Principal Social Worker

About Camden

Camden is changing on the inside to make life better for everyone. Our residents and communities are at the heart of everything we do. We’re home to the most important conversations happening today and we’re making radical social change a reality, so that nobody gets left behind. Here’s where you can help decide a better future for us all.

What You’ll Be Doing / How You’ll Be Involved

We have an exciting leadership opportunity for a Principal Social Worker to join our thriving and dynamic Relational Practice Directorate. We are looking for someone with drive, enthusiasm who is committed to children, young people, and their families. This Principal Social Worker is a critical leadership role, to drive excellence in practice, professional development, and organisational learning across a range of services, including Early Help, Family Hubs, Education, Social Work, Camden Safeguarding Children’s Partnership, SEND and the Youth Justice Service.

You will be responsible for leading the Children and Learning Academy, our workforce strategy, and our Camden Safeguarding Children’s Partnership. You will be an experienced senior leader, versed in supporting practice and learning within Children’s Services.

We have launched a new Relational Practice framework rooted in systemic approaches, with a strong commitment to anti-racist practice, and working with communities. You will be versed in working with partnerships, communities and participatory practices. We are committed to delivering services through an anti-racist approach that advances social justice in the borough.

You will be reporting to Nana Bonsu, Director of Relational Practice. If you wish to have an informal chat about the role, please contact Nana (nana.bonsu@Camden.gov.uk)

This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act and will require an Enhanced DBS. Please note Camden also offers the DBS update service.

All About You

To be considered for this fantastic opportunity it is essential the successful candidate is a fully qualified and accredited Social Worker with current Social Work England (SWE) registration. We are looking for an experienced leader with demonstrable experience leading, innovating and motivating within statutory children’s services.

As our new Principal Social Worker, you will be a passionate and visionary leader with a deep commitment to driving excellence in practice and professional development. You will be able to engage with colleagues across Camden, ensuring advocacy and creating the conditions for practice to thrive. You will play a pivotal role in supporting our new Centre for Relational Practice, ensuring that our services are innovative, effective, and aligned with the needs of our community.

What We Offer

At Camden, you’ll receive a host of benefits including:

• 27 days annual leave for new starters, rising to 31 days after 5 years
• Local Government Pension Scheme
• Flexible working opportunities
• Interest free loans
• Access to our incredible staff networks
• Career development and training
• Wellbeing support and activities

Inclusion and Diversity

We want Camden Council to be a great place to work and to ensure that our communities are represented across our workforce. A vital part of this is ensuring we are a truly inclusive organisation that encourages diversity in all respects, including diversity of thinking. We particularly welcome applications from Black, Asian and those of Other Ethnicities, LGBT+, disabled and neurodiverse communities to make a real difference to our residents so that equalities and justice remains at the heart of everything we do.

To discover more about Camden and our commitment towards diversity, equality and safeguarding, please visit https://www.camdenjobs.co.uk/inclusion-and-diversity

Anonymised Application – in keeping with Camden’s commitment to inclusion the recruitment to this role is anonymised and supports the objective of reducing the impact of unconscious bias.

Closing Date: Friday 11th April at 17:00 2025.

Interview: Wednesday 23rd April 2025.

To apply, please visit our website via the button below.