At a Glance
- Tasks: Join a dynamic team to safeguard children and support families in need.
- Company: Northamptonshire Children's Trust, dedicated to impactful social work.
- Benefits: Competitive pay up to £38/hour, manageable caseloads, and training opportunities.
- Other info: Structured support with clear processes and geographical consistency.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while working in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Minimum 2 years of experience in Duty and Assessment Team required.
The predicted salary is between 42.5 - 42.5 £ 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: Opus People Solutions
Northamptonshire Children's Trust is an exceptional employer, offering a stable and supportive work environment with experienced leadership and manageable caseloads. Employees benefit from structured processes, ongoing training opportunities, and the chance to make a meaningful impact in safeguarding children and families within a consistent geographical area. Join us in a dynamic team where your contributions truly matter.
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
✨Get Involved in Local Community Projects
One of the best ways to land a temporary role in social work is to dive headfirst into local community projects. Volunteer your time or skills at local charities or community centres to not only gain experience but also to connect with professionals in the field. They might just have some insider knowledge on temporary positions that pop up!
✨Engage with Social Work Networks
Join online forums and social media groups specifically for social workers. Platforms like Facebook or LinkedIn have dedicated groups where professionals share temporary job opportunities. Being an active member can help you stay in the loop and even get recommendations from those already in the field.
✨Attend Workshops and Seminars
Keep an eye out for workshops, seminars, or conferences related to social work in your area. These events aren't just great for learning; they're also hotbeds for networking! You never know who might be hiring or can point you towards a temporary position while you're soaking up new skills.
✨Apply Directly Through Our Website!
When you spot a role that piques your interest, especially for a temporary position, make sure to apply directly through our website! This not only shows your commitment to Opus People Solutions, but also gives you an edge by putting your application right in front of the hiring team. Let’s get you moving on that path to your next opportunity!
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 🫡
Show Your Passion for Social Work:In your cover letter, let's highlight why you're passionate about social work and how your values align with those of Opus People Solutions. Share specific experiences where you made a difference, as this field thrives on genuine motivation and connection.
Demonstrate Relevant Experience:When listing your experience, focus on any internships, volunteer roles, or temporary positions you've had in social work or related fields. Those skills are gold! Think about situations where you helped individuals or communities, and don't forget to mention any relevant certifications, like safeguarding or mental health first aid.
Keep It Concise and Relevant:Remember, for a temporary role, hiring managers want to see how you fit in and can hit the ground running. Keep your CV clear and to the point, showcasing only the experience that really matters for the role at Opus People Solutions. We recommend a two-page limit – make every word count!
Emphasise Flexibility and Adaptability:Considering this is a temporary position, it's vital to show you can adapt to new environments quickly. In your application, highlight any past experiences where you had to adjust to different teams or roles smoothly. This shows you understand the nature of temporary work and are ready for the challenge!
How to prepare for a job interview at Opus People Solutions
✨Sharpen Your Empathy Skills
In social work, it's all about understanding and connecting with people from diverse backgrounds. Make sure to prepare some examples from your experience where you've demonstrated empathy and resilience. Practising active listening techniques can help you articulate your approach during the interview with Opus People Solutions.
✨Know Your Frameworks
Familiarise yourself with key social work theories and frameworks, like the ecological systems theory or person-centred approaches. These concepts might pop up during your interview for the temporary Social Work Social Worker - Duty and Assessment Team Northampton, Northamptonshire Up to £38 / hour role at Opus People Solutions, so it's good to have a couple of insights ready to share.
✨Highlight Flexibility and Adaptability
Since this is a temporary position, showcasing your flexibility is key. Be prepared to discuss past experiences where you quickly adapted to new environments or changing client needs, which is crucial in the dynamic world of social work.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect some scenario-based questions that test your decision-making skills and ethical judgement. Think about how you would handle specific challenges you might face in the field. Having a clear structure for your answers will show Opus People Solutions that you can think critically and act effectively under pressure.
