The Role

An exciting opportunity has arisen in Richmond and Wandsworth Adult Social Services and Public Health for a Principal Social Worker.

We are looking for an exceptional candidate with drive, enthusiasm and both significant experience and knowledge of current social work practice who will champion and innovate the social work profession within the councils.

The right candidate will demonstrate advanced and natural leadership skills with an ability to nurture an environment of learning and reflection.

You will have oversight of The Richmond and Wandsworth Adult Social Care Academy and pathways into the profession, including the AYSE programme, student placements and apprenticeship routes as well as lead in the continued professional development of the wider workforce.

The successful candidate will be a passionate and skilled communicator with ability to work alongside operational Social Workers and other colleagues at all levels, including senior managers, service user groups and community partners. Experience of effective partnership working with demonstrable achievements is essential with a proven track record of influence, innovation and negotiation.

Expert knowledge on safeguarding, key legal adult social care frameworks and the proven ability to operate at the strategic level of the Professional Capabilities Framework are critical attributes for this role.

This is an important time for both Richmond and Wandsworth councils, bringing the opportunity to be directly involved in our transformation programme, driving our practice to develop enhanced strength based practices.

In return, we can offer you good renumeration, flexible working arrangements supporting a work-life balance, and a generous holiday allowance of 31 days plus bank holidays. 

In addition, we offer a range of staff benefits such as membership of the Local Government contributory pension scheme, childcare vouchers, new technology scheme, interest-free loans on annual travel cards, discounts at many leisure activities, restaurants, shops and other establishments. A wide range of developmental opportunities is also offered.

Indicative Recruitment Timeline

Closing Date:  13 October 2019

Shortlisting Date: 21 October 2019

Interview Date: 31 October 2019

Useful Information:

Please note that these dates are only indicative at this stage and could be subject to change.

The closing date is given as a guide. We reserve the right to close this vacancy once a sufficient number of applications has been received. Therefore, it is strongly advised that you complete and return your application as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.

Richmond and Wandsworth Councils are committed to making our recruitment practices as inclusive as possible for everyone. We are committed to promoting equality and diversity and developing a culture that values differences, recognising that employees from a variety of backgrounds bring important and positive contributions to the Councils and can improve the way we deliver services. We are proud to be a Disability Confident employer.

Important Information:

This post is exempted under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and as such appointment to this post will be conditional upon the receipt of a satisfactory response to a check of police records via Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS). The Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) helps employers make safer recruitment decisions and prevent unsuitable people from working with vulnerable groups, including children. It replaces the Criminal Records Bureau (CRB) and Independent Safeguarding Authority (ISA).

Richmond and Wandsworth Councils