The following content displays a map of the jobs location - Criminal Justice Centre, 700 Pavillion Drive, Northampton.
About the role
We are a multi‑agency Child Exploitation Hub dedicated to safeguarding children and young people who are at risk of, or have experienced, child criminal exploitation (CCE) and/or child sexual exploitation (CSE). We work proactively to disrupt and bring offenders to justice.
This is a dynamic, skilled, and collaborative team that delivers a range of evidence‑based interventions tailored to the needs of children and families. Low workloads enable intensive, relationship‑based practice and meaningful outcomes for young people.
The role requires close partnership working with Police, Children & Families Support Services, Health Professionals, Education providers, Youth Justice Services (YJS), and a range of community‑based services. A supportive multi‑agency environment provides shared responsibility for safeguarding, manageable workloads that support high‑quality, meaningful interventions, opportunities for professional development and leadership growth, and the chance to make a tangible difference in the lives of vulnerable children and young people.
What will you be doing?
- Provide strong, visible leadership to a team of six Advanced Practitioners, ensuring high‑quality practice, effective risk management, and positive outcomes for children and young people.
- Work collaboratively across agencies and professional boundaries, ensuring that statutory duties, local policies, and national guidance are embedded into day‑to‑day practice.
- Be confident in assessing complex risk, developing robust risk management and safety plans, and using professional judgement to determine the most appropriate lead professional for each child and family.
- Provide clear leadership, supervision, and professional support to Advanced Practitioners.
- Allocate and prioritise work effectively, ensuring timely responses to risk.
- Promote child‑centred, trauma‑informed, and evidence‑based practice.
- Strengthen multi‑agency collaboration to disrupt exploitation and improve outcomes.
- Ensure the child’s safety, welfare, and voice remain central to all decision‑making.
- Support the ongoing development, wellbeing, and performance of the team.
About you
- Diploma in Social Work (DipSW), Certificate of Qualification in Social Work (CQSW), BA (Hons) Social Work, or an equivalent recognised professional qualification.
- Registration with Social Work England.
- Recent and relevant experience working with young people vulnerable to exploitation.
- Proven ability to intervene, disrupt exploitation, and support sustained positive change.
- Strong understanding of safeguarding legislation, statutory guidance, and multi‑agency working.
- Excellent leadership, decision‑making, and communication skills.
- We acknowledge that this role is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and therefore subject to an enhanced DBS certificate and a Barred List check.
Benefits
- SWE registration paid yearly (social care colleagues)
- Recruitment Welcome Bonus of £2,200
- Relocation costs of up to £8,000
- 28 days annual leave, plus 8 Bank Holidays (pro rata for part time) and an additional 5 days after 5 years.
- Local Government Pension Scheme plus immediate life cover (3 times your annual salary from day one) and ill‑health pension protection.
- Opportunity to purchase up to 25 days annual leave.
- Employee Assistance Programme – support available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year, including telephone counselling, legal advice, bereavement support and medical information.
- Employee discounts with local and national retailers, days out, finance, health and beauty, travel and eating out plus many more.
- Flexible and family working arrangements, including enhanced maternity benefits.
- A permanent, supportive and inclusive management team where you will be empowered to make good professional decisions.
- Extensive Learning & Development and career development opportunities.
- Subsidised town centre car parking scheme.
