Principal Social Worker - Fostering (£41.58ph)

Location:  Cardiff CF10

Contract: Ongoing  

Rate: £ 41.58

Start: ASAP  

About the Role: 

We are seeking an experienced and motivated Principal Social Worker to lead our Children & Families (C&F) Fostering Team. This is a key leadership role responsible for ensuring high-quality fostering services, supporting foster carers, and driving positive outcomes for children in care. The successful candidate will provide operational and strategic leadership within fostering services while maintaining a strong focus on safeguarding and placement stability. 

Key Responsibilities: 

- Lead, manage, and develop a team of social workers within the fostering service. 

- Oversee recruitment, assessment, and approval of foster carers in line with regulations. 

- Ensure effective supervision and support for staff and foster carers. 

- Monitor and improve placement stability and outcomes for children in care. 

- Ensure compliance with fostering regulations, national minimum standards, and safeguarding frameworks. 

- Work collaboratively with multi-agency partners including health, education, and legal services. 

- Drive service improvements, audits, and quality assurance processes. 

- Manage performance, resources, and service delivery targets within the team. 

Requirements: 

- Qualified Social Worker with recognised Social Work qualification. 

- Registered with Social Work England. 

- Significant experience within fostering or children’s services. 

- Proven leadership or management experience in social work settings. 

- Strong knowledge of fostering legislation, safeguarding, and child protection. 

- Excellent leadership, organisational, and decision-making skills. 

Desirable: 

- Management qualification or leadership training. 

- Experience in driving Ofsted-rated improvements.