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 up to £38/hour, manageable caseloads, and 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 experience in Duty and Assessment Team required.
The predicted salary is between 38 - 38 £ per hour.
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.
Social Work Social Worker - Duty and Assessment Team Northampton, Northamptonshire Up to £38 / hour employer: Oaksec
Northamptonshire Children's Trust is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and structured work environment for Social Workers in the Duty and Assessment Team. With manageable caseloads, stable leadership, 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 safeguarding and family support, combined with geographical consistency, ensures that staff can build lasting relationships within the community.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Social Work Social Worker - Duty and Assessment Team Northampton, Northamptonshire Up to £38 / hour
✨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 social work. Think about your experiences in DAAT and how they relate to the role you're applying for. Confidence is key, so get comfortable talking about your skills!
✨Tip Number 3
Show 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 about the work.
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! We make it easy for you to find the right opportunities in social work. Plus, it shows you're serious about joining our team and making an impact in the community.
We think you need these skills to ace Social Work Social Worker - Duty and Assessment Team Northampton, Northamptonshire Up to £38 / hour
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the role of Social Worker in the Duty and Assessment Team. Highlight your relevant experience, especially any work with safeguarding children and families, as this will show us you understand 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 social work and how your skills align with our needs. Be specific about your experience in fast-paced environments and decision-making.
Showcase Your Experience:In your application, don’t just list your previous roles; tell us about the impact you made in those positions. We want to see examples of how you've handled safeguarding concerns and worked with families effectively.
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 get all the updates directly from us. 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 safeguarding practices and the specific responsibilities of a Social Worker in a Duty and Assessment Team. Familiarise yourself with relevant legislation and frameworks, as well as the local context of Northamptonshire. This will show that you're not just interested in the role, but that you understand the challenges and expectations involved.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare to discuss your previous experience in a fast-paced frontline environment. Think of specific examples where you've made timely decisions or worked directly with families. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers, making it easy for the interviewer to see your impact.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare thoughtful questions about the team dynamics, training opportunities, and how success is measured within the service. This not only shows your interest but also helps you gauge if the role and team are the right fit for you.
✨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. Share your passion for social work and your commitment to safeguarding children, as this will resonate well with them.
