Principal Social Worker DCT in Wales

Rhondda Cynon Taf Council is pleased to offer a Principal Social Work position within the Disabled Children’s Service. The service is made up of four teams: Enablement Team, 0-11 Team, 11+ Team and Occupational Therapy Team.

The team supports children and families who have a permanent and substantial disability, taking them through the assessment process and providing targeted support through preventative services or care and support planning as appropriate. Identifying and managing any safeguarding risks and having responsibility for disabled children.

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 and the Let’s Connect technology purchase schemes.

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.

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 shopping discounts

All social workers within disabled children’s service are eligible to receive a £2,250 market supplement. This is regardless of length of post qualifying experience and will be reviewed in May 2027. This payment will be paid pro rate on a monthly basis.

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.

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. 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.

In view of the large number of Application Forms which are currently being submitted individual applications are not acknowledged. Consequently if you do not hear from us within four weeks of the closing date, please assume that your application is unsuccessful on this occasion. In which case you are thanked for the interest you have shown in applying for a position within the Council.

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.