At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a dynamic Adult Social Care team, ensuring quality and strength-based practice.
- Company: Join the City of London Corporation, committed to diversity and community service.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, health support, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Be part of a supportive environment with excellent career growth potential.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while championing inclusive practices.
- Qualifications: Qualified Social Worker with 5 years experience, including management roles.
The predicted salary is between 62000 - 70050 £ per year.
You will be part of the leadership team for a small generic Adult Social Care team, maintaining a strong focus on quality, outcomes and strength‑based practice while working at pace. Working alongside a multidisciplinary team of Social Workers, Occupational Therapists and Strengths‑Based Practitioners, you will work closely with all practitioners to develop their skills whilst ensuring they are providing a coordinated, safe and effective service to residents.
Key responsibilities include:
- Providing professional leadership and representation of strength‑based social work practice across the City of London.
- Leading quality assurance processes, ensuring statutory responsibilities are met and influencing operational and strategic developments across the service.
- Ensuring the voice of Social Work is represented at all levels within the service and Social Work is championed throughout the Corporation.
- Driving continuous improvement and high‑quality practice.
- Working collaboratively with commissioning and health partners.
- Championing anti‑racist, anti‑oppressive and inclusive practice.
You will report to the Head of Service and play an active strategic leadership role across Adult Social Care and the wider Peoples Directorate.
About You
You'll be a qualified and registered Social Worker with 5 years post‑qualifying experience, including at least 2 years at a management or senior level.
Qualifications and Key Competencies
- Strong leadership and people‑management skills.
- Sound knowledge of adult social care legislation and statutory duties.
- Commitment to strengths‑based and person‑centred practice.
- Strength in leading and embedding a culture of learning, inclusion and equality.
- Confidence working across organisational boundaries.
- A reflective, resilient and compassionate leadership style.
- Openness to innovation and change.
What We Offer
- Regular supervision, appraisal and reflective practice.
- Enhanced learning and development offer.
- Employee Health and Wellbeing Hub.
- Flexible and hybrid working arrangements.
- Local Government Pension Scheme.
- Season ticket and bicycle loans.
- Payment of professional fees.
- Active staff diversity networks.
- Employee volunteering scheme.
- Sports & Activities Club and staff discounts.
Our Commitment to Diversity
We are committed to building a workforce that reflects the communities we serve. We welcome applications from candidates of all backgrounds, particularly those from Global Majority communities, LGBTQ+ applicants, disabled people and those with lived experience of social care.
Equal Opportunities
The City of London Corporation is committed to Equal Opportunities and welcomes applications from all sections of the community.
Disclosure Required
This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act and the successful applicant will be required to obtain an Enhanced Disclosure & Barring Service check.
Application Notes
Closing date: 23:59pm on 31 July 2026. Interviews will be held on 17 and 18 August 2026 (Provisionally).
Principal Social Worker - Adult Social Care employer: The City Of London
The City of London Corporation is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and inclusive work environment for its Principal Social Worker - Adult Social Care role. With a strong commitment to professional development, flexible hybrid working arrangements, and a focus on employee wellbeing, staff are empowered to thrive while making a meaningful impact in the community. The organisation champions diversity and inclusion, ensuring that all voices are heard and valued within its leadership team.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal Social Worker - Adult Social Care
✨Dive into Local Community Groups
Social work thrives on community connections, so get involved in local groups or forums specific to your interests. Whether it’s volunteering at local shelters or joining community action boards, these are great ways to boost your visibility and make direct contacts that could lead to opportunities like the one at The City Of London.
✨Attend Social Work Events and Workshops
Keep an eye out for workshops, seminars, or conferences in social work. These events are fantastic for meeting professionals in the field, learning about emerging trends, and spotting job openings. Plus, you might just bump into someone from The City Of London!
✨Showcase Your Passion and Expertise
Use platforms like Instagram or LinkedIn to share your journey and insights into the social work sector. Whether it’s writing about your experiences or sharing relevant articles, this helps to establish you as an engaged professional. Potential employers, like The City Of London, will notice your enthusiasm!
✨Leverage Your Network
Don’t hesitate to reach out to professors, mentors, or even past colleagues who are in social work. They might have inside knowledge about openings at The City Of London or be able to connect you with someone who’s hiring. Networking is key, especially in a full-time role where relationships matter.
We think you need these skills to ace Principal Social Worker - Adult Social Care
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Social Work:In your cover letter, let us see your passion for social work shine through! Talk about the experiences that made you want to pursue this career—whether it’s volunteering, personal experiences, or academic projects. We want to know why this field matters to you.
Emphasise Relevant Qualifications:Make sure your CV highlights any relevant qualifications, like degrees in social work or certifications like a DBS check. If you've done any workshops or training, don’t forget to include those as well. We're keen to see your commitment to your professional development!
Detail Your Experience with Clients:Since this is a hands-on field, detailing any direct experience you have with clients is crucial. Whether it's internships, volunteer roles, or previous jobs, highlight those experiences in your CV to show us you've got the practical skills necessary for the job!
Tailor Your Application to The City Of London:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to The City Of London! Research our mission and values, and refer to them in your cover letter. This shows us that you understand our work and are genuinely interested in being a part of our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at The City Of London
✨Understanding the Role of Empathy
In social work, understanding and demonstrating empathy is key. Be prepared to share personal experiences or scenarios where you effectively showed compassion and support. This helps show that you genuinely care about the well-being of others, which is crucial in social work.
✨Demonstrating Knowledge of Frameworks
Familiarise yourself with the frameworks and models used in social work, such as the Strengths-Based Approach or the Ecological Perspective. Be ready to discuss how these frameworks apply to your work, especially if you can tie them into real-world examples or case studies you've encountered.
✨Showcasing Your Multi-Disciplinary Skills
In a full-time social work role, you'll often collaborate with healthcare professionals, educators, and law enforcement. Be prepared to describe your teamwork experiences and how you've effectively communicated with other disciplines to achieve the best outcomes for clients.
✨Preparing for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that put you in hypothetical social work situations, such as dealing with a crisis or managing a complex case. Think through your thought process for these scenarios beforehand, considering how you'd assess the situation and what steps you'd take, as this demonstrates your critical thinking and problem-solving abilities.
