Job Description

About the role

An exciting opportunity has opened in the Emergency Duty Team (EDT) based at the Criminal Justice Centre.


We are looking to recruit a Family Support Worker to be part of the team who responds to out of hours statutory emergencies and other social work matter within the childcare arena.


This is a great opportunity for a person with experience of working directly with children and Families


We welcome the opportunity to speak to any interested candidates so please feel free to email: sarah.hunt@nctrust.co.uk and they can agree a mutually agreeable time to call you.




What will you be doing?

You will be one of two Family Support Workers who work a set pattern over 7 days on a rota basis alongside Principal Social Workers (Advanced Practitioner level). Your responsibilities will include receiving and screening referrals alongside the PSWs, identifying those that meet the threshold of safeguarding and require an urgent response from a qualified worker. You will record all work completed in accordance with policy expectations, including those that are internal to the EDT.


You will receive out of hours referrals of children who are missing and monitor updates on their return, again with an expectation that you have the experience to identify when risks are such that a child missing needs to have oversight from a qualified worker.


The Family Support Worker may at times provide focused urgent family support to children and families with complex needs, many of whom are either on Child in Need or Child Protection Plans.


The role will be based at the Criminal Justice Centre with some remote working. The post is an essential car user thus the right candidate needs to have access to a vehicle and be able to work out of hours, weekends and public holidays. You will receive an additional 15% for out of hours working. You will be prepared to undertake an enhanced DBS check.


You will carry out a broad range of tasks deemed appropriate for the FSW grade, which will include reasonable requests to complete tasks that are not directly associated with EDT. You will have an ability to work independently but with oversight from a qualified Social Worker.



We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive sufficient applications for the role. Therefore, if you are interested, we encourage you to submit your application as early as possible.


About you

We are looking for people who are highly motivated and can work both independently and as part of a team.


You are passionate about making a positive difference for children and families. You thrive in a role where every day brings new challenges and opportunities to empower families and improve outcomes for children. You will be confident working directly with families in their homes and engaging with professionals from schools, health services, and other agencies.


You will bring strong organisational skills with the ability to manage your own caseload effectively. You're comfortable attending meetings, contributing to care plans, and keeping accurate records in line with policies and legislation. Your communication skills--both written and verbal--will be excellent, and you can build trusting relationships with families while maintaining professional boundaries.


You will have experience in a family support role, and understand the complexities faced by children and families, including safeguarding concerns. You will be familiar with frameworks such as the Children Act and can apply assessment and analytical skills to plan and deliver practical support. You will be IT literate, able to use Word and Excel confidently, and committed to continuous learning.


Above all, you share our commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. You are ready to take on a role where your work truly matters.


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


When applying

please ensure your supporting statement covers how you fulfil the essential criteria set out in the person specification

as this will be used for shortlisting. You will need to provide a full employment history including any gaps since leaving full time education




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.




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 pension 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