About The Role
West Northamptonshire Council’s Adult Social Care service is continuing its transformation, placing people, communities and high‑quality practice at the centre of everything we do. This role is part of a specialist Safeguarding Team, working with health and social care providers to prevent and reduce the risk of abuse and neglect. You will undertake safeguarding enquiries, conduct preventive work and partner with providers and community members.
Unlike traditional social work positions, you will not hold long‑term caseloads. Your focus will be on short‑term, high‑impact safeguarding work – investigating concerns, analysing risk and working with providers to improve practice and prevent future issues.
Working is mainly hybrid, with a requirement to attend the office and provider sites regularly. A driving licence and access to a vehicle are essential.
What You Will Do
- Lead safeguarding enquiries under the Care Act, focusing on concerns within provider services.
- Undertake timely, proportionate investigations, typically completed within defined timeframes.
- Visit providers to assess practice, gather evidence and build relationships.
- Analyse themes and trends across safeguarding activity to identify wider risks.
- Work closely with partners including quality teams, health services and care providers.
- Support and challenge providers to improve standards and reduce risk.
- Deliver guidance and informal training to help providers understand safeguarding thresholds.
- Contribute to a duty system, responding to incoming safeguarding concerns.
Required Skills and Experience
- Qualified Social Worker, registered with Social Work England.
- Experience working in adult social care and safeguarding.
- Experience within safeguarding and confident leading enquiries and managing risk.
- Comfortable working in a fast‑paced environment with competing priorities.
- Strong analytical skills and professional curiosity.
- Ability to build effective relationships with providers while maintaining appropriate challenge.
- Confidence working independently and as part of a team.
- Excellent communication and organisational skills.
Additional Strengths
- A proactive and solution‑focused approach.
- Resilience and the ability to manage complex and sometimes pressured situations.
- A genuine commitment to improving outcomes for vulnerable adults.
What We Offer
- Ongoing professional development and tailored training pathways.
- Opportunities to specialise or progress, including AMHP training (for Social Workers with 2+ years post‑qualification experience).
Benefits & Rewards
- Eligibility for a retention and experience payment scheme (subject to criteria).
- Paid Social Work England registration.
- Access to Community Care Inform, providing up‑to‑date research, legislation updates, and best‑practice guidance.
Job Details
- Salary: £39,190 – £41,797 D.O.E.
- Salary Frequency: Annual.
- Working Hours: 37 per week.
- Contract Type: Full time.
- Job Reference: Ref/162342/8796.
- Closing Date: 19 July 2026.
- Job Category: Social Worker – Adults.
- Location: Northampton, United Kingdom.
- Job Posted Date: 19 June 2026.
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