Principal Social Worker (Adult Social Care)

Southwark Council; London; On-site; GBP 57,000 - 72,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading local authority in London seeks a Principal Social Worker to lead adult social care initiatives. This role involves overseeing safeguarding, promoting high-quality practice, and ensuring compliance with legislation. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in social care, strong leadership skills, and a commitment to person-centred care. Join us in making a significant impact in the community.

Qualifications

• Extensive experience in adult social care across diverse service areas.
• Registered with Social Work England.

Responsibilities

• Lead excellence in practice assurance and safeguarding initiatives.
• Oversee governance arrangements for adult safeguarding.
• Champion high-quality, evidence-based practice.

Skills

Leadership

Mentoring

Problem-Solving

Collaboration

Strategic Thinking

Education

Recognised Social Work Qualification

Job description

Are you ready to lead, influence, and inspire real change in Adult Social Care?

If yes, we have an exciting opportunity for you!

A rare and highly rewarding position has become available for a Principal Social Worker at Southwark Council. This is your chance to lead excellence in practice assurance, guide safeguarding and DoLS initiatives, and influence national conversations in social work. If you're ready to make a lasting impact in Southwark, we’d love to hear from you!

About the Role:

As the Principal Social Worker, you will play a key strategic role within Southwark’s Adult Social Care division. Working at the heart of the Service Development Team, you will oversee governance arrangements related to adult safeguarding, ensuring that vulnerable adults are protected from harm and abuse.

You will also serve as the council’s Principal Social Worker for Adults, championing high-quality, evidence-based practice and leading on quality assurance processes. Your leadership will be vital in ensuring compliance with statutory duties, particularly regarding safeguarding, DoLS, and broader social care legislation. As part of the senior management team, you’ll ensure that the voice of frontline practitioners informs decision-making, innovation, and continuous improvement throughout the division.

About You:

We are looking for an inspirational leader with extensive experience in adult social care, especially across diverse service areas. You should bring:

• Expertise in Practice and Safeguarding/DoLS: A strong track record in these key areas is essential.
• Mentoring and Guidance Skills: The ability to support and develop practitioners, particularly through the apprentice/ASYE programme.
• Proven Leadership: The experience to manage teams effectively, drive performance, and cultivate a culture of continuous improvement.
• Strategic Thinking: A solid understanding of the challenges facing local government and the ability to navigate them.
• Collaborative Approach: Skilled in building and maintaining strong relationships with key stakeholders to enhance service delivery.
• Commitment to Person-Centred Care: Ensuring services empower individuals and promote independence.
• Innovative Problem-Solving: A creative, data-driven approach to improving service outcomes.

About the Service:

Southwark’s Adult Social Care division is dedicated to supporting residents in leading independent and fulfilling lives. We focus on:

• Strengths-based, personalised care in alignment with the Care Act 2014
• Strong leadership in safeguarding and quality assurance, with oversight of the Safeguarding and DoLS team
• Collaborative work with internal and external partners to enhance outcomes for residents
• Driving service innovation through proactive leadership and continuous improvement

For detailed qualifications and requirements, please refer to the job description and person specification at the bottom of the advert.

• A recognised social work qualification is required.
• Must be registered with Social Work England.
• Working hours: 36 hours per week, Monday to Friday.
• Advert close date: 11:59pm on Tuesday 27th May 2025
• Interview date(s): Thursday 5th June 2025

The closing date is given as a guide. We reserve the right to close this vacancy once a sufficient number of applications have been received. We strongly advise you to complete your application as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.

We are an organization passionate about our people and committed to diversity to provide the best services to our communities. This is demonstrated through our council-wide initiative, Southwark Stands Together, aimed at tackling racial inequality in our communities and workforce. We particularly welcome applications from members of the Black, Asian, and ethnic minority communities to increase representation at senior management levels.

As part of our inclusion efforts, we offer guaranteed interviews for specific groups, including:

• Members of the Armed Forces and veterans
• Individuals currently in care or who have previously been in care
• Persons who consider themselves disabled or have a long-term health condition

About Southwark:

We are the largest local authority social landlord in London, managing 55,000 homes, housing 40% of Southwark’s residents. We support over 18,300 businesses, including iconic London venues and social enterprises, within a young, diverse, and growing population.

We are committed to making our borough just and fair, actively tackling inequalities. Our residents and communities are our greatest asset, and our passion for Southwark is shared by many Londoners who enjoy our cultural offerings, healthcare, and education. Our borough plan and Southwark Stands Together initiative underpin all we do.

Salary Range (full-time equivalent): £57,678 - £71,742