We are looking for Social Workers who are passionate about ensuring people have choice and control over their own lives and focus on the person, their strengths and networks.

Our Social Workers follow the strength based model and promote independence for those living our community. They will carry out Care Act assessments and will write support plans for those in need of services.

They also conduct safeguarding enquiries and will complete risk assessments as required using the appropriate assessment tools and techniques in order to establish clear, 
relevant, proportionate, cost effective and appropriate options for the individual.

If you require further information please call the Team Manager, Erika Duthie on 01604 363453

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 working with adults over 18 with a variety of needs.

It will be your responsibility to manage your case load, participate in the duty rota, conduct assessments, support people to achieve good outcomes and adhered to the council's policies and procedures.

You will

• Have a social work qualification and are registered with Social Work England.
• Have knowledge of both the Mental Capacity & Care Acts. 
• Enjoy working in a fast-paced environment, you’re hardworking and committed with enthusiasm for this role.
• Have the passion to promote people’s strengths and the ability to make a difference in a safe working approach to social work practices.
• You are proactive and can think creatively. You demonstrate problem solving abilities, working alongside people to enable them to find their own solutions.
• You exercise professional curiosity rather than accept things at face value or make decisions based on assumptions.
• Have up to date knowledge of legislation and demonstrable experience of delivering social care outcomes to people in need.
• Have good communication and IT skills.
• Able to prioritise, using a risk-based approach.
• You put your ability to analyse and take action in challenging situations to good use and are confident in seeking support.
• You are willing and able to work collaboratively with a wide range of partners, including community groups and the voluntary sector as well as colleagues in health and other sectors.
• You love a challenge and have an openness to learn.

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. 

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

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.

If you need additional support or reasonable adjustments during the application process, including needing the job description in another format or language, please email careers@westnorthants.gov.uk for support.

West Northants Council, where careers thrive.