Social Worker/Experienced Social Worker

Job Description

Mae’r ddogfen hon ar gael yn Gymraeg / This document is also available in Welsh.

Grade 11 – Entry Social Worker grade and registration with Social Care Wales.

Grade 12 – Experienced Social Worker grade – minimum of 3 years post‑qualifying experience and registration with Social Care Wales.

Rhondda Cynon Taf Council is pleased to offer three full‑time Social Work positions within Adult Social Care Services, available in the Rhondda Fach (based in Ty Elai, Williamstown), Taff East, Cynon North and Cynon South (based in Cynon Principal Office, Aberdare) Care and Support Teams. This is an exciting opportunity for an individual who is enthusiastic in wishing to work with adults over the age of 18, who may have a physical disability, chronic illness, learning difficulty or mental health condition and whose needs are complex and need ongoing, active, Social Work involvement.

You will need to have good written and verbal communication skills, be organised, self‑motivated and able to prioritise completing job demands, as well as being creative and have a strong belief in empowering adults towards independence and balancing risk against an individual’s right to self‑determination.

You will be working in a challenging, yet supportive, team environment. We work to a preventative, strength‑based model under the principles of the Social Services and Wellbeing Act 2014. The work has an emphasis on multi‑agency working and you will work closely with colleagues from differing professions such as health, the police and housing.

You will be expected to understand and work within Safeguarding policies and the Mental Capacity Act 2005. An understanding of Continuing Health Care and Care and Treatment planning under the Mental Health Measure (Wales) 2010 would be helpful.

All our practitioners have the chance to influence the development of our work and are supported by a strong, experienced management team both at strategic and operational levels.

We recognise that social work is professionally and personally challenging and demands considerable levels of skill, commitment, and enthusiasm. We offer a dedicated in‑house Learning and Development Centre which actively supports practitioners at each level to maintain their skills and Continuous Professional Development.

Our Social Care Departments have benefitted from comprehensive and significant investment in recent years, and we have responded to this by strengthening preventative services which aims to add capacity to the front line.

You will benefit from an improved career pathway for Social Work professionals, and an employee reward package, which includes flexible working, Leisure for Life membership discount, and access to the Cycle to Work scheme.

Those starting a Social Work career will also be supported to attend our First Year in Practice peer support programme which aims to bridge the gap between qualifying and consolidating practice.

We expect our practitioners to have a sound understanding of the practice implications of the Social Services and Wellbeing Act and other relevant legislation, be up‑to‑date with emerging issues and have experience of or an interest in working within the relevant discipline. Committed to anti‑oppressive practice, successful candidates will bring strong assessment, communication and planning skills.

We will look to you to manage a defined caseload while building and maintaining links with partner agencies. You must possess a professional recognised Social Work qualification and be expected to be registered and maintain your registration as a \’Social Worker\’ with Social Care Wales on appointment.

Those shortlisted for interview will be asked to confirm if they are applying for a Social Worker (GR11) or Experienced Social Worker (GR12) post prior to interview. Those applying for an Experienced Social Worker position will need to be prepared to provide evidence at interview of their registration with Social Care Wales and 3 years of post‑qualifying experience.

Contact Information

For further information and informal discussion please contact the Team Practice & Performance Managers:

• Taff West – Paul Davies on 07825675841
• Taff Central – Georgia Evans on 07557006390
• Taff East – Cath Cumner on 07557006431

Benefits of Working for Rhondda Cynon Taf Council

• Flexible Working Arrangements (depending on the role)
• Excellent Career Development
• Excellent Pension Scheme with Employer Contributions
• Occupational Health support and advice
• Staff Rewards scheme
• Vivup Card for discounts on hundreds of products and services

Safeguarding and Disclosure

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 for this role will also be subject to an enhanced disclosure and barring service check.

EEO Statement

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 those with 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 Perthyn our LGBTQ+ Network.

An application submitted for this post in Welsh will not be treated less favourably than an application made in English.

Welsh Language Commitment

As part of the Council’s longer term objectives in relation to the Welsh language and its Workforce Planning Strategy, it is committed to a guaranteed interview scheme for Welsh‑speakers of Level 3 and above. If you meet the essential criteria as identified in the person specification for the job and are a Welsh‑speaker of Level 3 and above, you will be invited to interview if you choose to participate in the scheme.

Armed Forces Support

In support of the Council’s voluntary pledge to support the Armed Forces, the recruiter must always be prepared to ensure that applicants who have identified themselves as members of the Armed Forces including Service Leavers, Veterans or Reservists and who meet the essential criteria of the person specification, are offered an interview.