We have an exciting opportunity for a part time (18.5 Hours a week) qualified social worker to join our Fostering Post Approval team. Whilst still being a part of the Children’s Trust we are also a stand-alone Independent Fostering Agency, so we are very special.Our Team provides support and supervision to our approved foster carers. We have amazing Public Health Funding currently helping to support our carers, children and to upskill ourselves in wonderful training opportunities.We also manage the Duty system, working with the Placements Team whereby children are placed with foster carers.We have several specialist schemes including Family Link carers for our children with disabilities, Resilience carers for our young people stepping down from residential, Parent and Child carers for parent and babies as well as our other mainstream carers to support.We have a third of our carers who are kinship connected carers.Do you have experience in any of the above or knowledge of fostering or want to expand your knowledge base? Are you able to show creativity and initiative to support our carers in looking after our most vulnerable children and young people?We welcome the opportunity to speak to any interested candidates so please feel free to email: abi.gibbs@nctrust.co.uk or christine.lamb@nctrust.co.uk and they can agree a mutually agreeable time to call youOur benefitsWe 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 £4,000Relocation costs of up to £8,000Retention bonus payments for established personnel28 days annual leave, plus 8 Bank Holidays (pro rata for part time) and an additional 5 days, after 5 yearsLocal Government Pension Scheme plus immediate life cover (3 times your annual salary from day one) and ill-health protection.Opportunity to purchase up to 25 days annual leaveEmployee 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 benefitsA permanent, supportive and inclusive management team where you will be empowered to make good professional decisionsExtensive Learning & Development and career development opportunitiesSubsidised town centre car parking schemeWhat will you be doing?In this role, you'll be at the heart of providing practical and social work support for children and families. Your day-to-day activities will include:Undertaking assessments to understand the needs of children and their families.Visiting children and their families to offer support and guidance.Carrying out interventions to address specific issues.Reviewing the work, you've done to ensure it's effective.Engaging in direct work with children and families to build strong, supportive relationships.Performing any other tasks identified as necessary to support the well-being of children.All your efforts will be grounded in best evidence and good practice, always prioritising the best interests of the children.About you You are a qualified social worker, Social Work England registered, with a passion for meeting the needs of children in foster care.You thrive in a team environment, working closely with colleagues within the Fostering Service and our children's service to achieve positive outcomes.You provide support and supervision to foster carers, ensuring adherence to the National Minimum Standards and Fostering Regulations.You actively invest in the team's life, developing strong working relationships, respecting others' strengths, celebrating differences, and seeking solutions together.Are you ready to make a meaningful impact on the lives of children and families? Join us and be part of a team dedicated to creating positive change!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 checkAbout usAt 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.
