About the role
Our support and safeguarding teams are more than just colleagues – they’re a community. Each team has its own unique identity, yet they share one mission: to protect and empower children and young people across Northamptonshire. With offices in Northampton, Daventry, Corby, Kettering, and Wellingborough, you’ll be part of a network that covers a diverse and vibrant county.
This particular post is based in Northampton, in a modern building with excellent office spaces, café facilities, and a central location close to the town centre, making it easy to access and a great place to work.
The Safeguarding Teams work with children and young people on Child Protection Plans, Child in Need Plans, and sometimes court proceedings. It’s meaningful work that involves regular visits and building strong relationships with families.
We’re focused on positive outcomes, working collaboratively alongside other professionals, you’ll help create plans that reduce risks and meet needs, keeping children and young people safely with their families whenever possible.
Our teams are described as a “work family” friendly, creative, and solution focused. Managers are approachable, and relational practice is at the heart of everything we do. If you’re looking for a supportive environment where your voice matters, you’ll feel right at home.
The interviews will be in person on 17th March 2026.
What will you be doing?
As an Advanced Practitioner, you’ll bring confidence and expertise to complex cases, maintaining a small caseload while guiding less experienced colleagues. You’ll:
- Assigned a small, manageable caseload to allow time for other key responsibilities
- Mentor and support newly qualified and less experienced social workers.
- Work closely with your Team Manager and support the team in their absence.
- Be a key player in safeguarding vulnerable children and planning for permanence.
- Ensure adherence to legislation, guidance, and best practice.
We welcome the opportunity to speak to any interested candidates so please feel free to email: Stacey Poe, Service Manager stacey.poe@nctrust.co.uk, or Tracey Lewis tracey.lewis@nctrust.co.uk they can agree a mutually agreeable time to call you.
About you
We’re looking for an experienced practitioner in front-line social work and safeguarding, bringing a wealth of knowledge and a high standard of practice. You will:
- Be a qualified social worker
- Build positive relationships with children, families, and colleagues.
- Lead by example, inspiring others through your approach and professionalism.
- Be confident in analysis and decision-making to deliver purposeful and effective practice.
- Be passionate about professional development and improving outcomes for children and families.
This role is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and therefore subject to an enhanced DBS certificate. It is also a regulated activity and will be subject to a Barred List check.
Our benefits
We are committed to continuous improvement, building a skilled, knowledgeable, and flexible workforce alongside promoting innovation and creativity whilst keeping children, young people and families at the heart of all we do.
We really value our workforce and offer you a great benefits package including:
- SWE Registration paid yearly (social care colleagues)
- Recruitment Welcome Bonus of £6,000
- Relocation costs of up to £8,000
- Retention bonus payments for established personnel
- 28 days annual leave, plus 8 Bank Holidays (pro rata for part time) and an additional 5 days, after 5 years
- Local Government Pension Scheme plus immediate life cover (3 times your annual salary from day one) and ill-health pension protection.
- Opportunity to purchase up to 25 days annual leave
- Employee Assistance Programme - We have an employee support programme run by Health Assured, an independent, external organisation. Health Assured is available for you and your immediate family members, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year and includes telephone counselling, legal advice, bereavement support and medical information.
- Employee discounts with local and national retailers, days out, finance, health and beauty, travel and eating out plus lots more.
- Flexible and family working arrangements including enhanced maternity benefits
- A permanent, supportive and inclusive management team where you will be empowered to make good professional decisions
- Extensive Learning & Development and career development opportunities
- Subsidised town centre car parking scheme
About us
At Northamptonshire Children’s Trust, children, young people and families are at the heart of all we do – in every decision we make and every action we take. Our mission is driven by the unwavering commitment to achieving the best outcomes for them. The Trust is wholly owned and funded but operationally independent from the Councils.
Our workforce are our most valuable asset and are pivotal to making the services and support we offer to children, young people and families who need us to be the absolute best we can be.
We value our colleagues and empower them to be able to do the best job of their lives every single day, working in a culture of support and kindness where achievements are celebrated and creativity is very much welcomed.
At NCT equality, diversity and inclusion are part of us and in everything we do, to enable all colleagues to develop and thrive in our organisation. We are a disability confident employer and have a commitment to care leavers who we guarantee an interview if they meet the essential criteria.
Join our dedicated team and be a part of an organisation where your work makes a real difference.