Principal Social Worker
Location:
Multiple locations nationwide
Job Type:
Full-time
Salary:
Senior public sector scale
I’m currently partnering with a national Child and Family Agency to recruit an experienced Principal Social Worker to join their leadership team.
This is a key senior appointment, offering the opportunity to lead and shape the delivery of frontline social work services within a defined functional area, supporting children, young people, and families across the community.
About the Role
As Principal Social Worker, you will provide clinical, professional, and operational leadership to social work teams, ensuring the delivery of high-quality, safe, and effective services.
You will play a central role in service planning, performance management, and driving best practice, while also supporting and developing staff within a multidisciplinary environment.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead and oversee the delivery of social work services within your area
- Provide clinical and professional leadership to social work teams
- Support, supervise, and develop staff, ensuring high standards of practice
- Contribute to service planning, development, and continuous improvement
- Ensure compliance with legislation, policy, and national standards
- Work closely with senior stakeholders to support integrated service delivery
- Monitor service performance, resources, and budget allocation
- Represent the service at senior meetings, case conferences, and relevant forums
What We’re Looking For
- Qualified Social Worker with CORU registration
- Minimum of 5 years post-qualification experience
- Strong leadership and management experience within social work services
- Proven ability to manage teams, caseloads, and service delivery
- In-depth knowledge of child protection, welfare, and family support services
- Excellent communication, decision-making, and stakeholder management skills
Why This Role?
- Senior leadership position within a national Child and Family Agency
- Opportunity to influence and shape service delivery at a strategic level
- Strong focus on professional standards, governance, and quality improvement
- Work within a well-structured organisation with clear reporting lines
- Meaningful impact on services supporting children and families
Additional Information
- This role will require travel; access to transport is necessary
- The organisation is undergoing ongoing service development and reform, offering exposure to large-scale change and innovation
If you’re an experienced Social Work leader looking to step into a Principal-level role within a Child and Family Agency setting, I’d be happy to have a confidential chat.
