The Principal Social Worker and Academy Manager has lead responsibility for developing social work practice in the local authority and actively involved in frontline practice standards.

The role will be of particular interest to those passionate about developing new social workers, continuous improvement and developing learning opportunities for all staff, as well as providing advice and guidance to key partners and other professionals.

The post is graded at service manager level and will report directly to the Head of Service, with the post holder being an integral part of the senior management team. Significant Children & Family social work and management experience is essential. There will be a requirement to both author and lead on service strategies. There will be budget responsibility for workforce development, Social Work Academy and line management of staff. 

A crucial part of the role will be preparation for OFSTED inspection, undertaking the role of ‘project manager’ in the preparation period and during the Inspection. 

If you are suitably qualified, passionate about promoting the highest standards of social work practice and developing social workers, then we would welcome an application from you. 

If you wanted an informal discussion or to clarify further details, speak to Dave Wraight, Interim Head of Service for Children and Family Services on Dave.Wraight@westberks.gov.uk

West Berkshire Council offer excellent employment benefits such as flexible working, access to a wide range of relevant training, local government pension scheme, family friendly policies, a range of local discounts and much more. You will also be entitled to a generous annual leave entitlement of 30 days per annum rising to a maximum of 35 days.

We would hope to interview for this role on 24th April 2023