Children's Social Care Jobs - Northumberland County Council Careers

Building a better future for children in Northumberland

Our children’s services team is leading the way with exciting developments to further improve the lives of children and families in Northumberland. Whether you're an experienced professional or just at the beginning of your career, there's a perfect opportunity waiting for you in Northumberland.

Make a real difference
to people's lives

Make a real difference to people's lives

Childrens Social Work at Northumberland County Council offers a profoundly rewarding career, demanding a distinct blend of skills, compassion, and dedication. In this role, you’ll bring about positive change to the lives of children, young adults, and their families. By involving yourself in a child’s life, you play an essential part in shaping their future and guiding them through challenging situations. Your role is to ensure that the children under your care are safe, secure, and have the robust support they need to flourish.

So, if you seek job satisfaction, a purposeful career, an opportunity to profoundly impact someone’s life, or a blend of all these, then children’s social work in Northumberland awaits you, promising both personal and professional fulfillment.

Thrive in your work
and in your life

Thrive in your work and in your life

Northumberland is a great place to live and work, with its breathtaking landscapes and rich history, offers a unique backdrop for those pursuing a career in children’s social care. The close-knit communities within the county foster a collaborative environment where children’s social care workers often find unparalleled support from both colleagues and locals.

Furthermore, the balance of Northumberland’s serene countryside and evolving urban areas provides a diverse set of experiences, allowing social care workers to approach their roles with adaptability and innovation.

Working in Northumberland means being part of a community deeply invested in the well-being of its youngest members, making it an exceptional place to make a lasting impact in children’s lives.

Hear below from our staff on why we think Northumberland is a great place to be a social worker

Current vacancies

Children's Social Care Worker

About children's social work at NCC

Our goal is to build a brighter future for the people in our community. We are dedicated to supporting families in Northumberland in ensuring that their children lead happy and healthy lives. Our commitment is to provide a safe and positive environment for children, where every child has equal opportunities to thrive, access quality education, and enjoy a stable and happy home. We are strong believers in empowering families to create sustainable change themselves, so that they can find their own solutions. Our focus is on delivering excellent services that are child-centred, collaborative, responsive, value-driven, and reflective.

Child-centred approach

At the very core of our children’s social care model is a dedication to a child-centred approach. Every decision, intervention, and strategy is centred around the child’s well-being, aspirations, and voice. Recognising that every child brings a unique set of needs and potentials, our framework is thoughtfully crafted. By prioritising the child’s perspective and individual interests, we ensure that the services we provide are not only effective but also resonate with the child’s lived experience and aspirations.

Collaborative genuine co-production and participation

True collaboration and partnership underpin our ethos. We firmly believe in the power of collective wisdom and the importance of involving children, families, and local communities in the shaping of our services. Our commitment goes beyond mere consultations; we actively co-produce solutions, ensuring that the services we offer are deeply rooted in the experiences, aspirations, and realities of those we serve. It’s a dynamic process where all voices matter and play a pivotal role.

Reflective practice: Growing through insight

In a rapidly evolving field such as children’s social care, the ability to adapt, learn, and grow is paramount. That’s why we place a significant emphasis on reflective practice. Our teams are encouraged to take a step back, analyse their approaches, celebrate successes, and learn from challenges. By continuously assessing and refining our methods, we ensure that our practices remain contemporary, effective, and finely tuned to the multifaceted challenges and opportunities of children’s social care in the UK.

Accessible and supportive leadership and management

Leadership is not about being distant or removed; it’s about being present, accessible, and supportive. Our management ethos is rooted in these principles. Our leaders are not just figureheads but active participants, standing side by side with our teams, offering guidance, resources, and unwavering support. Such an approach fosters a culture of trust, open dialogue, and collaboration, ensuring that our practitioners feel valued, supported, and empowered to deliver the highest standards of care and service to our children and families.

Core values that drive us

Compassion

At the heart of everything we do is a deep-seated compassion for the children we serve. Understanding their unique needs and circumstances guides our actions, ensuring that every decision is made with the child’s best interest in mind.

Partnership

We believe in the power of working together. Our approach is built on forming strong, collaborative partnerships with families, communities, and other stakeholders. By pooling our knowledge and resources, we create more effective and holistic solutions.

Integrity

Integrity and respect are non-negotiable. We uphold the highest ethical standards in all interactions, ensuring that every individual is treated with dignity and respect. Honesty and transparency guide our practises, fostering trust and credibility.

Excellence

Our commitment to excellence drives us to constantly seek improvement and innovation. We aim for the highest quality in our services, continually striving to learn, adapt, and enhance our approaches for the benefit of those we serve.

Empowerment

Empowering individuals is central to our mission. We provide support that not only addresses immediate needs but also builds resilience and self-determination. Our aim is to equip children, young adults, and families with the tools and confidence they need to thrive.

Equity

We are dedicated to providing inclusive and equitable services to all. Recognising the diversity within our community, we strive to ensure that our services are accessible and responsive to the needs of every individual, regardless of their background or circumstances.

Proactivity

Our approach is not just reactive but also proactive and preventative. We aim to address issues before they escalate, implementing strategies and support systems that promote well-being and prevent adverse outcomes.

Responsiveness

Leadership within our team is responsive and adaptive. We foster an environment where feedback is valued, and change is embraced. Our leaders are accessible and supportive, ensuring that every team member has the guidance and resources they need to excel.

Inclusivity

We are committed to fostering a culture of diversity and inclusion. Valuing the rich tapestry of backgrounds, perspectives, and experiences, we strive to create an environment where everyone feels respected and valued. Our approach is to embrace and celebrate differences, ensuring that our services and our team are reflective of the diverse community we serve.

Hear what our people say

“Working in children's social care for Northumberland County Council has been an immensely fulfilling experience. The unwavering support from the team, combined with the genuine difference we make in the lives of vulnerable children, reaffirms my decision to pursue this career daily. Northumberland offers a perfect balance of rich history and vibrant communities, and I'm proud to serve this area.”

“Every day at Northumberland County Council, I'm surrounded by passionate individuals dedicated to transforming young lives. As a Family Support Coordinator, I've seen first-hand the incredible resilience of our community. The council's progressive approach ensures we have the resources and training we need, and there's no better feeling than seeing a child thrive because of our collective efforts.”

"Being an Early Years Outreach Worker in Northumberland is both challenging and rewarding. The beauty of our region, the commitment of Northumberland County Council to prioritise children's well-being, and the gratitude of the families we support make every hurdle worth it. Our shared goal of a brighter future for our young ones keeps me motivated and passionate about the work we do."

"One of the most captivating aspects of my role is the sheer beauty of Northumberland. Every day, I'm privileged to work in an environment surrounded by picturesque landscapes, historic landmarks, and coastal views. It's not just about the work we do, but where we do it. The serene surroundings bring a sense of peace and perspective, reminding me of the natural wonders our children will inherit.”

Our offer to you

Choosing to practice social work in Northumbland will give you opportunity to develop, grow, thrive, and strive; it is not just a job but a career. Here are some of the reasons our colleagues like working at NCC:

Manageable caseloads

We understand the importance of manageable caseloads in maintaining high-quality care. Our system is designed to ensure that each social worker has a workload that allows them to give their best to each case. Experienced managers are always on hand, offering support and guidance, enabling our staff to navigate the complexities of their roles with confidence. This balance is crucial not only for the well-being of our team but also for providing impactful service to those we assist.

Learning and Development

Our robust learning and development programs are designed to ensure that our social workers have access to the latest knowledge and skills in the field. From workshops to training sessions, we provide a range of opportunities that cater to the diverse needs and career stages of our staff. This commitment to continuous professional development keeps our team equipped and ready to provide the best possible service.

ASYE Academy

Our Assessed and Supported Year in Employment (ASYE) Academy offers a structured and supportive environment for newly qualified social workers. The program is designed to help them transition smoothly into professional practice, providing them with the tools and confidence needed to excel. Through mentorship, training, and hands-on experience, we ensure that our new social workers are well-prepared to make a positive impact.

Flexible Working Options

We recognize that a one-size-fits-all approach doesn’t work when it comes to work-life balance. That’s why we offer a range of flexible working options, including opportunities for hybrid working, job sharing, compressed hours, and career breaks. By providing these options, we ensure that our social workers can maintain a healthy balance between their professional responsibilities and personal life, leading to greater job satisfaction and well-being.

Diverse and Experienced Teams

Our teams are a blend of new and established practitioners, creating a dynamic and supportive working environment. This mix of fresh perspectives and seasoned expertise ensures a comprehensive understanding of the community’s needs. It also fosters a culture of mentorship and mutual support among colleagues, enhancing our collective ability to make a meaningful difference in the lives of those we serve.

Rewards and benefits

Salary and bonus

We ensure fair pay for all staff, with examples of automatic pay progression to the top of the salary band and an annual pay award. Your hard work and dedication will be recognised and rewarded accordingly.

26 days annual leave

Enjoy a generous annual leave entitlement of 26 days, in addition to public and bank holidays. As you gain more service with us, your annual leave allowance will increase to 31 days after 5 years.

Discounts

Access local government discount schemes that offer savings at various local businesses and national brands. Take advantage of exclusive discounts and offers available to all employees.

Family Leave Provisions

We go beyond the minimum statutory requirements to provide additional family leave provisions. We understand the importance of work-life balance and support you in managing your family commitments.

Company pension scheme

Benefit from automatic enrollment into the Local Government Pension Scheme. We prioritise your long-term financial security and help you build a solid foundation for your retirement.

Travel benefits

Enjoy free parking at council sites, ensuring convenience and accessibility. We also offer car leasing schemes for council staff, providing flexible transportation options.

Flexible working

We are committed to promoting work-life balance and offer various schemes to accommodate your personal needs. Whether it’s job sharing, home working, flexible working hours, part-year working, or compressed hours, we provide options that suit your lifestyle.

Staff networks

Our in-house staff programs cover a range of areas, including peer networking, staff development, and support for diversity, mental well-being, and caring responsibilities. We prioritise your well-being and provide a supportive environment where you can thrive both personally and professionally.

Our stories

Hear from our children’s social workers as they share their experiences and tell you about their social work journey and experience in Nortumberland.

Adam

Residential lead for Children’s Services

Charlotte

Social Worker

Drew

Social Worker

Shephard

Social Worker

Eileen

Social Worker

FAQ's.

Find out our answers to some frequently asked Children’s Social Care questions.

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Building a better future for children in Northumberland

Our children’s services team is leading the way with exciting developments to further improve the lives of children and families in Northumberland. Whether you're an experienced professional or just at the beginning of your career, there's a perfect opportunity waiting for you in Northumberland.

Make a real difference to people's lives

Make a real difference to people's lives

Thrive in your work and in your life

Thrive in your work and in your life

Hear below from our staff on why we think Northumberland is a great place to be a social worker

Current vacancies

Children's Social Care Worker

Children's Social Care Worker

Children's Social Care Worker

About children's social work at NCC

Child-centred approach

Collaborative genuine co-production and participation

Reflective practice: Growing through insight

Accessible and supportive leadership and management

Core values that drive us

Compassion

Partnership

Integrity

Excellence

Empowerment

Equity

Proactivity

Responsiveness

Inclusivity

Hear what our people say

Our offer to you

Manageable caseloads

Learning and Development

ASYE Academy

Flexible Working Options

Diverse and Experienced Teams

Rewards and benefits

Salary and bonus

26 days annual leave

Discounts

Family Leave Provisions

Company pension scheme

Travel benefits

Flexible working

Staff networks

Our stories

Adam

Charlotte

Drew

Shephard

Eileen

FAQ's.

This is question 1

This is question 2

This is question 3

This is question 4

This is question 5

This is question 6

This is question 7

This is question 8

This is question 9

This is question 10

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Make a real difference
to people's lives

Thrive in your work
and in your life