Overview
A senior and highly experienced Social Worker is sought to deliver Social Work education and leadership within an NHS Trust. The Social Work Children Development Lead focuses on placing children at the centre of learning and ensuring compassionate, high‑quality workforce development and wellbeing approaches. The role supports the development of NHS Social Work and the professional identity of social workers, representing the Trust at regional meetings and ensuring learning and opportunities are conveyed and utilised within the Trust.
RDaSH emphasises trauma‑informed care for both clients and staff. The role requires a leader who is passionate about social work, innovative, and motivated to work with social workers across care groups, corporate teams and multi‑professional teams to maintain high standards of clinical care, supervision and education. Induction and ongoing CPD are provided through monthly Trust Learning Half Days.
Main duties
The post holder will provide a highly visible educational and leadership role for all Social Work staff across directorates, with a focus on children services. Work with clinical and operational leaders across RDaSH to ensure compliance with professional standards and the development of high‑quality, integrated care across the Trust. There is a particular emphasis on social work student placements, practice education for student social workers, supervision for Experienced Social Workers, coordination for Newly Qualified Social Workers undertaking ASYE, and the delivery of Continuing Professional Development (CPD) programmes and Social Work Apprenticeship development.
About us
Rotherham Doncaster and South Humber NHS Foundation Trust (RDaSH) employs around 4000 colleagues across mental health, physical health, learning disability and drug/alcohol services. The organisation is committed to staff development, with a monthly learning half day, and aims to attract and retain colleagues who share a passion for first‑class care aligned to our vision and values. See our Strategy: https://www.rdash.nhs.uk/documents/clinical-and-organisational-strategy-2023-to-2028/
Find out more about working for RDaSH and benefits at: https://workwithrdash.co.uk/
We value inclusive cultures. View our Allyship video: https://youtu.be/WMJSkLoTk4Q
The main terms and conditions of service are available here: https://www.nhsemployers.org/publications/tchandbook
Details
Date posted: 04 September 2025
Pay scheme: Agenda for Change
Band: Band 8a
Salary: £55,690 to £62,682 a year per annum, pro rata
Contract: Permanent
Working pattern: Part-time, Flexible working
Reference number: 376-CP-0626
Job locations: Tickhill Road Hospital, Tickhill Road, Doncaster, DN4 8QN
Job responsibilities
Please view the attached job description and person specification to view the full details about the role. We reserve the right to close the vacancy early if there are a high amount of applications.
Person Specification
Qualifications
* Essential: Highly developed professional knowledge gained through a recognised Social Work Qualification (Diploma in Social Work, BA Hons, BSc Hons, MA or equivalent)
* Essential: Current registration and maintenance of registration with Social Work England
Desirable
* Best Interest Assessor or Approved Mental Health Professional
* Practice Educating experience and qualified to Practice Educator Professional Standards (PEPS) Stages 1 & 2 (or commitment to obtain qualification)
Training
* Essential: Knowledge and experience of delivering Social Work reflective supervision
* Essential: Knowledge of evidence‑based models of Social Work practice, assessments and interventions and strong reflective practice
* Essential: Evidence of continuing professional development
Desirable
* Evidence of developing Social Workers within the Professional Capability Framework (PCF) and Post Qualifying Standard (PQS), and ASYE
* Experience of developing and delivering training
Knowledge
* Essential: Specialist knowledge of Social Work procedures, legislative frameworks, initiatives and systems
* Essential: Knowledge of emerging developments and political agendas and their impact on service delivery
* Essential: Understanding of Equal Opportunities principles and valuing diversity
Desirable
* Understanding of commissioning environment, complex client risk assessment, and resource costs
Experience
* Essential: Extensive experience leading a health and social care team at a senior level
* Essential: Experience providing advice on complex cases and leading multi‑disciplinary and partnership working
* Essential: Managing safeguarding concerns and chairing meetings
* Essential: Delivering a Lived Experience/Service User/Patient focused service
* Essential: Driving standards and performance; managing change across services/organisations
Desirable
* Experience of working in a Mental Health service
Skills
* Essential: Authority and credibility to build relationships and engage with diverse stakeholders
* Essential: Commitment to multi‑agency working
* Essential: Lead specialist practice within social work, guided by standards and policies
* Essential: Highly organised with a solution‑focused approach
* Essential: Excellent interpersonal, communication, negotiation and presentational skills
* Essential: Strong record keeping, report writing and project management skills
* Essential: Good IT skills and ability to work with specialist systems
* Essential: Ability to manage, develop and motivate a multidisciplinary team
Values and Behaviours
* Essential: Demonstrable alignment with Trust values and positive change delivery
* Essential: Commitment to anti‑racist, anti‑discriminatory and anti‑oppressive practice
Additional Requirements
* Essential: Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) clearance
* Essential: Ability to travel and work across the Trust footprint
* Essential: Ability to work autonomously and flexibly
Regulatory and Employer information
Disclosures and DBS checks and UK registration are required as applicable. This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and relevant checks. Applications from job seekers needing Skilled Worker sponsorship will be considered. For details see the UK Visas and Immigration guidance and NHS Careers information. The employer is Rotherham Doncaster and South Humber NHSFT, Tickhill Road Hospital, Doncaster, DN4 8QN. Website: https://www.rdash.nhs.uk/
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