This social worker post sits in the Children in Care Long Term Team at Northamptonshire Children’s Trust, supporting children on Care Orders with long-term plans. The work centres on direct relationship-building, care planning across foster, kinship and residential settings, and securing permanence. Reflective supervision and a relationship-based approach define day-to-day practice. Social Work England registration and a completed ASYE are required.
What the job involves
- Build relationships with children through direct work, helping them understand their care journey, identity and family relationships
- Ensure children are seen, heard and involved in decisions that affect their lives
- Hold a caseload and coordinate care planning across long-term foster, kinship, residential and supported accommodation
- Champion permanence planning and stability for children in care
- Complete assessments, care plans, pathway plans, court reports and statutory recording
- Work in partnership with carers to strengthen placements
- Undertake life story work and other therapeutic or relationship-based interventions
- Prepare young people for adulthood and support transitions to greater independence
- Collaborate with families, carers, education, health, legal and other partner agencies
- Manage complex safeguarding concerns, assess risk and make child-centred decisions
- Attend and contribute to statutory meetings, reviews, professional networks and court proceedings
- Contribute to service development and continuous improvement
What’s required
Qualifications
- Qualified social worker who has completed the ASYE
Registration & licences
- Social Work England registration
Experience
- Experience in children’s social care, including children in care, safeguarding, assessment or court work
Skills & knowledge
- Excellent assessment, planning, analytical and decision-making skills
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
- Building authentic, trusting relationships with children, families, carers and professionals
- Managing complex cases and balancing risk with strengths-based practice
- Understanding of permanence planning and the factors that support stability
- Knowledge of child development, attachment, trauma and adverse childhood experiences
Checks & eligibility
- Enhanced DBS certificate with barred list check
Other
- Working effectively in multi-agency environments
- Strong organisational and time-management skills
- Commitment to reflective practice, professional curiosity and continuous learning
- Resilience, compassion and professional integrity
- Advocating for children in care and valuing the voice of every child
- Thinking critically, acting decisively and working in complex situations
What’s offered
- Local Government Pension Scheme with immediate life cover of three times salary and ill-health pension protection
- 28 days annual leave plus 8 bank holidays, rising by 5 days after 5 years, with option to buy up to 25 days
- Recruitment welcome bonus of £4,000
- Relocation costs of up to £8,000
- Social Work England registration fee paid yearly
- Retention bonus payments for established staff
- Flexible and family working arrangements, including enhanced maternity benefits
- Learning, development and career progression opportunities
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Contact Details:
The Methodist Church in Britain Recruitment Team
