Job Description

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:

A structured and supportive ASYE programme Mentoring from experienced and friendly practitioners A team that celebrates successes and lifts each other up A workplace culture that values YOU--your ideas, your voice, your well-being Ongoing training, CPD, and career development opportunities A Relationship Practice Approach 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.


For further information or an informal chat please email Sarah.Parker@NCTrust.co.uk




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::

Manage a caseload of children and young people requiring social work support, including children in need and children looked after. Work alongside experienced social workers on complex casework to develop your skills and confidence. Conduct assessments, visit children and their families, and carry out direct work to support their needs. 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:

Degree-qualified in Social Work (undergraduate or postgraduate) Either in your final year of study, awaiting your final results or recently qualified (Not worked as social worker before) Passionate about improving the lives of children and families Able to work under pressure with strong organisational skills You have or are in the process of obtaining your Social Work England registration Able to drive and have access to a vehicle or actively learning do so 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 from: 28/7/25


Start date:12/1/26




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:

SWE Registration

paid yearly

(social care colleagues)

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