Senior Social Worker

My Social Work News; United Kingdom; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 48,000; Full time

Job summary

A dedicated children's welfare organization in Northamptonshire is looking for a Senior Social Worker for the Children with Disabilities Team. The role involves providing essential support and managing complex caseloads of children and families, conducting assessments, and ensuring safety and compliance with regulatory standards. Candidates should possess a social work qualification, registration, and excellent communication skills. This position offers a full-time, permanent contract and a competitive salary range, alongside opportunities for professional development within a supportive team environment.

Benefits

Ample training and mentorship

Flexible working options

Career growth opportunities

Qualifications

• Qualified Social Worker with relevant work experience.
• Demonstrate knowledge of the Children Act and Human Rights.
• Able to apply legal powers to protect children.

Responsibilities

• Manage a complex caseload independently.
• Conduct assessments of families' social needs and risks.
• Engage with families using the Signs of Safety methodology.

Skills

Excellent written and verbal communication skills

Knowledge of current legislation

Ability to manage complex caseloads

Understanding of Health & Safety

Engagement with children and families

Education

Qualification in Social Work

PQ Award Evidence of Post Qualification learning

Social Work England registration

Tools

Word

Excel

Job description

At the Northampton Children’s Trust, our ethos revolves around prioritising the needs of children, extending our care to encompass the welfare of the entire family unit. With a dedication to trust, integrity, and empathy, we are committed to providing optimal solutions for each child, without exception. If you share our passion for demonstrating respect, kindness, and steadfast commitment, we invite you to join us in crafting a better tomorrow for our community.

Job Title: Senior Social Worker – Children with Disabilities Team
Location: Northamptonshire, United Kingdom
Position Type: Full-time, Permanent
Salary Range: £45,775 – £47,871 per annum

Overall Purpose of the role:

The role is responsible for providing practical and social work support for children, young people and families. This involves holding a more complex caseload. This will include undertaking assessments, visiting children and their families, carrying out interventions, reviewing the work undertaken, direct work with children, young people and families and any other work identified as necessary. All this must be based on best evidence and good practice, privileging the best interests of children and young people. The post holder could be expected to offer mentoring, work-shadowing/work experience opportunities and study towards the Practice Educator qualification and post qualifying modules.

• Work independently to manage a more complex caseload effectively, ensuring that responsibilities align appropriately with your knowledge and skills.
• Engage directly with children, young people, and families, involving all key family members and prioritising the safety of children and young people. Employ the Signs of Safety methodology to collaborate with families, empowering them to find solutions while adhering to Children’s Services policies, procedures, and regulatory standards.
• Conduct thorough and ongoing assessments of family social needs and risks to children, with a specific focus on parental capacity and potential for change.
• Identify indicators of harm and risks associated with various forms of child abuse, including sexual, physical, and emotional abuse, as well as neglect. Be vigilant about recognising potential issues such as child sexual exploitation, online and offline grooming, female genital mutilation, forced marriage, and harmful adult behaviours. Acknowledge the potential for children to also perpetrate abuse.
• Use reflective supervision, research, and guidance to recognise personal professional limitations, knowing when and how to seek advice from Advanced Practitioners and multidisciplinary clinical experts. Collaborate with senior staff and managers through support systems such as supervision, appraisals, mentoring, co-working, and shadowing.
• Navigate England’s family and youth justice systems, applying legal powers and duties to support families, protect children, and provide care for children in the public care system. This includes understanding regulated frameworks that support a range of permanence options. Contribute to decisions about family court applications, the type of orders required, and the preparation and presentation of evidence.
• Seek advice and second opinions on legal issues, interventions, and plans affecting children, young people, and families involved with statutory services as needed.
• Apply the law, regulatory requirements, and statutory guidance to inform decision‑making. Balance the relationship between professional ethics, legal frameworks, and the social policy impacts on children, young people, and families.
• Qualification in Social Work (CQSW)/ Certificate in Social Service (CSS)/ Diploma in Social Work (SW‑SP)/ Home Office letter of recognition.
• PQ Award Evidence of Post Qualification learning and Development.
• Social Work England registration.
• Demonstrate knowledge of current legislation relating to role such as the Children Act, Human Rights.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills including ability to use Word and Excel to produce reports, carry out correspondence and keep accurate records. Knowledge and understanding of using appropriate assessment tools and research.
• Able to demonstrate a clear understanding of and commitment to Health & Safety and a willingness to undertake training to enable implementation of procedures. Able to apply it effectively with both clients and Staff.

How to Apply:

If you are enthusiastic about this opportunity and possess the required qualifications, click above to apply now.

Why Northamptonshire Children’s Trust?

Northamptonshire Children’s Trust (NCT) is a great place for social workers, offering a supportive and collaborative environment where teamwork is prioritised to achieve the best outcomes for children and families. With a strong focus on professional development, NCT provides ample training, mentorship, and career growth opportunities, enabling social workers to enhance their skills and advance in their roles.

NCT also values work‑life balance, offering flexible working options that promote well‑being and job satisfaction. Social workers are given the freedom to approach their roles creatively, making a meaningful impact on service delivery. The positive culture of support and kindness, recognised by Ofsted, further solidifies NCT as an ideal workplace for social workers.

Professional Development

Ongoing training, mentorship, and clear career progression paths.

Work‑Life Balance

A collaborative, team‑focused culture that encourages sharing ideas.

Opportunities for advancement through specialised roles and leadership pathways.

Work, live and thrive in Northampton

Northamptonshire offers a perfect blend of vibrant towns and scenic countryside, with easy access to major cities like London and Birmingham. Known for its rich history, welcoming communities, and beautiful green spaces, it provides a high quality of life for residents. With excellent schools, affordable housing, and plenty of cultural and outdoor activities, Northamptonshire is ideal for families and individuals alike. Its mix of rural charm and modern amenities makes it a great place to live and enjoy a balanced, fulfilling lifestyle.

Together, we’re placing children, young people and families at the heart of all we do – in every action we take and every decision we make. Our culture, which Ofsted assessed to be one of “kindness” and “high support” is integral to our improvement journey. If you’re looking to work for an organisation that encourages best practice to flourish, allows you to be creative and gives you opportunities to learn and develop, I would wholeheartedly encourage you to apply.

Colin Foster, Chief Executive

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