At a Glance
- Tasks: Support adults in various community settings and conduct assessments to enhance their well-being.
- Company: West Northants Council, dedicated to transforming adult social care.
- Benefits: Flexible working hours, career development opportunities, and paid professional registration.
- Other info: Join a supportive team with a focus on innovation and community impact.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while growing your career in social work.
- Qualifications: Social work qualification or equivalent; registered with Social Work England.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
Based: Various locations in Northampton
West Northants Council Adult Social Care has been on an exciting journey of transformation since we became a unitary authority in April 2021. This has given us the opportunity to really look at how we provide adult social care on a more localised level, leading to lots of exciting innovations and a new model of working which puts people and their communities firmly at the heart of what we do.
Responsibilities
- Community Hub teams: based across Northamptonshire. Our community teams have a very varied role and support a wide range of adults from 18+ with a variety of needs. We also have our rural community teams, covering Daventry, Towcester and Brackley.
- Learning Disability team: Support adults specifically with learning disabilities across West Northamptonshire.
- Flow and Capacity team (FACT): Undertake assessments; provide advice and co‑coordinate support for people who are in hospital, discharged home with reablement services or who transfer from hospital to settings such as residential ‘Discharge to Assess’ placements or the Recovery and Independence Bed Unit.
- Assurance and Safeguarding team: Minimise risks to people to ensure they remain safely living within the community. The team works with people over 18 for whom there are concerns about abuse or neglect from a service providing care to them and carry out investigations surrounding this.
- Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards (DoLS) team: Responsible for assessing individuals who may be experiencing a deprivation of liberty in a hospital or Care Home setting and lack the mental capacity to consent to these arrangements. We conduct six assessments in this process, including a Mental Capacity Assessment and Best Interests Assessment.
- Discharge and Review Team (DART): Support CHC assessments, provide expertise in relation to CHC assessments to the wider directorate, complete reviews for people in residential and nursing homes, assets below assessments and support the flow from discharge to assess placements and Specialist Care Centres.
Qualifications and Skills
We are looking for individuals with a proactive, innovative approach who can problem‑solve creatively, and have a passion for fostering the strengths of individuals. You will play a crucial role in conducting timely assessments, developing support plans, and implementing support in accordance with the Care Act 2014. Strong communication skills and the ability to work collaboratively with a wide range of partners, including community groups, the voluntary sector, other health and social care colleagues, are essential.
Qualifications: Social work qualification or equivalent; registered with Social Work England.
Working Hours and Transport
Hours: Our standard hours are 9am‑5pm, with the option for flexible working. Part‑time hours are available for some roles. Access to your own transport is required for this role.
Career Development and Benefits
As a Social Worker joining West Northants Council, you will receive a supportive induction and shadowing period. We are committed to career development and offer training and development opportunities, including AMHP training (for those 2 years post‑qualified). We will pay for your Social Work England registration and provide a paid subscription to Community Care Inform for professional development. Our benefits include paid leave, pension scheme, and other employee benefits available on our careers site.
Social Worker in Northampton employer: West Northants Council
West Northants Council is an exceptional employer for Social Workers, offering a supportive and innovative work environment that prioritises community engagement and individual strengths. With flexible working hours, comprehensive training opportunities, and a commitment to professional development, employees can thrive in their roles while making a meaningful impact in the lives of adults across Northamptonshire. The council's dedication to fostering a collaborative culture ensures that every team member feels valued and empowered to contribute to transformative social care.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Social Worker in Northampton
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current social workers or professionals in the field through LinkedIn or local meetups. They can provide insider info about the role and might even give you a heads-up on job openings.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by practising common questions specific to social work. Think about your experiences and how they relate to the responsibilities listed in the job description. We want you to shine!
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your passion for community care! During interviews, share examples of how you've positively impacted individuals or communities. This will demonstrate that you truly align with the values of West Northants Council.
✨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, it shows you’re serious about joining our team at West Northants Council.
We think you need these skills to ace Social Worker in Northampton
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:When writing your application, let your passion for social work shine through! We want to see how much you care about making a difference in people's lives and communities. Share personal experiences or motivations that led you to this field.
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application for the specific role you're applying for. Highlight relevant skills and experiences that align with the responsibilities mentioned in the job description. This shows us that you've done your homework and are genuinely interested!
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your writing clear and to the point. We appreciate well-structured applications that are easy to read. Avoid jargon unless it's relevant, and make sure to proofread for any typos or grammatical errors before hitting send!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us quickly and efficiently. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need about the role and our organisation there!
How to prepare for a job interview at West Northants Council
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you’re well-versed in the Care Act 2014 and the specific responsibilities of a Social Worker. Brush up on the latest practices in adult social care, especially those relevant to the role you're applying for. This will show your passion and commitment to the field.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
As a Social Worker, strong communication is key. Prepare examples of how you've effectively collaborated with various partners, such as community groups or health professionals. Be ready to discuss how you handle difficult conversations and ensure that everyone feels heard.
✨Demonstrate Problem-Solving Abilities
Think of specific instances where you’ve had to creatively solve problems in your previous roles. Whether it’s developing support plans or managing complex cases, be prepared to share these experiences. Highlight your proactive approach and innovative thinking.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions about the team dynamics, the new model of working, and the exciting innovations at West Northants Council. This not only shows your interest in the role but also helps you gauge if the organisation aligns with your values and career goals.
