Chief Social Worker

Job Title: Chief Social Worker

Salary: £58,577 (pay award pending)

Hours: 35 hours per week

Location: Dundee (hybrid working arrangements in place)

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 A 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.

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

• Qualified Social Worker, registered with SSSC, with substantial post‑qualifying experience in children’s services
• Currently operating at a senior level, with clear readiness for a leadership role
• Proven track record of leading services, managing teams, and delivering service improvement
• Strong understanding of safeguarding, care standards, and fostering or supported care
• Strategic thinker with the ability to lead change and balance operational delivery
• Excellent communication, leadership, and partnership‑working skills
• Committed to reflective practice, continuous learning, and achieving the best outcomes for children

Additional Requirements:

• PVG membership (or eligibility)
• Full driving licence

What We Offer

We believe our people deserve to feel valued, supported and inspired. As the Chief Social Worker, you’ll enjoy a rewarding package that reflects the importance of the work you do:

Salary

£58,577 (pay award pending)

Hybrid Working

This role offers a blend of remote and office-based work, allowing better work life balance.

Pension

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

Death in Service

We offer 3x salary death in service benefit

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.

Wellbeing

A commitment to staff wellbeing including access to a 24/7 Employee Assistance Programme and funded team social activities.

Extra Leave for Long Service

We reward commitment - after 5 years with us, you’ll receive an additional 5 days’ annual leave (pro‑rata for part time roles).

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

For a detailed job pack, including job description, person specification and application form, please visit the job pages of our website, www.carolinahousetrust.org.uk. or contact Human Resources on 01382 561279 or email recruitment@carolina.org.uk

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

CLOSING DATE: 14th 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.

Carolina House Trust is a registered Scottish Charity No SC016289.