Social Worker - Duty & Assessment Team

Opus People Solutions Limited; Northampton; Hybrid; GBP 43,000 - 62,000; Full time

Job summary

Opus People Solutions, recruiting on behalf of Northamptonshire Children's Trust, seeks an experienced Social Worker to join the Duty and Assessment Team in Northampton. You will undertake timely assessments, manage referrals, complete statutory investigations, and work with partner agencies to ensure children receive the right support at the right time.

You will assess risk, make informed decisions, and deliver high-quality social work practice in a fast-paced, supportive environment.

Qualifications

• Social Work qualification and current Social Work England registration.
• DfE ASYE completed with at least 3 years' permanent experience as a statutory Children's Social Worker.
• Experience working within Children's Services, particularly Duty, Assessment, Safeguarding, or Front Door services.

Responsibilities

• Undertake Child and Family Assessments in line with relevant legislation, statutory guidance, and local procedures.
• Manage referrals and complete comprehensive assessments of children's needs and risks.
• Conduct Section 47 Enquiries where there is reason to believe a child is suffering or likely to suffer significant harm.
• Assess risk and protective factors and formulate evidence-based recommendations.
• Develop, implement, and review Child in Need, Child Protection, and Safety Plans.
• Ensure the child's voice, lived experience, wishes, and feelings remain central to all assessments and planning.

Skills

Assessment

Communication

Risk assessment

Time management

Interpersonal skills

Education

Social Work degree

Job description

About the Role

Opus People Solutions are recruiting on behalf of Northamptonshire Children's Trust for an experienced Social Worker to join their dynamic Duty and Assessment Team. This is a rewarding opportunity to play a pivotal role in safeguarding children and supporting families at the point where intervention can make the greatest difference. You will undertake timely assessments, manage referrals, complete statutory investigations, and work closely with partner agencies to ensure children receive the right support at the right time. The successful candidate will be confident in assessing risk, making informed decisions, and delivering high-quality social work practice within a fast-paced and supportive environment.

Location: One Angel Square, Northampton, NN1 1ED
Rate: £38.00 per hour (Umbrella rate)
Contract: Temporary
Hours: 37 hours per week
Office Requirements: Hybrid Working - A mixture of home and office working, with regular visits to children and families required.

Key Responsibilities

• Undertake Child and Family Assessments in line with relevant legislation, statutory guidance, and local procedures.
• Manage referrals and complete comprehensive assessments of children's needs and risks.
• Conduct Section 47 Enquiries where there is reason to believe a child is suffering or likely to suffer significant harm.
• Assess risk and protective factors and formulate evidence-based recommendations.
• Develop, implement, and review Child in Need, Child Protection, and Safety Plans.
• Ensure the child's voice, lived experience, wishes, and feelings remain central to all assessments and planning.
• Maintain accurate, timely, and analytical case records.
• Produce high-quality reports, assessments, chronologies, and care plans.
• Complete statutory visits, contacts, and recording requirements within required timescales.
• Effectively manage a varied caseload, prioritising work according to risk and need.
• Work collaboratively with children, families, partner agencies, and multi-disciplinary professionals to achieve positive outcomes.

About You

• Social Work qualification and current Social Work England registration.
• DfE ASYE completed with at least 3 years' permanent experience as a statutory Children's Social Worker.
• Experience working within Children's Services, particularly Duty, Assessment, Safeguarding, or Front Door services.
• Strong assessment and analytical skills with the ability to make sound professional judgments.
• Proven ability to identify, assess, and manage risk effectively.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong relationship-building skills with children, families, and professionals.
• Effective organisational and time management skills.
• Ability to thrive in a busy duty environment and manage competing priorities.

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.