PRINCIPAL SOCIAL WORKER - Intake & Assessment

Cyngor Caerdydd/Cardiff Council; Cardiff; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 55,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Annual leave 28–33 days

Flexi working

Hybrid working

Job summary

Cardiff Council is seeking a Principal Social Worker for the Intake and Assessment Team to lead, influence and support high-quality practice in a fast-paced environment. You will champion strength-based and trauma-informed methods, ensuring the child’s voice informs all decisions, while guiding staff development and maintaining a complex caseload.

The role supports hybrid working arrangements and aligns with Cardiff’s vision as a Child Friendly City, offering career growth and meaningful impact

Qualifications

• Experience leading a social work team in child welfare settings.
• Commitment to strength-based and trauma-informed practice.
• Ability to supervise, mentor and develop staff skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead and influence high-quality practice in intake and assessment for children and families.
• Shape assessments, planning and intervention with the child's voice at the centre.
• Promote strength-based, trauma-informed approaches and professional development.
• Maintain a protected caseload of complex cases while modelling best practice.

Skills

Leadership

Trauma-informed practice

Team supervision

Protected caseload management

Education

Social Work qualification

Social Care Wales registration

Job description

Cardiff is one of the fastest growing and most dynamic cities in the UK and the first city in the UK to be declared as a UNICEF Child Friendly City - one that places the rights, voice and well-being of children and young people at the heart of all policies, strategies, and service delivery.

At the core of our approach is the belief that children achieve the best outcomes when they are supported to thrive within their own families. This principle underpins our ‘Think Family’ model, which promotes a holistic, whole family approach to support. By coordinating services across public and partner agencies, we aim to deliver tailored, strength-based interventions that reflect each family’s unique circumstances and aspirations.

Cardiff Children’s services is proud to be at the forefront of innovation and best practice across Wales. We are committed to continuous improvement, service excellence, and workforce development, and we are seeking passionate and skilled practitioners to help us drive this ambitious agenda.

If you are motivated to contribute to Cardiff’s journey in becoming a leading child-centred city - where children are not only protected but empowered to thrive - we would be delighted to hear from you.

About the job

We are seeking to appoint a Principal Social Worker to join our Intake and Assessment Team - an exciting opportunity for an experienced and motivated practitioner to lead, influence, and support high-quality practice in a fast-paced and rewarding environment.

In this pivotal role, you will work closely with the Team Manager to champion strength-based and trauma-informed practice. You will play a key role in shaping the team’s approach to assessments, planning and intervention, ensuring that the child’s voice is central to all decision making.

The successful candidate will provide leadership and guidance to the team, supporting professional development and reflective practice, while maintaining a protected caseload of complex cases. This balance of leadership and direct practice ensure you remain connected to practice, modelling best practice and driving continuous improvement across the service.

Cardiff is frequently found at the top of lists of best cities in the UK to live in so come join us and see what we can offer.

• A generous annual leave entitlement starting at 28 days per year to a maximum of 33 days per year after 5 years, with the option to purchase additional annual leave to a maximum of 10 days.
• Our working culture is flexible, with a flexi scheme allowing you to work to a schedule that suits you
• Hybrid working - supporting you to flexibly deliver your role whether on visits, from an office or your home

This is just some of what Cardiff has to offer, take a look at our Social Work website for more information about all our benefits and hear from some of our social workers, talking about why Cardiff is the place to be.

We are seeking a confident and experienced practitioner who can provide effective supervision and support to staff. While working collaboratively with partner agencies to shape and develop high quality services for children and young people. You will play a key role in promoting a strength-based, trauma-informed practice and contributing to Cardiff’s vision as a Child Friendly City.

Additional information

Please refer to job description and person specification when applying for the above posts.

With effect from 1st April 2026 this role attracts a market supplement of £5,000 (full time equivalent).

This payment is reviewed on a 12 monthly basis.

This post has a requirement for registration with Social Care Wales.

This post is subject to a Disclosure and Barring Service Enhanced check.

Safeguarding and Child Protection are key priorities for the Council. We aim to support children and vulnerable adults to ensure they are as safe as they can possibly be. Our services and schools are committed to ensuring the safety and protection of all children and vulnerable adults, and will take action to safeguard their well-being, and acknowledge that children and vulnerable adults have a right to protection. This is supported in the general ethos of the Council and all schools.

This vacancy is suitable for post share.

We welcome applications in both English and Welsh. Applications received in Welsh will not be treated less favourably than English applications.

We understand you might use AI and other resources for your application; however, please ensure all information you provide is factually accurate, truthful, original and does not include ideas or work that is not your own.

Please note the Council does not accept CVs. When completing the supporting information section of your application, please ensure you refer to the below located on our website :

Important information you need read in order to complete your application:-

Job Category Social Services - Childrens

Working Pattern/Contract Type Full Time Permanent