Principal Social Worker

Hoop Social Work; Wales; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A dedicated recruitment agency in Wales is seeking an experienced Principal Social Worker to join the locality team focusing on court work and staff supervision. The ideal candidate will manage a small, complex caseload and supervise other social workers. The role is predominantly supervisory, extending support to the team while maintaining high standards and quality assurance in assessments. Applicants should hold a relevant social work qualification and be registered with Social Care Wales.

Benefits

Free training sessions

Twice weekly payroll

Dedicated point of contact

Qualifications

• Substantial experience working within care proceedings.
• Enhanced DBS registered on the update service.
• Driving license with access to a car.

Responsibilities

• Hold a small, complex caseload with case management responsibilities.
• Supervise Social Work Assistants and less experienced social workers.
• Complete high-quality, evidence-based assessments.

Skills

Analytical skills

Trauma-informed practice

Engagement with parents

Education

Relevant Social Work Qualification

Job description

Principal Social Worker - Court Work

Pay rate in line with the All Wales Pledge - £41.58 Umbrella / £33 PAYE

City of Cardiff Council

Cardiff Council is seeking an experienced Principal Social Worker to join one of our Locality Teams, with a primary focus on Court Work and staff supervision.

You will hold a small, complex caseload (approximately 10–11 children across 4–5 families) subject to care proceedings and be responsible for all aspects of case management, including statutory visiting, care planning, reviews, and court work. You will complete high-quality, evidence-based assessments to support decision‑making around children remaining at home or returning to parental care, with a strong understanding of risk, protective factors, trauma, and children’s timescales.

You will have substantial experience working within care proceedings, using the DOH Framework for Assessment and applying the principles of the NSPCC Reunification Framework. You will demonstrate excellent analytical skills, an understanding of trauma‑informed practice, and the ability to engage parents with varied learning styles, drawing on multi‑agency input and informal support networks.

This role is predominantly supervisory. You will supervise a pod of Social Work Assistants and less experienced social workers, providing monthly supervision, quality assurance of care plans and assessments, chairing strategy meetings, attending joint visits, and contributing to key forums such as Child Looked After Reviews. You will play a key role in fostering a supportive and positive team culture.

While largely non‑case‑holding, you will step in to take allocation where risks escalates, retaining cases until risks reduce and can be safely reallocated.

You will be supported by a Team Manager and Operational Manager and work within a well‑resourced team including social workers, social work assistants, and dedicated administrative support.

Benefits of working for Hoop:

• 20 years’ experience of the Social Work market
• Your local agency based in Cardiff
• Welsh‑speaking consultant available should you wish to converse in Welsh throughout your job search 🏴
• PAYE and Umbrella payroll options available – you choose!
• Dedicated point of contact (support team to cover whilst on leave)
• Twice weekly payroll
• Actively supplying every Local Authority in South/West Wales and South West England
• Provides free training sessions (Contributes CPD)
• Refer a friend scheme available
• Birthday gifts 🎂
• Wellbeing sessions

To apply for this role, you will need to hold -

• A relevant Social Work Qualification
• Registration with Social Care Wales
• Enhanced DBS registered on the update service or be happy to apply for a DBS
• 3 Years of referencing
• Driving license with access to a car

Given the nature of the role, only applications from individuals with a social work qualification and registration with either professional body - Social Care Wales / Social Work England can be considered. Please only apply if you meet this criteria.

Please contact Kate Bowen at Hoop Recruitment on 02922 400519 if you want to find out more.