At a Glance
- Tasks: Join a dynamic team to safeguard children and support families in need.
- Company: Northamptonshire Children's Trust, dedicated to making a real difference.
- Benefits: Competitive pay, manageable caseloads, and ongoing training opportunities.
- Other info: Stable leadership and structured processes for effective teamwork.
- Why this job: Make an immediate impact in a fast-paced, supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Minimum 2 years DAAT experience and a passion for child safeguarding.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
Northamptonshire Children's Trust is looking for experienced Social Workers to join the Duty and Assessment Service - a fast-paced, frontline team at the heart of safeguarding children and young people across the county. DAAT acts as the single point of contact for all safeguarding concerns, receiving referrals via MASH and progressing them through assessment. This is a dynamic and impactful service, where timely decision-making and direct work with families makes a real difference.
You'll be working in one of six well-structured teams made up of:
- Team Manager
- Advanced Practitioner
- Social Workers & Newly Qualified Social Workers
- Family Support Workers
This is a service that moves at pace, with clear expectations:
- Child in Need visits within 5 days
- Child Protection visits within 24 hours (or same day where required)
Why Join The Team?
- Stable and supportive leadership - experienced, long-standing managers who know the service inside out
- Manageable caseloads - capped at 35, typically 25-30, with family-based allocation (often around 5 families per worker)
- Structured way of working - clear processes and strong team support
- Geographical consistency - opportunity to work within an allocated patch long-term (e.g. Corby, Daventry, Northampton)
- Training opportunities - access to development via overflow from permanent staff training
Working Arrangements
- Operates on a 6-week duty cycle
- Full office presence required during duty week
- Flexibility outside of duty weeks, with local presence required for visits
Experience/Skills:
- Have a minimum of 2 years DAAT experience
- Are confident operating in a fast-paced frontline environment
- Can make clear, timely and defensible decisions
- Are passionate about safeguarding children and supporting families
If you're an experienced DAAT Social Worker looking for a supportive, structured service where you can make an immediate impact, we'd love to hear from you.
DAAT Social Worker - Duty & Assessment in Northampton employer: Oaksec
Northamptonshire Children's Trust is an exceptional employer, offering a stable and supportive work environment for Social Workers in the Duty and Assessment Service. With manageable caseloads, structured processes, and ample training opportunities, employees can thrive while making a meaningful impact on the lives of children and families in Northamptonshire. The team's commitment to professional development and geographical consistency ensures that staff feel valued and empowered in their roles.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land DAAT Social Worker - Duty & Assessment in Northampton
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the social work field, attend local events, and join relevant online groups. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by practising common questions and scenarios specific to DAAT roles. Think about your past experiences and how they relate to the job description. We want you to shine when it’s your turn to impress!
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your passion for safeguarding children and supporting families during interviews. Share real-life examples of how you've made a difference in your previous roles. This will help you stand out as a candidate who truly cares.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we love seeing familiar faces from our community!
We think you need these skills to ace DAAT Social Worker - Duty & Assessment in Northampton
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the DAAT Social Worker role. Highlight your relevant experience, especially in safeguarding and working with families. We want to see how your skills match what we're looking for!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about this role and how your experience aligns with our needs. Keep it concise but impactful – we love a good story!
Showcase Your Decision-Making Skills:In your application, emphasise your ability to make clear and timely decisions. Share examples from your past roles where you've had to act quickly and effectively – this is crucial for the fast-paced environment we operate in.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It helps us keep track of applications and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates. Plus, it’s super easy!
How to prepare for a job interview at Oaksec
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of the Duty and Assessment process. Familiarise yourself with the key legislation, frameworks, and best practices in safeguarding children. This will show that you're not just experienced but also genuinely passionate about the role.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare specific examples from your past work that highlight your ability to make timely and defensible decisions. Think about situations where you had to assess complex needs or manage a challenging case. This will help demonstrate your capability to thrive in a fast-paced environment.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare thoughtful questions about the team structure, support systems, and training opportunities. This shows that you're not only interested in the role but also keen on how you can grow within the organisation.
✨Be Yourself
While it's important to be professional, don't forget to let your personality shine through. The interviewers want to see if you'll fit into their team culture. Be honest about your motivations and what drives you in social work, especially in safeguarding children.
