Chief Social Worker

About us:

Carolina House Trust is an independent fostering organisation providing family based care and supported care for vulnerable children and young people. We’re proud to be recognised by Great Place to Work 2025 as one of the Top 10 Small Employers in the UK for overall experience, development, and wellbeing.

We’re a growth mindset organisation where innovation is encouraged, curiosity is valued, and learning is part of everyday life.

Our mission: We make homes to nurture children and young peoples’ potential

Key information:

Salary: £58,577 (FTE) dependent on experience

Hours: 35 hours per week

Location: Dundee (hybrid working arrangements in place)

The Role

This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced and ambitious Social Work leader to step into a senior executive role.

As our Chief Social Worker, you will lead the delivery of high-quality services with a focus on continuous improvement, ensuring children, young people, and carers receive responsive, therapeutic, and trauma‑informed support.

You will play a pivotal role in shaping the organisation’s future, providing strategic leadership, strengthening professional Social Work practice, and driving innovation in family‑based care.

Working closely with the Chief Financial Officer and reporting directly to the Board of Trustees, you will operate at both strategic and operational level, influencing outcomes across the whole organisation.

What you'll do

Lead delivery of high‑quality fostering and supported care services
Provide strategic leadership and contribute to organisational direction and growth
Ensure the highest standards of Social Work practice, safeguarding, and regulatory compliance
Lead, support, and inspire the Management Team through reflective and values‑based leadership
Build strong relationships with staff, carers, young people, partners, local authorities, regulators, and stakeholders
Oversee quality assurance, performance, and continuous improvement frameworks
Act as the organisation’s Safeguarding Lead
Act as advisor to our Approval Panel for fostering, continuing care and supported care.
Drive innovation and service development to meet the needs of care‑experienced children and young people
Support and contribute to the 24 hour on call service.

About you

Experience & Qualifications

Degree or Diploma in Social Work, CQSW or equivalent
Post qualifying Child Protection or Adult Support and Protection certificate
Extensive post‑qualifying experience across children’s services.
Experience leading strategic and operational planning.
Proven project management experience.
Experience working at a senior level with committees, Boards or governance groups.
Strong experience in multi‑agency partnership working.
Significant experience managing services and diverse staff teams.
Experience providing professional supervision and leading change.
Experience overseeing quality assurance, improvement, or service development.

Knowledge & Skills

Excellent leadership and communication skills.
Strategic thinking with the ability to interpret policy and legislation.
Strong understanding of family-based and supported care, safeguarding, and care standards.
Ability to chair complex meetings and evaluate Social Work assessments.
Strong organisational skills with ability to prioritise and respond flexibly.
Understanding of budgets and financial procedures.

Personal Qualities

Commitment to growth mindset and reflective practice.
Dedication to your own and others’ professional development.
Integrity, confidentiality, and strong professional boundaries.
Commitment to continuous improvement.

Other Requirements

Strong IT skills, including Microsoft Office and digital client management systems.
Scottish Social Services Council (SSSC) and PVG Scheme membership (or eligibility).
Provide support as required to the 24‑hour on‑call service.
Full driving licence with no significant endorsements.

Desirable Extras

Experience in fostering or supported care.
Experience working at a strategic level in children’s services.
Management or leadership qualification (e.g., SVQ4 or equivalent).
Knowledge of Data Protection legislation.
Knowledge of tendering processes for the award of significant contracts

What we offer

We believe our people deserve to feel valued, supported and inspired. As a Family Based Care Team Manager, you’ll enjoy a rewarding package that reflects the importance of the work you do:

Pension
Join our stakeholder pension scheme and invest in your future with confidence.

Generous Annual Leave
Enjoy 32 days’ annual leave + 4 public holidays (pro‑rata for part‑time roles), giving you the time and space to recharge.

Extra Leave for Long Service
We reward commitment — after 5 years with us, you’ll receive an additional 5 days’ annual leave (pro‑rata).

Enhanced Family‑Friendly Policies
We offer enhanced maternity, shared parental, paternity and adoption packages to support you and your family during life’s big moments.

Pool Car Access
You will have access to pool cars to carry out your duties

Continuous Professional Development
Your growth matters. We’ll work with you on a personalised development plan through our Supporting Performance process and provide ongoing opportunities for training and learning.

How to apply:

Download the Job Advert and Person Specification

Complete and return our Application Form to recruitment@carolina.org.uk

For an informal discussion about this post, please contact HR on 01382 561279.

CLOSING DATE: 14^th June 2026

INTERVIEW DATE: 23rd June 2026

Carolina House Trust does not accept applications from recruitment agencies.

It is Carolina House Trust recruitment policy to reply to applications via email, therefore when applying, can you please provide your email address.

Carolina House Trust is an Equal Opportunities Employer.