At the Northampton Children’s Trust, our ethos revolves around prioritising the needs of children, extending our care to encompass the welfare of the entire family unit. With a dedication to trust, integrity, and empathy, we are committed to providing optimal solutions for each child, without exception. If you share our passion for demonstrating respect, kindness, and steadfast commitment, we invite you to join us in crafting a better tomorrow for our community.
Job Title: Senior Social Worker – Duty and Assessment Team
Location: Northampton
Position Type: Full-time, Permanent
Salary Range: £44,658 – £46,704 per annum
Overall Purpose of the role:
The role is responsible for providing practical and social work support for children, young people and families. This involves holding a more complex caseload. This will include undertaking assessments, visiting children and their families, carrying out interventions, reviewing the work undertaken, direct work with children, young people and families and any other work identified as necessary. All this must be based on best evidence and good practice, privileging the best interests of children and young people. The post holder could be expected to offer mentoring, work‑shadowing/work experience opportunities and study towards the Practice Educator qualification and post qualifying modules.
* Carry out Initial, Core and other specialised assessments as per national guidelines and within prescribed timescales in order to formulate support plans for service users and co‑ordinate their implementation or refer the case to the appropriate service area for support to child/family
* Manage cases varying in complexity, organise packages of support to service users, assess levels of risk to their health and wellbeing and, in conjunction with them and their families /carers, monitor and review their situations so that support can be adjusted as appropriate to their needs
* Work directly with family members providing advice and guidance. Work to empower service users, promote their participation in planning and evaluation of services to increase their levels of self‑sufficiency, competence and to facilitate independence from social service assistance
* Ensure all information and reports relevant to work carried out is recorded, updated and completed in an efficient and timely manner and according to Directorate/legislative policies and procedures so that decisions made and acted upon are fully evidenced and provide sufficiently for audit, court or any other legitimate purpose
* Implement actions agreed by the courts to ensure the safety and wellbeing of service users within the specified timeframe. This could be instant removal of children from their home and placement in an appropriate care or foster home or less immediate actions to secure their wellbeing and to link with colleagues in other agencies to enable successful partnership working within a climate of mutual respect
* Demonstrate awareness/understanding of equal opportunities and other people’s behavioural, physical, social and welfare needs.
What we offer:
* Highly competitive salaries and benefits
* Retention Bonus
* Costs of Social Work England registration covered
* 27 days holiday, plus 8 bank holidays, an additional 5 days after 5 years’ service
* Opportunity to buy back up to 5 weeks of additional holiday each year
* Subsidised local authority pension scheme
* Free Car Parking (Daventry) and £20 per month subsidised in Northampton TC
* Shops close by
* Fantastic Induction Programme
* Practice Educator Qualifications
* Monthly high quality supervision
* Mandatory Signs of Safety training
* Fantastic Maternity Benefits with an additional 12 weeks of maternity leave at 50%
* Employee discount scheme offering a range of discounts from travel to shopping
* Up to £8,000 relocation costs
* Opportunities to regularly engage with the CEO and leadership team
* Qualification in Social Work (CQSW)/ Certificate in Social Service (CSS)/ Diploma in Social Work (SW- SP)/ Home Office letter of recognition.
* PQ Award Evidence of Post Qualification learning and Development.
* Social Work England registration.
* Demonstrate knowledge of current legislation relating to role such as the Children Act, Human Rights.
* Excellent written and verbal communication skills including ability to use word and excel to produce reports carry out correspondence and keep accurate records. Knowledge and understanding of using appropriate assessment tools and research.
* Able to demonstrate a clear understanding of and commitment to Health & Safety and a willingness to undertake training to enable implementation of procedures. Able to apply it effectively with both clients and Staff.
How to Apply:
If you are enthusiastic about this opportunity and possess the required qualifications, click the link above to apply now.
Why Northamptonshire Children’s Trust?
Northamptonshire Children’s Trust (NCT) is a great place for social workers, offering a supportive and collaborative environment where teamwork is prioritised to achieve the best outcomes for children and families. With a strong focus on professional development, NCT provides ample training, mentorship, and career growth opportunities, enabling social workers to enhance their skills and advance in their roles.
NCT also values work‑life balance, offering flexible working options that promote well‑being and job satisfaction. Social workers are given the freedom to approach their roles creatively, making a meaningful impact on service delivery. The positive culture of support and kindness, recognized by Ofsted, further solidifies NCT as an ideal workplace for social workers.
Professional Development
Ongoing training, mentorship, and clear career progression paths.
Work-Life Balance
Flexible working options to support personal and professional balance.
A collaborative, team‑focused culture that encourages sharing ideas.
Opportunities for advancement through specialised roles and leadership pathways.
Work, live and thrive in Northampton
Northamptonshire offers a perfect blend of vibrant towns and scenic countryside, with easy access to major cities like London and Birmingham. Known for its rich history, welcoming communities, and beautiful green spaces, it provides a high quality of life for residents. With excellent schools, affordable housing, and plenty of cultural and outdoor activities, Northamptonshire is ideal for families and individuals alike. Its mix of rural charm and modern amenities makes it a great place to live and enjoy a balanced, fulfilling lifestyle.
Together, we’re placing children, young people and families at the heart of all we do – in every action we take and every decision we make. Our culture, which Ofsted assessed to be one of “kindness” and “high support” is integral to our improvement journey. If you’re looking to work for an organisation that encourages best practice to flourish, allows you to be creative and gives you opportunities to learn and develop, I would wholeheartedly encourage you to apply.
Colin Foster Chief Executive
Office address
Northampton, NN1 1ED
Apply Now
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