At a Glance
- Tasks: Join our teams to support adults in various community settings and make a real difference.
- Company: West Northants Council, dedicated to transforming adult social care.
- Benefits: Flexible working hours, career development, paid leave, and pension scheme.
- Other info: Exciting opportunities for training and professional growth in a supportive environment.
- Why this job: Be part of an innovative team that puts people and communities at the heart of care.
- 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 — Local Teams & Flexible Growth in Northampton employer: West Northants Council
West Northants Council is an exceptional employer for Social Workers, offering a dynamic and supportive work environment that prioritises community engagement and innovative care solutions. With flexible working options, comprehensive training opportunities, and a commitment to professional development, employees can thrive in their roles while making a meaningful impact on the lives of adults across Northamptonshire. The council's focus on localised care ensures that staff are integral to the transformation of social services, fostering a culture of collaboration and growth.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Social Worker — Local Teams & Flexible Growth 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 refer you directly to hiring managers.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by practising common questions specific to social work. Think about your experiences and how they align with the responsibilities mentioned 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 your commitment to 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 innovative team.
We think you need these skills to ace Social Worker — Local Teams & Flexible Growth 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 role at West Northants Council. 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 familiar with the Care Act 2014 and how it applies to adult social care. Brush up on the specific needs of the diverse groups you’ll be working with, like those in the Learning Disability team or the Assurance and Safeguarding team.
✨Show Your Passion
During the interview, let your enthusiasm for social work shine through. Share personal stories or experiences that highlight your commitment to supporting individuals and communities, especially in a localised setting.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect to face scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving skills. Think about past experiences where you’ve had to make tough decisions or collaborate with other professionals, and be ready to discuss these in detail.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
At the end of the interview, don’t forget to ask questions! Inquire about the team dynamics, ongoing training opportunities, or how the council measures success in their new model of working. This shows you’re genuinely interested in the role and the organisation.
