Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Support children in care through court processes and build meaningful relationships with families.
- Company: Northamptonshire Children's Trust is dedicated to improving outcomes for children and families.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, generous leave, bonuses, and flexible working arrangements.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in children's lives while working in a supportive and inclusive environment.
- Qualifications: Must be a qualified social worker with court experience and current Social Work England Registration.
- Other info: Join a team that values creativity, diversity, and continuous professional development.
Senior Social Worker – Children in Care – Court Team
Salary £44,658 to £46,704
About the role
Our focus is to raise the profile of Children’s Services at Northamptonshire and improve the quality of our services in court so that we can provide the very best outcomes for our children, families and carers.
Our social workers are supported by experienced Team Managers, Family Support Workers and Business Support Administrators. Our new Consultant Practitioner roles are dedicated to supporting and coaching social workers with complex cases and providing valuable coaching and training.
Children in Care have 11 teams in total based across the county. We currently have vacancies for senior social workers specialising in court work in Kettering and Northampton.
What will you be doing?
Our children in care service provides oversight for all children in care. This includes children subject to legal proceedings where their permanency plan is being determined as well as children with a plan to remain long term in care. We focus on building meaningful relationships with young people, their families and their carers to ensure that we plan effectively for the future of every child.
We are truly passionate about what we do here, and we are looking for equally dedicated and passionate people who want to make a real contribution towards the services we deliver and improving those services for the future.
About you
The roles are for qualified social workers who want to focus on court work with current Social Work England Registration (formerly known as HCPC).
We have roles based in Kettering which focus on delivering court services from interim care order to final order so you must be happy to work / commute to this neck of the woods each day.
You will need to be experienced at court work and will be confident and capable enough to attend court on your own if necessary.
-
Previous experience of handling complex cases
-
Previous experience of mentoring less experienced social workers
-
Previous experience within Children in Care
-
Enhanced DBS Clearance – or happy for us to undertake this for you prior to joining us
-
The Right to Work in the UK
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)
-
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 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
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 - Children in Care - Court Team employer: Northamptonshire Children's Trust
Contact Detail:
Northamptonshire Children's Trust Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Social Worker - Children in Care - Court Team
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarize yourself with the specific legal frameworks and court processes related to children in care. Understanding these intricacies will not only boost your confidence but also demonstrate your commitment to the role during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with current or former social workers who have experience in court work. They can provide valuable insights and tips that can help you stand out as a candidate, especially regarding the challenges and expectations of the role.
✨Tip Number 3
Highlight your mentoring experience when discussing your background. The role emphasizes supporting less experienced social workers, so showcasing your ability to guide and coach others will be a significant advantage.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare for scenario-based questions that may arise during the interview. Think about complex cases you've handled and how you approached them, as this will illustrate your problem-solving skills and readiness for the challenges of the position.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Social Worker - Children in Care - Court Team
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your relevant experience in court work and handling complex cases. Emphasize any mentoring roles you've had with less experienced social workers, as this is a key aspect of the position.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your passion for working with children in care and your commitment to improving their outcomes. Mention specific experiences that demonstrate your ability to build meaningful relationships with young people and families.
Highlight Your Qualifications: Clearly state your Social Work England Registration and any additional qualifications or training relevant to the role. This will reassure the employer of your professional standing and readiness for the position.
Showcase Your Values: Align your application with the values of Northamptonshire Children's Trust. Discuss how you embody their commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion, and how you can contribute to a supportive and empowering work environment.
How to prepare for a job interview at Northamptonshire Children's Trust
✨Show Your Passion for Child Welfare
Make sure to express your genuine passion for working with children and families during the interview. Share specific examples of how you've positively impacted children's lives in your previous roles.
✨Demonstrate Court Experience
Since this role involves court work, be prepared to discuss your previous experiences in court settings. Highlight any complex cases you've handled and your approach to navigating legal proceedings.
✨Highlight Mentoring Skills
As mentoring less experienced social workers is part of the job, share instances where you've successfully guided or supported colleagues. This will showcase your leadership abilities and commitment to team development.
✨Understand the Organization's Values
Familiarize yourself with Northamptonshire Children's Trust's mission and values. Be ready to discuss how your personal values align with theirs, particularly regarding equality, diversity, and inclusion.
