Social Worker - Children's Services

Empowering change - children's social care
Together, we're the moment makers

About the role

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 Children, Education, & Families 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.

We've been consistently rated as "good" by Ofsted, but we are not content with that; we are ambitious and want to do even better! We're a financially stable local authority which is committed to investing in Children, Education, and Families, to ensure that we have the resources we need to make a real difference to the families we work with - including successful operation of our transformational model Family Solutions Plus (FSP).

The post holder will work with children and young people who, after full assessment, are deemed to need permanent care away from their own home, or a significant period of substitute care, whether subject to Care orders or Section 20 of the children act.

In this role, you will ensure that services are planned and delivered in a way that maximises participation and reflects Children's rights in relation to services being provided; acts on views of children and young people and demonstrate Children's Rights are reflected in the way that you work with children and young people.

About us

Join our dynamic and forward-thinking team in the North! We are a fast-paced, supportive, and stable group, committed to providing the best care and making a positive impact in our community. We value innovation, collaboration, and continuous growth, and are looking for individuals who share our passion for making a difference.

Together, we're the moment makers and we're focussed on making every day the best it can be for our residents. Whatever you do here, you'll look around and say, "I make a difference". Because we're all creating lasting change to people's lives in Oxfordshire.

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.

Are you in?

About you

We're looking for a passionate Social Worker who is dedicated to supporting children and families and is eager to make a real difference by approaching challenges in innovative ways. You'll need to be a qualified Social Worker (B.A. Hons Degree, DipSW, CQSW, or equivalent).

You're 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.

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.

Curious to learn more? Contact our friendly team for a confidential and informative chat! Alex Spriggs, Team Manager:

We also have opportunities available across the county - please see our careers site for further information.

Rewards and benefits

Culture of flexible working

• Technology to support agile working where role permits
• Up to 33 day's holiday p.a. plus bank holidays
• Option to 'buy' additional holiday
• Employee Assistance Programme including access to health and wellbeing support
• Membership of the Local Government contributory pension scheme, with an employer's contribution of up to 19.9%
• Enhanced family friendly policies
• Local and national discounts for shopping and travel
• Great learning and development opportunities to support your ongoing development.

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, full time and 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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