Cardiff Council Jobs 2026 | Hiring Social Workers Jobs

Breaking into public sector work gives you the chance to serve communities while building a stable, rewarding career path. Cardiff Council careers open doors to Wales’ largest local authority, delivering vital services to over 360,000 residents across education, social services, housing, transport, and urban development. Operating from County Hall, City Hall, and service centers throughout Cardiff, Penarth, and surrounding areas, the council stands as one of the region’s major employers. Their bilingual operations and commitment to Welsh Government priorities create unique opportunities for graduates and professionals eager to contribute to the capital’s continued growth and transformation.

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Positions within Cardiff Council jobs welcome recent graduates, Welsh speakers looking to use their language professionally, career changers from private sector backgrounds, and experienced public service professionals. You’ll find openings for social workers, planning officers, education specialists, environmental coordinators, housing advisors, digital transformation analysts, and corporate support roles. The council invests significantly in early-career development through structured graduate schemes, mentorship programs, and fully-funded professional qualifications. Whether you’re finishing university or seeking purpose-driven work, Cardiff Council provides the training foundation and progression pathways that turn entry-level positions into long-term public service careers.

Cardiff Council Jobs Schools No Experience UK 2026

Job Details:

Education and Abilities:

The qualifications and skills required for Cardiff Council Careers vary depending on the job role. However, some general requirements include:

• Relevant educational qualifications (GCSEs, A-Levels, or degrees, depending on the role).
• Professional certifications for specialized roles such as social work, engineering, and education.
• Experience in a relevant field (entry-level positions may require minimal experience).
• Strong communication, teamwork, and problem-solving skills.
• IT proficiency for administrative and digital roles.
• Knowledge of local government policies and procedures (preferred but not mandatory for some roles).

For specific Cardiff Council requirements, it is advisable to check individual job postings on the official website.

Handsome Salary and Benefits:

Cardiff Council follows national Local Government pay scales, ensuring transparency and fairness across all grades. Salaries are benchmarked annually through collective bargaining agreements, with cost-of-living increases and clear progression opportunities tied to performance and additional responsibilities within your grade.

Salary Ranges by Role

Employee Benefits

• Local Government Pension – Defined benefit scheme with employer contributions typically 18-20% of salary, providing guaranteed retirement income and protection for your family
• Generous Annual Leave – Starting at 27 days plus bank holidays for most positions, increasing to 32 days with continuous service; additional purchased leave options available
• Flexible Working Culture – Hybrid arrangements combining home and office work, flexible hours, compressed workweeks, and part-time opportunities across most departments
• Learning and Development – Comprehensive training programs, funded professional qualifications, apprenticeship conversion routes, leadership academies, and dedicated study leave provisions
• Wellbeing Initiatives – Employee assistance program with 24/7 counseling access, occupational health support, mental health champions, gym membership discounts, and health screening services
• Additional Perks – Cycle-to-work scheme, season ticket loans for public transport, eye care vouchers, long service awards, and access to staff discount platforms for retail and leisure

How to Apply Cardiff Council Careers?

Interested candidates can follow these steps to apply for Cardiff City Council Vacancies:

1. Visit the Official Website – Go to Cardiff Council’s official careers page to browse job vacancies.
2. Select a Job Role – Choose a job that matches your qualifications and career goals.
3. Prepare Your Application – Ensure your CV is updated and tailored to the job description.
4. Submit Your Application Online – Follow the application instructions on the website.
5. Await Response – If shortlisted, you may be invited for an interview or assessment.

Candidates may also explore Cardiff Council hiring opportunities on LinkedIn and other job portals.

Cardiff Council Contact Number:

Call: 029 2087 1071

Today Job Opportunities at Cardiff Council:

Here are some of the latest Cardiff City Council Vacancies :

Apply Here

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to speak Welsh to work for Cardiff Council?
It depends on the specific role. While not all positions require Welsh language skills, the council is increasingly prioritizing bilingual service delivery. Many frontline and customer-facing roles now require at least basic Welsh (Level 1-2), while some senior or public engagement positions require fluency. The good news? Cardiff Council offers free Welsh learning opportunities for staff, and many positions include Welsh language premium payments that can add £500-£2,000 annually to your salary depending on your proficiency level.

What’s the work culture like compared to private sector jobs?
Cardiff Council tends to offer better work-life balance than many private sector employers. You’ll generally work standard hours with genuine flexibility around start/finish times and hybrid working. The pace can feel different—decisions involve more consultation and committee processes—but that creates thoroughness and accountability. Job security is stronger, and there’s less pressure around sales targets or profit margins. If you value purpose over profit and prefer collaborative environments to competitive ones, you’ll likely thrive here.

Are there good opportunities for recent graduates?
Absolutely. Cardiff Council runs structured graduate development programs in social work, planning, environmental health, and corporate services. Even without formal graduate schemes, many departments actively recruit entry-level staff and provide extensive on-the-job training. The council supports employees pursuing professional qualifications through paid study leave and course funding. Many current senior managers started as graduate trainees or junior officers, so the progression pathways are proven and accessible.

How competitive is it to get hired?
Competition varies significantly by department. Social work roles often have immediate vacancies due to national workforce shortages, while corporate positions in communications, policy, or HR can attract 100+ applicants per opening. Your supporting statement makes the biggest difference—generic applications rarely make the shortlist. Demonstrating genuine understanding of Cardiff’s communities, council priorities, and public service values will dramatically improve your chances regardless of the role’s competitiveness.

What happens after I submit my application?
Once the vacancy closes, a panel reviews all applications against the person specification criteria, typically taking 2-3 weeks. If shortlisted, you’ll receive an email invitation to interview with at least one week’s notice. Interviews usually involve competency-based questions and may include practical exercises, presentations, or technical assessments depending on the role. Successful candidates then go through reference checks, occupational health screening, and DBS clearance before receiving a formal offer—the entire process from application to start date typically spans 8-12 weeks.