Principal Social Worker (Children's)

Social Work in Cornwall

Make a difference - Children's Social Work in Cornwall

"Senior leaders and politicians are relentless in their drive to continue to improve the lives of Cornwall's children and families"

Staff's care, commitment and child focussed approach shine through when they talk about their work. This positive working environment helps to foster a culture in which an enthusiasm and commitment to do the best for children is found at all levels in the organisation."

Ofsted, July 2024

The Service & Team:

Social workers make a real difference to the lives of children in Cornwall. We believe that the children of Cornwall deserve the very best. We put their needs at the heart of everything we do, and we are looking for people who share our determination to improve their lives and make a brighter future. If you believe in humane, relationship-based social work with children and families we offer the opportunity to develop your social work career in an innovative and ambitious children's service in one of the most beautiful parts of the country.

As part of our commitment to outstanding practice, we have put in place a comprehensive core curriculum and career and qualification pathway for our social workers to develop their knowledge and skills to deliver the most effective social work intervention with children and families. If you are committed to continuing professional development, can demonstrate learning in your practice and in improved outcomes for the children you help and protect, we will provide you with the career options and remuneration that match your expertise.

We actively encourage the best practitioners to remain in front line practice and reward them for their commitment and expertise. The Principal Social Worker role is one of two Advanced Practitioner roles in Cornwall, aligned to the Professional Capabilities Framework, and the Knowledge and Skills Statement for Practice Supervisors. Principal Social Workers are directly involved in practice, holding a small caseload, supervising practitioners, facilitating team-based learning and deputising for the Team Manager.

The Role:

We have exciting opportunities for full time Principal Social Workers available across the County.

This is a public/customer-facing role, where the statutory English language requirement for public sector workers applies.

This position will be subject to an enhanced criminal record disclosure check.

'Find out more about our social work careers here - Work in Adults or Children's Social Care - Cornwall Council .

Working Pattern:

37 hours. Monday - Friday

What you'll need to succeed:

The Principal Social Workers role requires significant experience of evidence-based practice with children and families and significant expertise in evidence-based practice. For these reasons, the salary scale for our Advanced Practitioners is the same as for our Team Managers.

Please note: If you have qualified as a Social Worker within the last 2 years, but not completed your Assessed and Supported Year of Employment (ASYE) we would welcome your application as a Newly Qualified Social Worker (NQSW) in order to access Cornwall's ASYE programme which runs twice yearly. You would need to apply for our NQSW adverts which are advertised separately. We are also able to consider experienced social workers who have taken a career break of between two and ten years, where their SWE registration has expired. For this route, please contact