Social Worker

West Northamptonshire Council; Welton; On-site; GBP 32,000 - 48,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Professional development

Specialist practice areas

AMHP training opportunities

Retention & experience payment

Social Work England registration

Job summary

West Northamptonshire Council is seeking an experienced Social Worker to support adults and families with strengths-based, person-centred practice. You will assess needs, develop outcome-focused support plans and lead safeguarding enquiries when required.

The role emphasizes collaboration with health, housing and voluntary sector colleagues to deliver integrated, high-quality care. The post offers flexible and part-time options within a supportive Adult Social Care service that values

Qualifications

• Qualified social worker registered with Social Work England with substantial experience in Adult Social Care.
• Experience managing complex and varied adult social care caseloads.
• Strong assessment, analysis and decision-making skills.
• Commitment to person-centred practice and safeguarding.

Responsibilities

• Undertake strengths-based assessments and develop outcome-focused support plans.
• Support adults to live safe, independent and fulfilling lives.
• Lead safeguarding enquiries where appropriate.
• Collaborate with health, housing and voluntary sector partners.

Skills

Assessment

Decision making

Communication

Strengths-based

Person-centred

Caseload management

Partnership building

Adaptability

Professional curiosity

Education

Qualified Social Worker registered with Social Work England

Tools

Community Care Inform

Job description

"The best social work happens when experienced practitioners are trusted to do what they do best." At West Northamptonshire Council, we're creating an environment where social workers can focus on meaningful practice, build strong relationships and use their expertise to achieve better outcomes for adults and their families. West Northamptonshire Council's Adult Social Care service has undergone significant change since becoming a unitary authority in 2021, creating opportunities to deliver more responsive, strengths based services that are rooted in local communities. Our focus is simple: helping people achieve the outcomes that matter most to them while promoting independence, wellbeing and choice. As a Social Worker, you'll join a service that values professional expertise and recognises the difference experienced practitioners make. You'll have the opportunity to work with adults presenting with a wide range of needs, applying your skills to complex situations, building meaningful relationships and delivering person centred support that has a lasting impact. We're looking for social workers who want to be part of a service that is continually developing, where professional judgement is trusted, collaboration is encouraged, and good practice is recognised and valued. This is an opportunity to bring your experience, shape outcomes, and be part of a team where your contribution genuinely matters. Working pattern 9am to 5pm with flexible and part time options available. Please note: A driving licence and access to your own transport is required.What will you be doing? As a Social Worker at West Northamptonshire Council, you'll play a vital role in supporting adults to live safe, independent and fulfilling lives. Working with individuals, families and carers, you'll use your expertise to understand people's strengths, identify risks and develop solutions that promote positive outcomes. You'll manage a varied caseload, undertaking strengths based assessments, developing outcome focussed support plans and supporting people through periods of change, complexity and uncertainty. You'll be trusted to apply professional judgement, make informed decisions and lead safeguarding enquiries where appropriate. Working alongside colleagues across health, housing and the voluntary sector, you'll help deliver coordinated support that reflects the needs of the individual rather than the boundaries of organisations. Whether navigating complex situations, managing risk or advocating for those who need it most, your work will make a tangible difference every day. Career development and progression At West Northamptonshire Council, we're committed to helping experienced social workers build rewarding, long term careers. From your first day, you'll receive a structured induction and the support needed to settle confidently into your role and team.,

You'll bring confidence in managing complex cases and competing priorities, along with the ability to build trusting relationships and make sound professional decisions in challenging situations. You'll be passionate about promoting independence, safeguarding vulnerable adults and achieving meaningful outcomes through strengths based practice. We're particularly interested in hearing from experienced practitioners who are looking for a role where they can use their expertise, influence positive change and continue developing their careers.

We're looking for individuals who:

• Access to Community Care Inform, providing the latest research, legislation updates and practice guidance
  You'll be a qualified Social Worker, registered with Social Work England, with substantial experience within Adult Social Care and a strong commitment to delivering high quality, person centred practice.
• Have significant experience managing complex and varied adult social care caseloads
• Demonstrate strong assessment, analysis and decision making skills
• Take a proactive, solution focused approach to achieving positive outcomes
• Are confident applying strengths based and person centred approaches to practice
• Thrive in a dynamic environment and adapt positively to changing demands
• Build effective partnerships across health, housing, community organisations and the voluntary sector
• Demonstrate excellent communication skills, professional curiosity and a commitment to continuous learning

It would be great (but not essential) if you also have, or are working towards, additional qualifications or areas of expertise such as:

• Best Interests Assessor (BIA)
• Approved Mental Health Professional (AMHP)
• Practice Educator

Above all, you'll be a committed and resilient practitioner who wants to make a genuine difference, while being part of a service that values your experience, supports your development and trusts your professional judgement.

At West Northants Council, it's about our people. People who thrive with ambition, bubble with new ideas, demand better ways of working, caring about every detail, and who never shy away from a challenge. Our culture is a gateway for new experiences. A place to forge new opportunities. To empower you in your career and unite you with like-minded people. Our vision is 'to make West Northants a great place to live, work, visit and thrive'. We truly stand by this and work hard every day to make this a reality. Our corporate values, THRIVE, stand for: Trust, High Performance, Respect, Innovate and Empower, they underpin everything we do and how we deliver services. We are committed to ensuring diversity, equality, equity, and inclusion is woven into the fabric of WNC and everything we do, to enable all colleagues to develop and maximize their full potential. We are a disability confident employer, a member of the Armed Forces Covenant, and a Care Leaver Covenant partner The following film was created by us to communicate our intentions - watch WNC colleagues explain what DEI means to us.

• Ongoing professional development and tailored learning opportunities
• Access to specialist practice areas and development pathways
• Opportunities to progress your career, including AMHP training (for Social Workers with 2+ years post qualification experience)
• Eligibility for a retention and experience payment scheme (subject to criteria)
• Paid Social Work England registration