About Us

North Somerset Council is dedicated to providing high-quality services to our community. We are committed to creating a fair, green, and more inclusive environment for all our residents. Join us and contribute to making a positive impact on our community.

North Somerset is renowned for its wonderful natural assets, including part of the Mendip Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, sites of Special Scientific Interest and 25 miles of beautiful coastline. We are in a great location, strategically positioned close to Bristol, Bath and the M4 corridor for fast regional connectivity. We are also well connected nationally and internationally, with quick links to London Paddington, South Wales, the Midlands and the South West via Bristol Airport, the port, the M5 motorway and direct trains.

The Role

North Somerset Council is on an exciting journey of further transformation and improvement in its Children’s Services. We are looking for a passionate, creative practice leader to join our Senior Leadership Team in the pivotal role of Principle Social Worker.

You will be well supported by a friendly and experienced permanent senior team and working within a culture that is restorative and ambitious. You will have the following key responsibilities:

Key Responsibilities:

1. Lead on the development and maintenance of excellent social work practice and practice standards across the service, ensuring that we continue to drive practice forward, to deliver an outstanding service for children, young people and their families.
2. Act as the Designated Social Care Officer lead in framing and developing social care elements of the SEND strategy across the local authority, in compliance with legislative requirements of the SEND Code of Practice (2015).
3. Act as the strategic lead for consultation, workforce planning, ensuring that we recruit, retain and develop a competent workforce that flourishes in a learning culture.
4. Provide expert advice to support operational delivery and strategic planning.
5. Play a key role in working with our partners, within the organisation and externally, to ensure we are at the forefront of best practice.

This position is exempt under the provisions of the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions) Order 1975 and is subject to an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service check.

Valid driving licence and own transport, or be able to provide alternative, suitable method of travel is an essential condition for this role.

About You

We are looking for an individual who is passionate about practice with children, families and community, and who possesses the following skills and experience:

Essential Criteria:

• BA in Social Work or Diploma in Social Work, CQSW or CSS, or other Professional social work qualification recognised by Social Work England.
• Current registration with Social Work England. Evidence of continuing professional development in the field of child & family social work.
• Highly developed specialist knowledge and extensive experience of direct work in child protection and leadership of staff in childcare setting involving risk management, decision making and internal investigations.
• Experience in leading complex investigations, including strategy discussions, where multi agency information sharing, detailed analysis and robust planning has been required.
• Thorough knowledge and understanding of current social policy, good practice and all relevant Children’s Service legislation. 

Desirable Criteria:

• Post Qualifying Child Care Award, Practice Briefing Award, CMS/DMS or equivalent management Qualification, or MBA.

What We Offer

At North Somerset Council, we value our employees and provide a supportive and inclusive work environment. We offer:

• Competitive salary and benefits
• Flexible working arrangements
• Opportunities for professional development
• Staff groups
• Opportunity to purchase up to an additional 10 days annual leave each year
• Dedicated Wellbeing Team
• Salary sacrifice cycle to work and Electric vehicle schemes

Further details of our excellent rewards package can be found in our Benefits booklet.

How to Apply

If you share our vision and values and are ready to make an impact to North Somerset, please select the apply button below. If you are interested in this exciting opportunity, please submit your application by 11.59pm on the application closing date. When completing our online application form, please detail how you meet the essential criteria for the role.

Contact Information:

For further information about the role, please contact Jane Anstis, Assistant Director, Children’s Family Support & Safeguarding, at jane.anstis@n-somerset.gov.uk or 01275 884392.

Important Information

Interview Date: To be confirmed.

We are currently only able to accept applications from candidates who have full permission to work in the UK.

Equal Opportunities

At North Somerset Council we want all our employees to feel valued and appreciated.  We aim to ensure equality of opportunity and prevent discrimination irrespective of your sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion or belief, race, age, disability, including neurodiversity, if you are married or in a civil partnership or are pregnant or currently on maternity leave.  We strive to create a workplace that reflects the communities we serve and where everyone feels empowered to bring their full, authentic selves to work. 

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expect all our staff and volunteers to share this commitment.

As a Disability Confident Leader, we guarantee to interview all disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for the job role.