Chief Social Worker

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

Salary: £65,020 (FTE)

Hours:

35 hours per week

Location:

Dundee (hybrid working arrangements in place)

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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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

We believe our people deserve…