At a Glance
- Tasks: Support and safeguard children and young people, building strong relationships with families.
- Company: Join a community-focused organisation dedicated to empowering children across Northamptonshire.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, generous leave, and professional development opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while working in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Qualified social worker with experience in safeguarding and front-line practice.
- Other info: Flexible working arrangements and a culture of support and kindness.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Our support and safeguarding teams are more than just colleagues – they're a community. Each team has its own unique identity, yet they share one mission: to protect and empower children and young people across Northamptonshire. With offices in Northampton, Daventry, Corby, Kettering, and Wellingborough, you'll be part of a network that covers a diverse and vibrant county.
This particular post is based in Northampton, in a modern building with excellent office spaces, café facilities, and a central location close to the town centre, making it easy to access and a great place to work.
The Safeguarding Teams work with children and young people on Child Protection Plans, Child in Need Plans, and sometimes court proceedings. It's meaningful work that involves regular visits and building strong relationships with families.
We're focused on positive outcomes, working collaboratively alongside other professionals, you'll help create plans that reduce risks and meet needs, keeping children and young people safely with their families whenever possible.
Our teams are described as a work family friendly, creative, and solution focused. Managers are approachable, and relational practice is at the heart of everything we do. If you're looking for a supportive environment where your voice matters, you'll feel right at home.
The interviews will be in person on 17th March 2026.
As an Advanced Practitioner, you'll bring confidence and expertise to complex cases, maintaining a small caseload while guiding less experienced colleagues. You'll:
- Be assigned a small, manageable caseload to allow time for other key responsibilities
- Mentor and support newly qualified and less experienced social workers
- Work closely with your Team Manager and support the team in their absence
- Be a key player in safeguarding vulnerable children and planning for permanence
- Ensure adherence to legislation, guidance, and best practice
We welcome the opportunity to speak to any interested candidates so please feel free to email: Stacey Poe, Service Manager stacey.poe@nctrust.co.uk, or Tracey Lewis tracey.lewis@nctrust.co.uk they can agree a mutually agreeable time to call you.
We're looking for an experienced practitioner in front-line social work and safeguarding, bringing a wealth of knowledge and a high standard of practice. You will:
- Be a qualified social worker
- Build positive relationships with children, families, and colleagues
- Lead by example, inspiring others through your approach and professionalism
- Be confident in analysis and decision-making to deliver purposeful and effective practice
- Be passionate about professional development and improving outcomes for children and families
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 Barred List check.
We are committed to continuous improvement, building a skilled, knowledgeable, and flexible workforce alongside promoting innovation and creativity whilst keeping children, young people and families at the heart of all we do. We really value our workforce and offer you a great benefits package including:
- SWE Registration paid yearly (social care colleagues)
- Recruitment Welcome Bonus of £6,000
- Relocation costs of up to £8,000
- Retention bonus payments for established personnel
- 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 - We have an employee support programme run by Health Assured, an independent, external organisation. Health Assured is available for you and your immediate family members, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year and includes 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 lots 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
At Northamptonshire Children's Trust, children, young people and families are at the heart of all we do – in every decision we make and every action we take. Our mission is driven by the unwavering commitment to achieving the best outcomes for them. The Trust is wholly owned and funded but operationally independent from the Councils.
Our workforce are our most valuable asset and are pivotal to making the services and support we offer to children, young people and families who need us to be the absolute best we can be. We value our colleagues and empower them to be able to do the best job of their lives every single day, working in a culture of support and kindness where achievements are celebrated and creativity is very much welcomed.
At NCT equality, diversity and inclusion are part of us and in everything we do, to enable all colleagues to develop and thrive in our organisation. We are a disability confident employer and have a commitment to care leavers who we guarantee an interview if they meet the essential criteria.
Join our dedicated team and be a part of an organisation where your work makes a real difference.
Advanced Practitioner - Support and Safeguarding (Northamptonshire) employer: Northamptonshire Children's Trust
Contact Detail:
Northamptonshire Children's Trust Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Advanced Practitioner - Support and Safeguarding (Northamptonshire)
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current employees at Northamptonshire Children's Trust on LinkedIn or other platforms. Ask them about their experiences and any tips they might have for the interview process. It’s all about making connections!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those tricky questions! Think about scenarios from your past work that showcase your skills in safeguarding and supporting families. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers and impress the interviewers.
✨Tip Number 3
Show your passion! During the interview, let your enthusiasm for working with children and families shine through. Share why you’re committed to safeguarding and how you can contribute to the team’s mission of positive outcomes.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up! After your interview, send a quick thank-you email to express your appreciation for the opportunity. It’s a nice touch that shows you’re genuinely interested in the role and the team.
We think you need these skills to ace Advanced Practitioner - Support and Safeguarding (Northamptonshire)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: When writing your application, let your passion for safeguarding and supporting children shine through. Share personal experiences or motivations that drive you to make a difference in their lives.
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to reflect the specific requirements of the Advanced Practitioner role. Highlight your relevant experience and skills that align with the job description, especially your ability to mentor and support others.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application clear and to the point. Use straightforward language and avoid jargon. This will help us understand your qualifications and enthusiasm without getting lost in unnecessary details.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us quickly and efficiently. Plus, it shows you’re keen to be part of our community!
How to prepare for a job interview at Northamptonshire Children's Trust
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of safeguarding practices and legislation. Familiarise yourself with the specific challenges faced by children and families in Northamptonshire, as this will show your commitment to the role and your understanding of the local context.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare to discuss your previous experiences in social work, especially those that relate to complex cases. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've successfully supported families or mentored colleagues, as this will highlight your expertise and leadership skills.
✨Emphasise Teamwork
Since the role involves working collaboratively, be prepared to talk about how you build relationships with colleagues and other professionals. Share examples of how you've contributed to a positive team environment and how you approach conflict resolution.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
At the end of the interview, don’t hesitate to ask questions that demonstrate your interest in the role and the organisation. Inquire about the team dynamics, ongoing training opportunities, or how the Trust measures success in safeguarding outcomes. This shows you're genuinely invested in the position.