About the Role
We are recruiting experienced Social Workers to join the Duty and Assessment Team (DAAT) within Northamptonshire Children's Trust. DAAT acts as the single point of contact for safeguarding concerns across Northamptonshire. Following triage through MASH, cases are transferred to DAAT for assessment, intervention and planning. The service is committed to ensuring children are seen promptly and receive the right support at the right time. As a Social Worker within DAAT, you will undertake timely assessments, identify risk, and work collaboratively with children, families, and partner agencies to safeguard and promote children's welfare.
DAAT is known for its strong team culture and supportive management structure. Many senior leaders and managers have extensive tenure within the service, creating consistency, stability and excellent opportunities for professional development. Caseloads are monitored closely, workloads are adjusted where necessary, and practitioners are supported to provide high-quality social work to children and families.
Location: One Angel Square, Northampton, NN1 1ED
Rate: £38.00 (Umbrella rate)
Contract: Temporary
Hours: 37 hours per week
Office Requirements: The team operates on a 6-week duty cycle, full office attendance required during designated duty weeks, flexible working outside of duty weeks
Key Responsibilities
- Complete Initial, Core and Specialist assessments within statutory timescales
- Manage a varied caseload of children and families requiring support, protection and intervention
- Undertake Child in Need (CIN) and Child Protection (CP) visits in line with service expectations
- Develop and implement child-focused plans to improve outcomes
- Work directly with children and families, providing advice, support and intervention
- Lead multi-agency planning and safeguarding meetings
- Prepare high-quality reports and assessments for court proceedings, child protection conferences and reviews
- Provide evidence at court hearings, fostering panels and other statutory forums when required
- Maintain accurate, timely and compliant case recordings
- Promote equality, diversity and anti-discriminatory practice in all aspects of your work
- The Duty and Assessment Team is a fast-moving frontline service where timely intervention is key;
- Child in Need cases are expected to be visited within 5 working days
- Child Protection cases are expected to be visited within 24 hours, or the same day wherever possible
- The team works proactively to ensure children are seen promptly and risks are assessed effectively
About You
- Social Work England registration
- Degree in Social Work, CQSW, CSS or Diploma in Social Work
- ASYE completed with at least 3 years' permanent experience as a statutory Children's Social Worker.
- A minimum of 2 years' recent Duty & Assessment Team experience (essential)
- Strong assessment, safeguarding and court work experience
- Excellent communication, report writing and relationship-building skills
- Ability to work effectively within a high-volume, fast-paced frontline environment
- Full UK driving licence and access to a vehicle
If you would like to join a dedicated and supportive Duty & Assessment Team helping to safeguard children and improve outcomes across Northamptonshire, we'd love to hear from you.
This role is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975. A DBS check may be applicable for this role, applicants are required to declare any cautions and convictions that are not protected under current filtering rules.
