At a Glance
- Tasks: Join a supportive team to assess and respond to safeguarding concerns for children and families.
- Company: Northamptonshire Children’s Trust, dedicated to making a real difference in children's lives.
- Benefits: Enjoy 28 days annual leave, flexible working, and a great benefits package.
- Other info: Dynamic environment with opportunities for professional development and a strong sense of community.
- Why this job: Be part of a passionate team that values your contributions and supports your growth.
- Qualifications: Qualified social worker with experience in children and families social work.
The predicted salary is between 37000 - 44000 £ per year.
I love working in the Duty and Assessment Team (DAAT)! I am a real advocate for DAAT and enjoy the pace and type of work that we do. The team are so supportive. I speak to everyone every day whether it is for advice, guidance on my cases or just for a friendly check-in; the sense of belonging and that we all have each other’s backs is immense. Our managers are always available to us.
We have a wonderful Duty and Assessment Team (DAAT) here at Northamptonshire Children’s Trust! The Duty and Assessment team is the single point of contact for all safeguarding concerns relating to children and young people in Northamptonshire. Professionals from a range of services that have contact with children, young people, their families and carers collaborate to ensure immediate and prompt responses; their combined knowledge and expertise keep children and young people in Northamptonshire safe from harm.
With a rotating duty element, the team works at pace, completing robust short-term quality assessments of need, ensuring the right service provision is in place. Skilled social workers in these teams are friendly and confident professionals, who can work collaboratively to very tight deadlines, and ensure the child’s voice is evident throughout. There are 6 teams within DAAT, each team consists of a Team Manager, Advanced Practitioner, who holds complex cases and supports 5 or 6 Social Workers / Senior Social Workers and a Newly Qualified Social Worker within their team.
We are supporting excellence in Social Work practice, with a new practice approach including signs of safety and systemic practice, and clear personal development opportunities for the right candidates.
About the team: Our DAAT teams are fun and supportive. They work hard and at pace, but they always ensure that there is food available to keep them going! The team enjoy each other's company and like having a bit of time now and again to have a laugh, often bonding over a shared lunch. Managers within DAAT are always present and available for the team and pitch in to support whenever required.
Our benefits: 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)
- 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
What will you be doing? We provide the front line, single point of contact for the public and professionals who are making referrals with concerns for children who are at risk of significant harm or who are children in need. Working with a broad range of agencies and services in our region, you will be responsible for responding to new referrals from professionals and members of the public. You will have the opportunity to work with children and young people on a short-term basis after the initial referral until your cases transfer from the DAAT to other teams.
About you: You will be a qualified social worker, who has completed your ASYE. Registered with Social Work England and have the commitment and passion to be at the forefront of delivering best practice and support to children and families. As a Senior Social Worker, you will be an integral part of a highly skilled team responsible for responding to referrals, conducting initial assessments, and providing interventions to children and families in need. You will have the opportunity to lead and support a team of social workers, working collaboratively to ensure the safety and well-being of children across the county. You will have awareness of the main legislative framework within which the role operates and knowledge of the range of services which are available to children and families and of the organisational framework within which they are provided. Ideally you will have gained extensive post qualification experience of children and families social work within a statutory or voluntary organisation and will have proven ability to relate professionally with children and families evidenced through previous work as a Social Worker. Experience of supporting those in less experienced roles in a social work environment would be desirable. 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.
About us: 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.
Senior Social Worker - Duty and Assessment in Northampton employer: Northamptonshire Children's Trust
At Northamptonshire Children’s Trust, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and inclusive work culture where every team member is valued. Our Duty and Assessment Team (DAAT) fosters collaboration and camaraderie, ensuring that social workers have access to continuous professional development and a comprehensive benefits package, including generous leave, pension schemes, and employee assistance programmes. Join us in making a meaningful impact on the lives of children and families in Northamptonshire, where your contributions are celebrated and your growth is nurtured.
Contact Details:
Northamptonshire Children's Trust Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Social Worker - Duty and Assessment in Northampton
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees of the Duty and Assessment Team at Northamptonshire Children’s Trust. A friendly chat can give you insider info and maybe even a referral!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by knowing your stuff! Familiarise yourself with the latest practices in social work, especially around safeguarding and assessment. Show us you’re passionate about making a difference!
✨Tip Number 3
Be ready to showcase your teamwork skills! The DAAT thrives on collaboration, so think of examples where you’ve worked well with others to achieve a common goal. We want to see how you fit into our supportive culture!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our amazing team at Northamptonshire Children’s Trust!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Social Worker - Duty and Assessment in Northampton
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:When writing your application, let your passion for social work shine through! We want to see your commitment to making a difference in the lives of children and families. Share your experiences that highlight your dedication to safeguarding and supporting those in need.
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to tailor your application to the specific role and team at DAAT. Highlight relevant experiences and skills that align with our mission and values. This shows us that you understand what we do and how you can contribute to our supportive environment.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application clear and concise. We appreciate well-structured responses that get straight to the point. Use bullet points if necessary to make it easy for us to read and understand your qualifications and experiences.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it gives you a chance to explore more about our team and the amazing work we do at Northamptonshire Children’s Trust.
How to prepare for a job interview at Northamptonshire Children's Trust
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on the key legislation and frameworks relevant to social work, especially those concerning child safeguarding. Familiarise yourself with the specific practices used in the Duty and Assessment Team, like signs of safety and systemic practice, so you can speak confidently about how you would apply them.
✨Show Your Collaborative Spirit
Since teamwork is crucial in this role, be prepared to discuss your experience working with other professionals. Share examples of how you've collaborated effectively in the past, and highlight your ability to communicate and build relationships with colleagues and external agencies.
✨Demonstrate Your Passion
Express your genuine enthusiasm for working with children and families. Talk about what drives you in social work and why you’re particularly drawn to the Duty and Assessment Team. This will show that you’re not just looking for any job, but that you’re committed to making a difference in this specific area.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect to face scenario-based questions that assess your decision-making and problem-solving skills. Think through potential situations you might encounter in the role and how you would handle them, ensuring you emphasise the child's voice and best interests in your responses.
