Principal Social Worker (Grade 9)

Who You Are

You are an experienced Principal Social Worker specializing in court work and have a strong background in managing care proceedings related to children and their families. You have a solid understanding of statutory requirements and court processes and can easily engage with families to make informed decisions about childcare. Your ability to analyze situations critically allows you to produce high-quality, evidence-based recommendations.

What the Job Involves

This role involves holding a caseload of 10/11 children (4/5 families) undergoing care proceedings. You will manage all aspects of casework, including statutory visits, care planning, and court processes. You will also work with families to assess and make decisions about children remaining or returning home, considering current risks and protective factors. Additionally, you will supervise a team of social work assistants and less experienced social work staff, providing oversight and support. Key responsibilities include conducting monthly supervisions, chairing meetings, and ensuring quality assurance of care plans. You will also take on case allocations when necessary to ensure the safety of the children involved.

Skills

• Experience with care proceedings and family engagement
• Knowledge of DOH Framework and NSPCC Reunification
• Understanding of trauma's impact on parenting and child needs
• Ability to overcome engagement barriers and tailor assessments
• Strong analytical and evidence-based recommendation skills
• Supervisory experience of social work staff
• Capability to conduct quality assurance and oversight