We offer a wide range of benefits to our employees, which include:
* Subscription fully paid - Community care inform adults.
* Generous annual leave entitlement starting at 28 days per year (29 days for senior managers, pro rata), plus bank holidays, an additional 5 days linked to continuous service, and the ability to purchase up to 6 weeks additional leave per year.
* Cycle to Work scheme.
* Local Government Pension Scheme plus immediate life cover (3 times your annual salary from day one) and ill‑health protection.
* Employee discounts with local and national retailers, days out, finance, health and beauty, travel and eating out, plus lots more.
* Car Lease scheme via Tusker.
* Payment of professional subscription/membership – if your job description requires registration with or membership of a professional body, WNC will pay for your subscription or membership fees.
* Employee Assistance Programme – run by Health Assured, available 24/7 with telephone counselling, legal advice, bereavement support and medical information.
* Commsave – free membership to Commsave Credit Union, providing savings accounts, loans, a monthly lottery draw and more.
* Ongoing training and development opportunities.
* A variety of flexible working options to support work/life balance, including full or part time, term time, 9‑day fortnight, etc. (subject to business needs).
* Our West Ways of Working – we equip our workforce with the right technology to support hybrid and collaborative working, on or off site, depending on the role.
* Making a difference – West Northamptonshire Council is genuinely invested in improving people’s lives, with a success that directly impacts the well‑being of families, friends and local communities.
Role Overview
As an Assistant Team Manager/Principal Social Worker you will develop and build on our current strengths‑based practice, build the skills, confidence and competence of social workers and their colleagues to work in line with Care Act Guidance and deliver the best possible outcomes for residents.
Responsibilities
* Build and refine strengths‑based practice across the service.
* Develop and support social workers at all stages – from student to ASYE to qualified workers.
* Lead by example, fostering a culture of innovation, reflection and learning within the team.
* Use practice evaluations and learning reviews to inform service improvement.
* Respond to multiple requests and demands, providing advice and guidance to staff and citizens of West Northamptonshire.
* Support the team in delivering high‑quality care, ensuring compliance with legislation and safeguarding policies.
* Maintain effective working relationships with health and social care partners.
Qualifications & Experience
* Higher post qualifying training in a relevant discipline or a recognised management qualification.
* Management experience across a range of professional roles, with significant experience managing functions in specialisms such as Older People, Mental Health, Learning Disability and Adult Safeguarding.
* Extensive experience and proven ability to assist with complex legal cases, with strong knowledge of available funding streams.
* Well‑versed in legislation, able to provide supporting documents for cases taken to court.
* Exceptional interpersonal skills, a passion for quality and inclusion, and the ability to build, manage and develop effective working relationships.
* Must be able to drive and have transport.
Hours
* Standard hours are 9:00 am to 5:00 pm, Monday‑Friday.
Employment Checks
* The role is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and will be subject to an enhanced DBS certificate, at our cost.
* It is also a regulated activity and will be subject to a Children and Adults Barred List check.
* West Northamptonshire Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.
For further information, please see the attached job specification.
If you would like to discuss this role further, please contact gina.braithwaite@westnorthants.gov.uk.
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