Social Worker - Children in Care Long Term

The Methodist Church in Britain; Nottingham; On-site; GBP 32,000 - 46,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS)

28 days annual leave + bank holidays

Recruitment welcome bonus £4,000

Relocation costs up to £8,000

SW England registration fee paid

Retention bonuses

Flexible and family working

Learning & career progression

Job summary

Northamptonshire Children’s Trust seeks a qualified social worker for the Children in Care Long Term Team. The role focuses on direct work with children on Care Orders, care planning across foster/kinship/residential, and securing permanence.

Experience in child protection, robust assessment, and relationship-based practice are essential. You will participate in cross-agency collaboration and attend court proceedings as part of a supportive, reflective team.

Qualifications

• Qualified social worker who has completed the ASYE.
• Experience in children’s social care, including children in care, safeguarding, assessment or court work.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Build relationships with children through direct work.
• Ensure children are seen, heard and involved in decisions.
• Hold a caseload and coordinate care planning across settings.
• Champion permanence planning and stability for children in care.
• Complete assessments, care plans, pathway plans, court reports and statutory recording.
• Work in partnership with carers to strengthen placements.
• Undertake life story work and other therapeutic or relationship-based interventions.
• Prepare young people for adulthood and support transitions to greater independence.
• Collaborate with families, carers, education, health, legal and other partner agencies.
• Manage complex safeguarding concerns, assess risk and make child-centred decisions.
• Attend and contribute to statutory meetings, reviews, professional networks and court proceedings.
• Contribute to service development and continuous improvement.

Skills

Assessment & planning

Communication skills

Relationship-building

Risk assessment

Decision-making

Permanence planning

Child development knowledge

Education

ASYE completed

Job description

This social worker post sits in the Children in Care Long Term Team at Northamptonshire Children’s Trust, supporting children on Care Orders with long-term plans. The work centres on direct relationship-building, care planning across foster, kinship and residential settings, and securing permanence. Reflective supervision and a relationship-based approach define day-to-day practice. Social Work England registration and a completed ASYE are required.

What the job involves

• Build relationships with children through direct work, helping them understand their care journey, identity and family relationships
• Ensure children are seen, heard and involved in decisions that affect their lives
• Hold a caseload and coordinate care planning across long-term foster, kinship, residential and supported accommodation
• Champion permanence planning and stability for children in care
• Complete assessments, care plans, pathway plans, court reports and statutory recording
• Work in partnership with carers to strengthen placements
• Undertake life story work and other therapeutic or relationship-based interventions
• Prepare young people for adulthood and support transitions to greater independence
• Collaborate with families, carers, education, health, legal and other partner agencies
• Manage complex safeguarding concerns, assess risk and make child-centred decisions
• Attend and contribute to statutory meetings, reviews, professional networks and court proceedings
• Contribute to service development and continuous improvement

What’s required

Qualifications

• Qualified social worker who has completed the ASYE

Registration & licences

• Social Work England registration

Experience

• Experience in children’s social care, including children in care, safeguarding, assessment or court work

Skills & knowledge

• Excellent assessment, planning, analytical and decision-making skills
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Building authentic, trusting relationships with children, families, carers and professionals
• Managing complex cases and balancing risk with strengths-based practice
• Understanding of permanence planning and the factors that support stability
• Knowledge of child development, attachment, trauma and adverse childhood experiences

Checks & eligibility

• Enhanced DBS certificate with barred list check

Other

• Working effectively in multi-agency environments
• Strong organisational and time-management skills
• Commitment to reflective practice, professional curiosity and continuous learning
• Resilience, compassion and professional integrity
• Advocating for children in care and valuing the voice of every child
• Thinking critically, acting decisively and working in complex situations

What’s offered

• Local Government Pension Scheme with immediate life cover of three times salary and ill-health pension protection
• 28 days annual leave plus 8 bank holidays, rising by 5 days after 5 years, with option to buy up to 25 days
• Recruitment welcome bonus of £4,000
• Relocation costs of up to £8,000
• Social Work England registration fee paid yearly
• Retention bonus payments for established staff
• Flexible and family working arrangements, including enhanced maternity benefits
• Learning, development and career progression opportunities