At a Glance
- Tasks: Support disabled children and families, ensuring their needs are met through assessments and care plans.
- Company: Join Oxfordshire County Council, a stable authority dedicated to transforming children's social care.
- Benefits: Enjoy a flexible work environment, opportunities for growth, and a chance to make a real difference.
- Why this job: Be part of a dynamic team that values innovation and diversity while making lasting changes in lives.
- Qualifications: Must be a qualified Social Worker registered with Social Work England, passionate about public service.
- Other info: Embrace a culture of continuous improvement and creativity in your career journey.
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 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). 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 the Role
The Children’s Disability Team work with disabled children and their families, assessing their need for social care services and supporting Child in Need and Child Protection plans; children subject to Care Proceedings, Children We Care For and Leaving Care adults. This is a rewarding opportunity, to ensure that services are planned and delivered in a way that maximises participation and reflects children’s rights in relation to services being provided; to act on views of children and young people and demonstrate that children’s rights are reflected in the work with children and young people. The post holder is responsible for ensuring that all County Safeguarding and Child Protection policies are adhered to and concerns are raised in accordance with these policies.
Key responsibilities include:
- To assess need, providing focused work aimed at helping parents and children make changes in their lives, recording and evaluating that work as well as liaising with other agencies and voluntary organisations to improve the support available to children and their families in the local community.
- To be the allocated worker for disabled children in need or subject to child protection plans as identified by assessment, and for disabled children who are looked after.
- To provide ongoing timely assessment, planning, implementation and review for allocated cases, working in partnership with young people, their families and partner agencies.
- To prepare written reports for review, case conferences, courts and departmental panels as appropriate.
- To undertake effective analysis and management of risk for allocated children and to promote and support their developing needs under the supervision of the Team Manager.
About You
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.
We would like to hear from you if you are:
- A Qualified Social Worker, and Registered with Social Work England.
- Kind and caring, with an understanding of and respect for individuals’ qualities, abilities, and diverse backgrounds.
- Advocating for equality and integrity in all you do.
- Always learning, with a passion to grow and develop your skills.
- Willing to take responsibility and contribute to the delivery of Oxfordshire County Council’s vision.
- Driven to do it differently to embark on a journey of continuous improvement.
To apply, please visit: Social Worker 25 July, 2025 Jobs and careers with Oxfordshire County Council.
Social Worker - Children\'s Social Care employer: Oxfordshire County Council
Contact Detail:
Oxfordshire County Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Social Worker - Children\'s Social Care
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the specific needs and challenges faced by disabled children and their families in Oxfordshire. Understanding local issues will help you demonstrate your commitment to making a difference during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with current social workers or professionals in children's social care. Engaging with them can provide insights into the role and the organisation's culture, which you can reference in your discussions.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your understanding of restorative and relational practice approaches. Be prepared to discuss how these methods can be applied in your work with children and families, as this aligns with the values of the organisation.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare examples of how you've advocated for children's rights in previous roles. Highlighting your experience in promoting equality and integrity will resonate well with the values of Oxfordshire County Council.
We think you need these skills to ace Social Worker - Children\'s Social Care
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Before applying, make sure to thoroughly read the job description. Understand the key responsibilities and the values that the organisation embodies. Tailor your application to reflect how your skills and experiences align with their mission of transforming children's lives.
Highlight Relevant Experience: In your CV and cover letter, emphasise your experience as a Qualified Social Worker. Include specific examples of your work with disabled children and families, and how you have adhered to safeguarding policies. This will demonstrate your capability and commitment to the role.
Showcase Your Values: The organisation values free-thinking, bravery, and a passion for public service. Make sure to convey these qualities in your application. Share anecdotes that illustrate your commitment to equality, integrity, and continuous improvement in social care.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, take the time to proofread your application. Check for any spelling or grammatical errors, and ensure that your documents are well-structured and clear. A polished application reflects your attention to detail and professionalism.
How to prepare for a job interview at Oxfordshire County Council
✨Understand the Role and Responsibilities
Before your interview, make sure you thoroughly understand the key responsibilities of a Social Worker in Children's Social Care. Familiarise yourself with the specific needs of disabled children and their families, as well as the policies and procedures related to safeguarding and child protection.
✨Showcase Your Values
During the interview, demonstrate how your personal values align with those of the organisation. Highlight your commitment to equality, integrity, and continuous improvement, and provide examples of how you've embodied these values in your previous work.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving skills and ability to handle challenging situations. Prepare by thinking of specific examples from your past experiences where you successfully supported children and families, and be ready to discuss your thought process and outcomes.
✨Emphasise Teamwork and Collaboration
The role involves working closely with other agencies and partner organisations. Be prepared to discuss your experience in collaborative settings, how you communicate effectively with team members, and how you ensure that the voices of children and families are heard in the decision-making process.