, manageable workloads, and resources needed to thrive.
Benefits
- Right to request flexible working; supportive policies for parents including enhanced maternity, adoption and paternity pay; ability to work from home and the office; piloting an enhanced flexible working policy with up to 2 non‑working days per month.
- Access to highly regarded Reflective Spaces—collaborative discussions facilitated by a psychologist—to share thoughts, feelings and reactions to experiences.
- Access to Occupational Health Unit and Vivup, a fully confidential Employee Assistance Programme.
- 26 days annual leave, rising to 31 days after 5 years’ service; option to purchase additional annual leave up to a maximum of 10 days (pro rata) per year.
- A generous Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS).
- Additional council‑wide benefits: Cycle to Work scheme, discounted LeisureForLife membership, staff discount Vectis card.
Additional Information
Protecting children and vulnerable adults is a core responsibility of all staff appointed to the Council. In addition to this safeguarding responsibility, the successful applicant will also be subject to an enhanced disclosure and barring service check.
Equal Opportunities and Diversity
The Council values diversity in its workforce. We are committed to ensuring that no unlawful discrimination occurs in the recruitment and selection process on the grounds of age, sex, race, disability, sexual orientation, transgender including non‑binary identities, religion or belief, or pregnancy and maternity. We offer a number of staff networks for employees including the Allies Network, a Disability and Carers Network and the Perthyn LGBTQ+ Network. Applications in Welsh will not be treated less favourably than applications made in English. The Council is committed to a guaranteed interview scheme for Welsh‑speakers of Level 3 and above, and will provide interviews to Armed Forces personnel who meet essential criteria.
Care Experienced Leavers – Guaranteed Interview Scheme
We encourage applications from individuals who are care experienced to enable them to access employment, education, experiences and volunteering opportunities. The Council will guarantee an interview for any care experienced leavers who wish to take part in the scheme and meet the essential criteria for the role.
Principal Social Worker- Child and Family Teams in Pontypridd employer: Rhondda Cynon Taf County Borough Council
Rhondda Cynon Taf Children’s Services is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive work culture that prioritises the well-being of its practitioners. With access to extensive learning and development opportunities, flexible working arrangements, and a generous benefits package including enhanced leave and a Local Government Pension Scheme, employees are empowered to thrive in their roles while making a meaningful impact on the lives of children and families in the community.
Contact Detail:
Rhondda Cynon Taf County Borough Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal Social Worker- Child and Family Teams in Pontypridd
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees in Child and Family Teams. They can give you the inside scoop on what it’s really like and might even put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by brushing up on your knowledge of child protection planning and care proceedings. Show us you’re passionate about making a difference in children’s lives!
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t forget to highlight your mentoring experience! As a Principal Social Worker, you’ll be guiding newly qualified practitioners, so let us know how you’ve supported others in the past.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website for a smoother process. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take that extra step!
We think you need these skills to ace Principal Social Worker- Child and Family Teams in Pontypridd
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. Use keywords from the job description to show that you understand what we're looking for.
Showcase Your Skills:Don’t just list your qualifications; demonstrate how your skills can benefit our Child and Family Teams. Share specific examples of your past work, especially in care planning and risk management.
Be Authentic:Let your personality shine through! We want to see the real you, so don’t be afraid to share your passion for social work and your commitment to supporting children and families.
Apply Through Our Website:For a smooth application process, make sure to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves!
How to prepare for a job interview at Rhondda Cynon Taf County Borough Council
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you understand the role of a Principal Social Worker in Child and Family Teams. Familiarise yourself with care planning, child protection, and the specific challenges faced by these teams. This will help you answer questions confidently and show that you're genuinely interested in the position.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare to discuss your previous experience in social work, especially any mentoring or supervisory roles you've held. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've managed risk and supported families, as this will demonstrate your capability to handle the responsibilities of the role.
✨Engage with the Team's Values
Research Rhondda Cynon Taf Children’s Services and their commitment to well-being and diversity. During the interview, express how your values align with theirs, particularly regarding safeguarding and supporting vulnerable individuals. This will show that you're not just looking for a job, but a place where you can contribute positively.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare some insightful questions about the team dynamics, support systems, and professional development opportunities available. This not only shows your enthusiasm for the role but also helps you gauge if the environment is the right fit for you.
