This is an exciting opportunity to join our team and we are committed to building a skilled, knowledgeable and flexible workforce promoting innovation and continuous improvement. We are looking to recruit four enthusiastic and self-motivated team players to start as soon as possible within the Connected Persons Team, part of the Trust’s Fostering Service. We are seeking an experienced, self-motivated and creative Social Worker to join the Connected Persons Team which assesses potential Special Guardianship carers or Connected Persons foster carers. Please note that we would consider a secondment for this fixed term maternity cover. 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 £4,000 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 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 What will you be doing? In this role you will assess and support potential Connected Persons carers who have come forward through the PLO process to offer a long-term placement for children who are connected to them. This involves working with extended family and friends who have an existing relationship with the children. About you Social Worker within the team you will be expected to have a good understanding of the functions of the Connected Persons Team Fostering services, have knowledge of the wider fostering agenda and be proficient in undertaking fostering assessments. You will carry complex cases within the team and also offer support and mentoring to other colleagues. You will also represent the team as required, supported by the Team Manager and Practice Managers; Be enthusiastic, self-motivated team players with a passion for improving the lives of vulnerable children Have excellent interpersonal, communication and organisational skills Evidence social work knowledge and experience of families in a fostering context Demonstrate strong assessment and fostering supervision skills Be committed to promoting the work of the team with families and within the Trust 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 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.