We are looking for a highly motivated, organised and creative operational Assistant Team Manager with proven leadership skills. You will have experience of social work practice, performance management and proven experience of effectively supporting and managing staff. You will have a commitment to strengths based person-centred values, strengths based assessments, progression work and have good communication and IT skills.

We know that our staff are key to our success, and we are seeking people with ambition, creativity and commitment to our values to help us to achieve the best possible outcomes for our customers by supporting your supervisees and the team to promote our values. 

We offer a wide range of benefits to our employees, these include:

• Generous annual leave entitlement starting at 28 days annual leave per year, 29 days for senior managers (pro rata, depending on how many hours per week you work), plus bank holidays. An additional 5 days, linked to continuous service, and ability to purchase up to 6 weeks additional leave per year.
• Cycle to Work scheme. 
• Local Government Pension Scheme plus immediate life cover (3 times your annual salary from day one) and ill-health protection.
• Employee discounts with local and national retailers, days out, finance, health and beauty, travel and eating out plus lots more.
• Car Lease scheme
• Payment of professional subscription / membership - If your job description requires that you are registered with or are a member of a professional body, WNC will pay for your professional subscription or membership fees.
• 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.
• Ongoing training and development opportunities.
• A variety of flexible working options to support your work/life balance, including full or part time, term time, 9-day fortnight, etc. (subject to business needs).
• Our West Ways of Working – We want our workforce to thrive, and we equip our employees with the right technology to support hybrid and collaborative working, on or off site, depending on the role.
• Making a difference - If you want to use your skills and experience with an organisation that are genuinely invested in making a difference, are committed to improving people's lives, and whose success has a direct impact on the wellbeing of your family, friends and people in your local area, then West Northamptonshire Council is the place for you.

You will be part of the Learning Disability Team within their leadership team currently based in One Angel Square Northampton.  Key areas of your role will be line management of staff, supporting and leading the duty work the team manage.  Allocation of work and regular mentoring and supporting staff through On Track Chats and Supervision. Supporting staff with complex case work.

Auditing and quality assuring work. You will be expected to step in and support the team manager in their absence or when required and manager other day to day management duties within the team as they arise.

You are either a qualified Social Worker, registered with Social Work England  or have Level 5 leadership/management qualification or willingness to work towards it.. You will have experience or an interest in leadership, and influencing practice across the team

• You have experience of working with people with varying needs and are passionate about identifying their strengths and supporting them to achieve their outcomes.

• You have experience managing staff, supporting their development and reviewing performance.

• You are proactive, and have the ability to think creatively.

• You exercise professional curiosity rather than accept things at face value or make decisions based on assumptions.

• You demonstrate problem solving abilities, working alongside team members to enable them to find their own solutions and develop their confidence.

• You are a great team player, willing to share knowledge and expertise with colleagues in your team.

• You put your ability to analyse and take action in challenging situations to good use, and are able to evidence positive risk taking skills – knowing how to balance individual rights against risks.

We’re a new council, following one of the largest shake-ups in local government reform in recent history. As a new authority, we’re embarking on an exciting journey to deliver exceptional services for our residents, customers and communities.  

Our vision at West Northamptonshire Council 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. 

Hear more from our Chief Executive, Anna Earnshaw, about what it's like to work at West Northants Council https://youtu.be/lV0EfeUF4aU 

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.

When potential is unlocked, talent thrives.

Choose a career that offers you a true sense of achievement, fills you with pride and challenges you in a positive way, every day.

West Northants Council, where careers thrive.

Should you require the Job Description in another format or language, please contact: Careers@westnorthants.gov.uk