Principal Social Worker; Court

Cardiff Council's People & Communities Directorate is committed to delivering high‑quality, child‑centred social care services that promote safety, stability and positive outcomes. Their Locality Teams work collaboratively to ensure children and families receive timely, evidence‑based support with a strong emphasis on reflective practice, professional development and multi‑agency partnership.

Cardiff Council is seeking an experienced Principal Social Worker to undertake a dual‑focused role combining specialist court work with supervisory responsibilities. You will manage a small, complex caseload while providing oversight, guidance and support to a pod of Social Work Assistants and less experienced social work staff.

This role requires a practitioner with strong analytical skills, excellent written work, and the ability to deliver high‑quality assessments and recommendations within care proceedings. You will work closely with children and families to support decision‑making around reunification, permanence and safety planning.

Alongside casework, you will contribute to the development of a supportive, positive team culture, ensuring high standards of practice through supervision, quality assurance and collaborative working.

• Hold a small caseload of children subject to care proceedings, typically 10‑11 children across 4‑5 families.
• Lead on all aspects of case management including statutory visits, care planning, reviews and court work.
• Complete high‑quality assessments using the DOH Framework and informed by the NSPCC Reunification Framework.
• Analyse risk, protective factors and capacity for sustained change within the child’s timescales.
• Work directly with children and families to support safe decision‑making around remaining or returning home.
• Draw on multi‑agency information and informal support networks to inform assessments and planning.
• Supervise Social Work Assistants and less experienced staff, providing monthly supervision and practice oversight.
• Chair strategy meetings, attend joint visits and ensure robust quality assurance of care plans and written work.
• Attend relevant meetings including Child Looked‑After Reviews.
• Take temporary allocation of cases where risks elevate for children allocated to your supervises, until safe to step down.

• Qualified Social Worker with current HCPC registration.
• Significant experience working with children and families subject to care proceedings.
• Strong understanding of trauma‑informed practice and its impact on parenting capacity and child development.
• Skilled in producing high‑quality, evidence‑based assessments and court reports.
• Experience using the DOH Framework of Assessment and knowledge of the NSPCC Reunification Framework.
• Ability to engage parents with differing learning styles and overcome barriers to participation.
• Confident in supervising and supporting staff within a strengths‑based, reflective environment.
• Excellent communication, analytical and organisational skills.