Principal Social Worker

This is a 3 month contract as the Principal Social Worker to improve strength based practice across Bexley Adult Social Care following feedback from an LGA peer review and building on the work with the public sector consultancy firm Impower in relation to this.

It should be noted that a key aspect of the contract is to co-produce a new practice framework for strength based practice with staff and people with lived experience which builds upon our Adult Social Care Vision.

As the Principal Social Worker consultant, you will lead Adult Social Care in ensuring there is good quality practice and continued professional development with strength based practice and self-directed support being at the centre of social work delivery.

You will provide assurance to the Adult Social Care leadership team and as required the Corporate Leadership team and the members in relation to practice and meeting our statutory duties.

You will lead social work professional development and embed good practice across the department, ensuring strength based practice and self-directed support are integral to practice.

You will lead our CQC preparedness with staff and support staff to feel involved and invested in this preparation.

You will support the senior leadership team to prepare for a CQC inspection and lead on key actions in relation to this work.

You will have extensive experience of leading and embedding change, preferably as a Principal Social Worker.

Working hours: 9am to 5pm (36 hours per week)

Start Date: 30/09/2024

Requirements:

Essential

1. SW Degree or equivalent
2. Current registration with Social Work England
3. Significant post qualification experience in statutory Adults Social Care service preferably as a Principal Social Worker.
4. Experience of leading and embedding change and transformation across the whole Adult Social Care workforce.
5. Supervision experience
6. Experience of working with complex families/complex case management
7. Experience of working in a multi-agency environment
8. Experience of working and reporting within a court environment
9. Evidence of the ability to write a range of reports in a clear and concise manner that includes detailed analysis of any evidence
10. Evidence of an ability to work collaboratively with key partners in safeguarding
11. Ability to plan and organise own time, create work schedules, prioritise and set schedules for self and others.
12. Ability to apply solution focused approaches to problem solving and make decisions of a highly complex nature with consideration of associated risk.
13. Ability to research, write, cascade and incorporate new guidance and procedure into work quickly and effectively and use to inform professional decision making.
14. Ability to provide guidance on decision making and encourage critical reflection on practice