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Empowering Change - Children's Social Care - together we’re the moment makers

Job Introduction

About Us

Together, we’re shaping children’s social care for the future. Every day, our colleagues are helping to transform the lives of the residents of Oxfordshire.

In our Early Help, Assessment and Prevention Directorate, we’re committed to delivering lasting change, by helping the children, young people, and families of Oxfordshire to thrive. We know the importance of building relationships, empowering people, and building on strengths - and this is reflected in our restorative, relational practice approach.

Everyday you’ll be challenged in a new way, supported by your team, in an organisation that is free thinking, flexible, and helps people achieve their ambitions. We’re not afraid to do things differently and our dynamic culture means this is a place where new ideas are embraced, and innovation thrives.

We believe that together, our differences make us stronger, and that diversity is the foundation for innovation. Here, you can create a unique career for yourself – while raising the bar for the future of children’s social care.

We’ve been consistently rated as “good” by Ofsted and we continue to strive to do better! Are you in?

About the Role

Are you passionate about making a difference in the lives of children, young people, and families in need of help and protection? We have exciting Social Worker and Senior Practitioner opportunities within the Children's Assessment Service (North).

The Children’s Assessment Service provides an early response to support children and their families who may be in need or at risk of harm without our help. Our workers have the privilege of supporting families at one of the earliest points of contact with Children's Services, completing comprehensive child and family assessments in partnership with children and their families, so we can ensure they receive the right help, at the right time. We do this with the support of our multi-agency partners with whom we have developed strong relationships as part of Oxfordshire’s commitment to the Family Safeguarding Model.

The Children's Assessment Service is a fast-paced environment providing a wealth of professional development opportunities. In this important role, you will be part of a duty rotation of social workers receiving assessments as they are referred by our Multi-Agency Safeguarding Hub. You will also be responsible for leading Section 47 child protection investigations where they are necessary, all with the support of experienced managers. The role of a children's assessment Social Worker is critical in ensuring our children and their families receive thoughtful, evidence-based assessments that help them identify and make changes, and where necessary have a well-developed further plan of intervention to support lasting changes.

About you

The post holder will be free-thinking and brave, and that sets you apart. You'll be supportive and energised; you don't accept the norm if it can be done better - finding answers through exploration and courage. Just as importantly, you will embody our values in everything you do: always learning, be kind and care, equality and integrity in all we do, taking responsibility and daring to do it differently.

Fundamentally, you'll be passionate about delivering stand-out public services, because we're here to make every moment the best it can be for the residents of Oxfordshire

A role in the Children’s Assessment Service is a key safeguarding role and our Social Workers and Senior Practitioners are critical in ensuring children and families receive a safe, respectful and child-focused service.

To apply:

You should be a qualified social worker with current Social Work England registration, and have completed the ASYE (or equivalent).

Additionally, you will have experience of working with children and their families in a statutory setting and possess a good working knowledge of services relevant to children, young people, their families and carers. It is essential that you have a good understanding of safeguarding, relevant legislation, guidance, policy and procedures.

Most importantly, you should share our commitment to delivering respectful, proportionate and evidence-based assessments that are child-focused and ensure that children's voices really make a difference to what we do.

It is essential that you are a car owner/driver and are able to travel to visit children and families and attend meetings across the North of the county.

Please refer to the job description attached for a full list of selection criteria. We would love to hear all about your relevant experience and achievements in your application.

Curious to learn more? Contact our friendly team for a confidential and informative chat - Nicola.harper@oxfordshire.gov.uk Team manager – North

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.

• Welcome and Loyalty payment of £3,500.
• Relocation allowance of up to £8,000.
• Annual leave starting at 30 days per year (plus bank holidays).
• A comprehensive Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS).
• Flexible working.
• Employee Assistance Programme including access to health and wellbeing support 24x7.
• Range of family-friendly policies.
• Childcare vouchers, cycle to work scheme, electric car scheme, range of staff discounts including travel, holidays, insurance, food, health & leisure activities.
• Excellent learning and development opportunities.

If you are a Social Worker living outside of the United Kingdom or a Student Social Worker please keep an eye out for our International Social Worker vacancies or opportunities for Newly Qualified Social Workers.

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, or on maternity or family leave. We have a number of staff network groups which provide peer support, education and safe spaces for all.

Our commitment to:
Guaranteed Interview Schemes

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.

Our commitment to:
Safeguarding

Oxfordshire County Council are 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.

Our commitment to:
Flexible Working

We are open to discussions about flexible working, which can include flexi-time, part time working, job sharing, nine-day fortnights and annualised hours, depending on the requirements of the role and the service.

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If you encounter any issues with the application system, please contact: careers@oxfordshire.gov.uk