Principal Social Worker & Academy Lead

Wokingham Borough Council; Wokingham; On-site; GBP 73,000 - 81,000; Full time

Job summary

A local authority in the UK is seeking a Principal Social Worker & Social Work Academy Lead to provide strategic leadership. This role involves managing the Social Work Academy, developing training programs, and advocating for best practice across Children’s Services. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in social work leadership and a commitment to improving outcomes for children and families. Competitive salary range of £73,452 - £80,878, plus market supplement and generous leave benefits.

Benefits

Basic annual leave of 31 days, rising to 36 days

On-site Gym access

Enhanced Local Government Pension Scheme

Access to EAP (Employee Assistance Programme)

Qualifications

• Proven experience in a leadership role within social work.
• Strong understanding of social work practice models.
• Experience in managing multi-disciplinary teams.

Responsibilities

• Lead the Social Work Academy and ensure high standards.
• Develop programs to train newly qualified social workers.
• Advocate for social work practice at local and national levels.
• Implement systemic relational practice effectively.
• Oversee training ensuring workforce skills for child safeguarding.
• Contribute to quality assurance and service planning.

Skills

Leadership

Performance management

Training development

Child safeguarding

Education

Degree in Social Work or relevant qualification

Job description

A local authority in the UK is seeking a Principal Social Worker & Social Work Academy Lead to provide strategic leadership. This role involves managing the Social Work Academy, developing training programs, and advocating for best practice across Children’s Services. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in social work leadership and a commitment to improving outcomes for children and families. Competitive salary range of £73,452 - £80,878, plus market supplement and generous leave benefits.