Overview
As an Assistant Team Manager/Principal Social Worker, you will continue to develop and build on our 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.
Our vision for all adults in West Northamptonshire is that they will have healthy and independent lives with easy access to joined up advice and support which will help them to help themselves.
Perhaps you are currently working in an adult safeguarding role, supporting a team manager and looking for your next step. Or you might be an experienced manager seeking a new challenge—one that not only offers professional growth but also prioritises your well-being.
Although SWE (Social Work England) registration is not a requirement, you should have extensive experience and a proven ability to assist with complex legal cases. You should also be well-versed in legislation, able to provide supporting documents for cases taken to court, and knowledgeable about available funding streams.
As a champion of social work, you’ll lead by example, using your skills to encourage a culture of innovation, reflection and learning within the service, using practice evaluations and learning reviews to inform this work. The experience you’ll bring will enable you to support others from the start of their social work journey; from student to ASYE, and then to qualified, competent and confident Social Workers. You will be an approachable, ‘can do’ person who understands what good looks like and have high ambitions for the workforce and the organisation. You’ll be able to respond to multiple requests and demands, getting to know our staff group and supporting them as they deliver advice and guidance to citizens of West Northants. The team and your peers are all very supportive and in West Northants we are all working towards enabling competent and confident staff to deliver great care.
You will bring proven experience of leadership, practice development and consistent achievement in a safeguarding/social work environment, an understanding of working across health and social care and above all a commitment to people who use, work in and rely on social work services. You’ll need exceptional interpersonal skills, a passion for quality and inclusion and the ability to build, manage and develop effective working relationships with people and partners.
Hours: Our standard hours are 9 to 5 pm, Monday - Friday.
Responsibilities and requirements
* Provide leadership and practical management across safeguarding/social work functions with experience in multiple specialisms (e.g., Older People, Mental Health, Learning Disability, Adult Safeguarding).
* Support the development of staff from student to ASYE and beyond, including practice development and evaluations.
* Lead by example to foster a culture of innovation, reflection, and continuous learning within the service.
* Respond to multiple requests and demands while building strong relationships with staff and partners to deliver high-quality care.
* Drive cross-team collaboration and ensure compliance with legislation and funding streams.
* Requirements: Higher post-qualifying training in relevant discipline or management qualification; management experience across a range of professional roles; ability to drive and have transport.
Benefits
* 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, with option to purchase up to 6 weeks additional leave per year.
* Cycle to Work scheme.
* Local Government Pension Scheme plus immediate life cover (3 times 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 more.
* Car Lease scheme via Tusker.
* Payment of professional subscription/membership fees when required by the job description.
* Employee Assistance Programme (Health Assured) for you and your immediate family, 24/7, including counselling, legal advice, bereavement support and medical information.
* Commsave Credit Union membership with savings accounts, loans and a monthly lottery draw.
* Ongoing training and development opportunities.
* Flexible working options to support work/life balance (subject to business needs).
* West Ways of Working: hybrid and collaborative working, on or off site as appropriate.
* Commitment to making a difference and improving people’s lives in the local community.
Legal and safeguarding information
This role is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and is therefore 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.
Seniorities, Employment type, and Job function
* Seniority level: Mid-Senior level
* Employment type: Part-time
* Job function: Other
* Industries: Government Administration
If you would like to discuss this role further, please contact gina.braithwaite@westnorthants.gov.uk.
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