Job Description

Vetting requirements: This role is subject to a Criminal Records Check.

This is a stimulating, rewarding role with a supportive employer committed to manageable caseloads and rated as ‘Good’ by Ofsted.
About us

Children we care for Team, based in the North of the county, are looking to recruit a qualified Social Worker. The successful candidate will work predominantly with children aged 0-18, including those becoming adopted, children within long term foster placements and young people aged 16 and 17, who have been assessed as homeless under the Southwark Ruling.
About you and the role

Exceptional communication skills are essential, along with the ability to work with challenging young people who have been assessed as needing either permanent, or a prolonged period of care away from their homes.

Together with a Degree in Social Work / equivalent qualification, plus Social work England registration, you will bring sound relevant experience, care planning and assessment skills. Above all, you will be determined to make a difference for both the service and the children who need it.

A good understanding of Child Protection legislation is important, as is the motivation to grow in your role through personal and professional development.

If you are a newly qualified social worker you will undertake the Council’s Programme of Assessed Supported Year in Employment.

Here’s what our social workers say about working in our team

‘If you would like to be part of a dynamic and forward thinking team, now is your chance!’

‘Reduced caseloads allow us the time to build up positive working relationships with children and families so we can really make a difference’

‘Highly supportive managers and peer support, I feel valued and part of an amazing team’

‘Our varied caseloads of age group mean every day is different, challenging and rewarding’

Rewards and benefits

It really is true that every single job role here contributes to bettering the lives of the people in our county – we want to do this for our employees too. We are proud of our strong flexible working culture, including the opportunity for flexibility on working hours and the use of technology to support agile working. We offer some of the very best learning and development opportunities to support your ongoing development.

We have a generous holiday allowance which rises as you remain in employment with us up to 32 days, as well as giving you the option to buy additional holiday. You will also have access to a Local Government Pension Scheme with employer contributions of up to 19.9% of your salary; a range of local and national retail discounts; and a host of enhanced family friendly policies including carers leave and paid time off for volunteering.

Would you like to know more?

Please click here to view the Job Description and Selection Criteria.

For an informal discussion about the role please contact Lydia Gardner, Team Manager or Alex Spriggs, Team Manager – 01865 816677

Application Procedure

To apply, you will need to complete an online application form. This includes a section asking you to explain how you meet the selection criteria, as specified in the job posting. You may attach a cover letter and/or CV to your application form, however it is not mandatory.

If you experience any difficulties whilst completing the application form, please contact the Recruitment Team using Recruitment Application Enquiry Form.

Our commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion

At Oxfordshire County Council we are proud of our diverse workforce. Everyone is accepted for who they are, regardless of age, disability, gender identity, marital status, race, faith or belief, sexual orientation, socioeconomic background, and whether you’re pregnant or on family leave. We have a number of staff network groups which provide peer support and safe spaces for staff.

Our commitment to safeguarding

Our Organisation is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and adults. We expect all employees, workers and volunteers to share this commitment.

We will ensure that all our recruitment and selection practices reflect these commitments.

Guaranteed interviews

As a Disability Confident employer we guarantee an interview for disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for the job. We also guarantee interviews to care leavers who have completed further education and who meet the essential criteria for the job. For those leaving care without any further education we guarantee an interview for our apprenticeships. We are also committed to helping and supporting those transitioning from HM Armed Forces to civilian life and guarantee an interview for those demonstrating the essential criteria for the role, within three years of leaving the service.

We are open to discussions about flexible working.