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- Tasks: Support children and families through assessments and safeguarding work.
- Company: Northamptonshire Children's Trust, dedicated to child welfare.
- Benefits: Flexible working arrangements outside duty weeks and a supportive team environment.
- Other info: Fast-paced role with opportunities for long-term support and career growth.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while developing your social work skills.
- Qualifications: Qualified Social Worker with at least 2 years' experience in Duty and Assessment.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
About the Role
Northamptonshire Children's Trust is recruiting experienced Locum Social Workers to join its Duty and Assessment Team, the frontline service and single point of contact for all incoming safeguarding concerns across the county. All referrals are received through MASH before progressing to DAAT. The service is fast-paced, child-focused, and committed to ensuring children are seen promptly and appropriately.
Key Responsibilities
- Undertake duty and assessment work for children and families
- Complete Child in Need visits within 5 working days
- Complete Child Protection (CP) visits within 24 hours (same day where possible)
- Work at pace to ensure timely decision-making and risk management
- Contribute to high-quality assessments and multi-agency safeguarding responses
Working Arrangements
- Operates on a 6-week duty cycle
- During your duty week, you will be required to be office-based for the full week and local to complete visits
- Outside of duty weeks, more flexible working arrangements apply
- DAAT is a countywide service, however the Trust aims to support candidates long-term by allocating a consistent geographical area
Skills
- Minimum of 2 years' recent DAAT experience (essential)
- Qualified Social Worker with Social Work England registration
- Strong knowledge of safeguarding thresholds and assessment frameworks
- Ability to work confidently in a fast-paced duty environment
If you thrive to make a difference and have 3 years Social worker experience, then this is the role for you, and we would love to hear from you.
Social Worker - Duty and Assessment Team in Northampton employer: Opus People Solutions
Contact Detail:
Opus People Solutions Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Social Worker - Duty and Assessment Team in Northampton
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the social work field, especially those who might know about openings in the Duty and Assessment Team. A friendly chat can sometimes lead to opportunities that aren’t even advertised!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your knowledge of safeguarding thresholds and assessment frameworks. We want you to showcase your expertise and confidence in a fast-paced environment, so practice answering scenario-based questions that highlight your experience.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t forget to tailor your approach! When you apply through our website, make sure to highlight your specific experience with Child in Need and Child Protection visits. Show us how you can hit the ground running in the DAAT role.
✨Tip Number 4
Follow up after your interview! A quick thank-you email can go a long way in keeping you top of mind. It shows your enthusiasm for the role and gives you another chance to reiterate why you’re the perfect fit for the team.
We think you need these skills to ace Social Worker - Duty and Assessment Team in Northampton
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in duty and assessment work. We want to see how your skills align with the fast-paced, child-focused environment we operate in.
Showcase Relevant Experience: Don’t forget to emphasise your recent DAAT experience and any specific cases you've handled. We’re looking for candidates who can demonstrate their ability to manage safeguarding concerns effectively.
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, especially when it comes to your decision-making and risk management skills.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity!
How to prepare for a job interview at Opus People Solutions
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of safeguarding thresholds and assessment frameworks. Being able to discuss these confidently will show that you're not just experienced, but also well-prepared for the role.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare specific examples from your past work that highlight your ability to handle duty and assessment tasks. Think about times when you made timely decisions or managed risks effectively, as these are key in this fast-paced environment.
✨Understand the Team Dynamics
Research Northamptonshire Children's Trust and their Duty and Assessment Team. Understanding their values and how they operate will help you align your answers with what they’re looking for, making you a more appealing candidate.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions to ask at the end of your interview. This could be about their approach to multi-agency safeguarding responses or how they support social workers during their duty weeks. It shows your genuine interest in the role and the organisation.