About the role
We are a multi-agency Child Exploitation Hub dedicated to safeguarding children and young people who are at risk of, or who have experienced, child criminal exploitation (CCE) and/or child sexual exploitation (CSE), while working proactively to disrupt and bring offenders to justice.
This is a dynamic, skilled, and collaborative team that delivers a range of evidence-based interventions tailored to the needs of children and families. Low workloads enable intensive, relationship-based practice and meaningful outcomes for young people.
The role requires close partnership working with Police, Children & Families Support Services, Health Professionals, Education providers, Youth Justice Services (YJS), and a range of community-based services.
A supportive multi-agency environment with shared responsibility for safeguarding
· Manageable workloads that support high-quality, meaningful interventions
· Opportunities for professional development and leadership growth
· The chance to make a tangible difference in the lives of vulnerable children and young people
This role offers a unique opportunity to lead a specialist service at the forefront of safeguarding practice, influencing outcomes for children at risk of exploitation while shaping high-performing multi-agency work.
If you would like to discuss the role please contact Diane McKinley Strategic Manager on 07393798608 or email diane.mckinley@nctrust.co.uk for an informal discussion
The post will be based at the Criminal Justice Centre, Brackmills Business Park, Northampton (NN4) and subject to Police vetting process
What will you be doing?
As Team Manager, you will provide strong, visible leadership to a team of six Advanced Practitioners, ensuring high-quality practice, effective risk management, and positive outcomes for children and young people.
You will work collaboratively across agencies and professional boundaries, ensuring that statutory duties, local policies, and national guidance are embedded into day-to-day practice. You will be confident in assessing complex risk, developing robust risk management and safety plans, and using professional judgement to determine the most appropriate lead professional for each child and family.
You will be responsible for:
· Providing clear leadership, supervision, and professional support to Advanced Practitioners
· Allocating and prioritising work effectively, ensuring timely responses to risk
· Promoting child-centred, trauma-informed, and evidence-based practice
· Strengthening multi-agency collaboration to disrupt exploitation and improve outcomes
· Ensuring the child’s safety, welfare, and voice remain central to all decision-making
· Supporting the ongoing development, wellbeing, and performance of your team
About you
· DipSW, CQSW, BA (Hons) Social Work, or equivalent recognised professional qualification
· Registration with Social Work England
· Recent and relevant experience of working with young people vulnerable to exploitation
· Proven ability to intervene, disrupt exploitation, and support sustained positive change
· Strong understanding of safeguarding legislation, statutory guidance, and multi-agency working
· Excellent leadership, decision-making, and communication skills
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
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)
- Recruitment Welcome Bonus of £2,200
- Relocation costs of up to £8,000
- Retention bonus payments for established personnel
- 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
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.
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