Principal Social Worker

Description

Cornwall Council is seeking an experienced and confident Principal Social Worker to join our Child Protection Team based in Truro. This is a key leadership role within a frontline statutory service, supporting children and families across the Mid Cornwall area.
We are looking for a skilled practitioner with strong safeguarding experience, the ability to work dynamically in complex situations, and the leadership capability to support colleagues and deputise for management when required.

Responsibilities

As a Principal Social Worker, your duties will include:

• Carrying out Child in Need, Child Protection and Child in Care visits, completing assessments and evaluating parental capacity to safeguard children.
• Leading and chairing meetings including CIN meetings, Core Groups, Placement Planning Meetings, and, where appropriate, s.47 Strategy Discussions.
• Undertaking s.47 enquiries, completing child protection investigations, and contributing to PLO and Court Work.
• Conducting home visits and undertaking direct work with children aged 0–18.
• Managing duty responsibilities and responding to urgent safeguarding concerns.
• Providing professional support, guidance, and supervision to social workers within the team.
• Deputising for the Team Manager when required and contributing to the Area Management Team.

Requirements

We are seeking an experienced Social Worker with:

• A recognised Social Work qualification and Social Work England registration.
• Significant experience within frontline statutory children’s services, including Child Protection, CIN, and Court Work.
• Strong leadership capabilities, including supervising staff and supporting performance and practice development.
• Confidence in chairing meetings and supporting strategic decision-making across the service.

How to Apply

If you are interested in this opportunity, please call Chris Richardson on 01772 208964
or email your CV to Christopher.richardson@servicecare.org.uk.

If this role isn’t the right fit for you but you know someone who would be perfect, you can receive a £350 referral bonus for successful referrals.

The benefits of working with SCS include:

• A dedicated Social Work consultant and single point of contact
• £350 referral bonuses
• Access to a large range of exclusive Social Work roles across the UK
• Twice-weekly payroll
• PAYE and Ltd company payment options
• Up to £250 annual training budget and ongoing CPD
• Free, fast-track DBS
• Annual loyalty bonuses