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Location: Sawbridgeworth, Hertfordshire
Salary: £45,000 - £48,000
Hours: Full-time, 9-5 with flexibility (office-based with potential for 1 day from home)
Holiday: 28 days
We are seeking an experienced and proactive Principal Social Worker to join our growing team. Reporting to the Centre Manager, you will work within an expanding unit, taking on a vital role that requires confidence, independence, and strong team collaboration. This is an excellent opportunity for a skilled social worker with a solid background in child protection and court work.
Must-Haves
- Minimum 2 years experience in a similar role
- Team-oriented yet able to work independently
- Court experience is essential
- Previous experience as a resident social worker
- Assess the parenting capacity of families, providing guidance and supervision.
- Prepare reports and maintain accurate records.
- Attend court to give oral evidence as needed.
- Develop and lead parenting sessions within the centre.
- Supervise junior staff, including family support workers, student social workers, and contact workers; provide interim management support when required.
- Review and assess referrals from Local Authorities, solicitors, and other parties, completing viability assessments and marketing services to Local Authorities.
- Participate in pre-placement planning, LAC, disruption, and statutory review meetings for placed families; chair these meetings when required.
- Adhere to professional and ethical standards.
- Conduct regular staff reviews and supervisions in line with National Minimum Standards.
- Manage a caseload, completing reports within set timelines.
- Provide daily support to families and assist with centre maintenance and safety.
- Ensure effective data management for families in line with Data Protection laws.
- Stay informed on legislation relevant to residential family services (e.g., The Children Act, National Minimum Standards).
- Maintain confidentiality in all work aspects, following the Data Protection Act.
- Identify and implement improvements in service processes.
- Liaise with senior managers to address general enquiries.
- Generate reports and statistical data, meeting all timescales and deadlines.
- Prioritise workload effectively and meet deadlines.
- Attend training courses as directed by the line manager.
- Maintain effective communication with colleagues, external agencies, and professionals (e.g., Social Workers, Guardians, solicitors, Police, Education, Health).
- Support Directors in preparation for Ofsted inspections and fulfilling Commissioners requirements.
- Perform other relevant duties as required.
- Friendly, close-knit team
- Opportunities for professional development
- Flexible, family-friendly working environment
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