Are you a qualified, well organised, analytical social worker with expert knowledge in childcare legislation and court work looking for a new challenge?
We have a part time opportunity in our Legal Case Progression team working 2 days a week (18.5 hours) alongside the part time post holder where you will be responsible for driving forward case progress where legal intervention may be required.
You will lead, manage, and direct a Case Progression Team to ensure that every possible measure is explored and considered to safeguard children and young people during the legal intervention process. Aiming to enhance outcomes for children and young people who require protection from significant harm, as defined by the 1989 Children Act. You will ensure that all necessary steps are taken to minimize delays in the journey of a child or young person from the start of legal intervention to potential entry into care and any required court proceedings. You will oversee the implementation of the Public Law Outline and broader Family Justice System Reforms across Children's Services countywide, ensuring continuous performance management and improvement in both Public and Private Law cases. Additionally, you will contribute to and be responsible for driving forward initiatives that build on the strengths of Children's Services.
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:
* 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?
You will oversee the day-to-day operations of the case progression team, ensuring work is prioritised in line with children or young people’s timescales, legislation, and best practices.
You will conduct quality assurance activities for assessments and evidence prepared for court proceedings, ensuring high standards are maintained.
You will maintain our legal trackers and provide support, guidance, and constructive challenge across the Trust.
You will also work collaboratively with the judiciary and other stakeholders to continue our work in improving the quality and timeliness of legal proceedings.
You will identify and analyse performance data to address any issues and support continuous service improvements.
About you
You are an experienced qualified social worker with an expert knowledge in childcare legislation, court work and be able to quality assure work to a high standard.
You are able to manage workloads, prioritise tasks, and analyse complex information.
An excellent communicator you have strong interpersonal and communication skills, both written and verbal.
You can work effectively with various stakeholders, including the judiciary and external agencies.
When applying please ensure your supporting statement covers how you fulfil the essential criteria set out in the attached person specification, as this will be used to shortlist. You will need to provide a full employment history including any gaps since leaving full time education
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.