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:
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SWE Registration paid yearly (social care colleagues)
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28 days annual leave, plus 8 Bank Holidays (pro rata for part time) and an additional 5 days, after 5 years
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Local Government Pension Scheme plus immediate life cover (3 times your annual salary from day one) and ill-health pension protection.
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Opportunity to purchase up to 25 days annual leave
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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.
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Employee discounts with local and national retailers, days out, finance, health and beauty, travel and eating out plus lots more.
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Flexible and family working arrangements including enhanced maternity benefits
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A permanent, supportive and inclusive management team where you will be empowered to make good professional decisions
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Extensive Learning & Development and career development opportunities
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Subsidised town centre car parking scheme
About the role
Your Social Work Journey Starts Here!
Join Northamptonshire Children’s Trust as a Newly Qualified Social Worker (NQSW)
Are you ready to make a real difference in children’s lives—and have some fun while you’re at it? At Northamptonshire Children’s Trust, we’re not just offering you a job… we’re offering you a vibrant career with purpose, passion, and people who get it.
Why Choose Us?
Because we know the first steps in your social work journey are the most important. That’s why we’ve built a brilliant ASYE (Assessed and Supported Year in Employment) programme, designed to support, inspire, and empower you every step of the way.
Here’s what’s waiting for you:
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A structured and supportive ASYE programme
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Mentoring from experienced and friendly practitioners
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A team that celebrates successes and lifts each other up
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A workplace culture that values YOU—your ideas, your voice, your well-being
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Ongoing training, CPD, and career development opportunities
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A Relationship Practice Approach
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NCT Values at the heart of the work we do with children, young people and families
We know social work can be tough—but it’s also deeply rewarding, and with the right team behind you, it can even be joyful.
What will you be doing?
We recognise the importance of supporting our newly qualified staff. That’s why all NQSWs will undertake the Assessed and Supported Year of Employment (ASYE). This structured program will help you transition into your role, providing mentorship, training, and opportunities to build your expertise.
Main duties to include::
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Manage a caseload of children and young people requiring social work support, including children in need and children looked after.
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Work alongside experienced social workers on complex casework to develop your skills and confidence.
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Conduct assessments, visit children and their families, and carry out direct work to support their needs.
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Develop and review care plans, ensuring all interventions prioritise the best interests of children and young people.
Be the Change. Be the Support. Be the Spark
Whether you’re passionate about safeguarding, children with lived experiences, family support, or empowering young people Northamptonshire Children’s Trust is where you can grow your skills, find your rhythm, and truly thrive.
Apply now and let’s shape the future, together.
About you
We’re building a workforce that makes a real difference. To join our ASYE programme as an NQSW, you must be:
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Degree-qualified in Social Work (undergraduate or postgraduate)
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Either in your final year of study, awaiting your final results or recently qualified (Not worked as social worker before)
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Passionate about improving the lives of children and families
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Able to work under pressure with strong organisational skills
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You have or are in the process of obtaining your Social Work England registration
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Able to drive and have access to a vehicle or actively learning do so
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Have the right to work in the UK – please note, we do not currently offer visa sponsorship for this role
This post is covered by the statutory duty under Part 7 of the Immigration Act (2016) and therefore the ability to speak fluent English is an essential requirement for the role.
Enhanced DBS clearance and SW England required. Some posts in MASH and First Response (s47) teams are based in the Criminal Justice Centre (CJC) and are therefore subject to annual vetting by Northamptonshire Police. This clearance is required to undertake the role.
Important dates:
Advertising Date : 27th July 2026
Closing Date : 5th October 2026 ( Midnight)
Assessment Center : Week commencing 26th October 2026
Start Date : 11th January 2027
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
About us
At Northamptonshire Children’s Trust, children, young people and families are at the heart of everything we do. Every decision we make and every action we take is guided by our commitment to delivering high-quality services that make a lasting difference to the lives of children, young people and families across Northamptonshire.
We know that our people are our greatest strength. Our workforce is at the centre of our success, and we are committed to creating an environment where colleagues feel valued, supported and empowered to do the best job of their lives every day. We foster a culture built on kindness, collaboration and trust, where achievements are recognised, ideas are welcomed and innovation is encouraged.
We are proud of the positive impact we make together and delighted that our work has been recognised by Ofsted, with an Outstanding rating for Leadership and Management and Good ratings across Help and Protection, Children in Care and Care Leavers.
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.
If you are passionate about making a difference and want to be part of an ambitious, supportive and forward-thinking organisation, Northamptonshire Children’s Trust could be the place for you.
Supporting Children – A Career That Matters
