Deputy Principal Social Worker

Objective of role

Are you an outstanding social work leader with significant experience and knowledge of current social work practice?

We are looking for an exceptional Deputy Principal Social Worker with drive and enthusiasm who will champion and innovate the social work profession within the councils to ensure high quality outcomes for our residents.

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

This role reports to the Principal Social Worker & Assistant Director of Professional Standards.

About the role

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.

Communication You will be a passionate and skilled communicator with the ability to work alongside Social Workers and other colleagues at all levels, including senior managers, service user groups and community partners

Quality Assurance You will haveexpert knowledge on safeguarding, key legal adult social care frameworks and the proven ability to operate at the strategic level of the Professional Capabilities Framework

ExperienceYou will have experience of effective partnershipworking with demonstrable achievements and a proven track record of influence, innovation and negotiation.

Service Development You will be responsible for ensuringthat the highest standard of social work practice is embedded across the councils, providing skilled and experienced leadership and practice knowledge to social workers and social care practitioners

Professional Development You will be committed to personal learning and professional growth taking responsibility to grow your own professional knowledge and skills, as well asinvesting in frontline staff by championing social worker career progressionand fostering a culture of continuous learning

Essential Qualifications, Skills and Experience

You will:

• Have a social work qualification with Social Work England membership.
• Have extensive post qualifying experience
• Have strong leadership skills with arecognised management qualification or a commitment to undertaking management training.
• Be committed to maintaining and improving the quality of services provided
• Show initiative in identifying areas of practice improvement

Closing Date: 24 November 2024

Shortlisting Date: w/c 25 November 2024

Interview Date: w/c 2 December 2024

Richmond & Wandsworth Better Service Partnership 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. If you require any reasonable adjustments throughout the recruitment and selection process, please let us know.

We are also committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people/vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.Some posts may be exempted under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and as such appointment to these posts will be conditional upon the receipt of a satisfactory response to a check of police records via Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS).

We offer a wide range of benefits designed to attract, develop, and reward our employees such as 40 days annual leave (including Bank Holidays), flexible working and a generous pension plan.