Role Overview
Our vision is that all adults in West Northamptonshire are supported to live healthy, independent lives, with seamless access to high‑quality, joined‑up advice and services that empower them to help themselves. As an Assistant Team Manager / Principal Social Worker, you will play a key role in leading and embedding strengths‑based practice across the team, supporting the delivery of safe, effective, and person‑centred services, and ensuring the best possible outcomes for residents.
This role is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and therefore subject to an enhanced DBS certificate. It is also a regulated activity and will be subject to a Children and Adults Barred List check.
Key Responsibilities
* Support the operational management of the team to ensure strong performance and effective service delivery.
* Provide supervision, coaching and professional guidance to social workers and other colleagues.
* Promote safe decision‑making, including safeguarding practice and effective risk management.
* Contribute to quality assurance activity, audits and service improvements.
* Champion innovation, reflection and learning, using audits, practice evaluations and learning reviews to drive improvement.
* Support the development of staff at all stages of their careers, from students and ASYEs to experienced social workers.
* Build strong, positive relationships across the team, taking time to understand and support valued staff.
* Work collaboratively with partners to ensure a joined‑up approach that delivers the best possible outcomes for residents.
What We’re Looking For
* Proven experience of leadership, practice development and service delivery within a safeguarding or social work environment.
* Strong understanding of partnership working across health and social care.
* Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to build, manage and develop effective working relationships.
* A passion for quality, inclusion and continuous improvement.
* Higher post‑qualifying training in a relevant discipline or a management qualification.
* Experience managing across a range of service areas such as Older People, Mental Health, Learning Disability or Adult Safeguarding.
* While Social Work England registration is not essential, you should have extensive experience within Adult Social Care and a proven ability to support complex legal work, including preparing documentation for court proceedings.
Standard working hours are Monday to Friday 9am‑5pm. You must be able to travel and have access to transport.
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