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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Support children and families using a strengths-based approach to achieve positive outcomes.
- Company: Join Oxfordshire County Council, a forward-thinking local authority dedicated to making a difference.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, generous annual leave, relocation allowance, and flexible working options.
- Other info: Join a diverse team committed to continuous improvement and safeguarding.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in children's lives while growing your skills in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Kind, caring individuals with a passion for learning and advocating for equality.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
About Us
Working together to help Children, young people, and families to thrive.
Join Oxfordshire County Council on an exciting journey towards Delivering the Future Together, our ambitious transformation programme which will enable us to be an employer, partner, and place shaper of choice. We’re seeking the right people who can help us get there while embracing our value of ‘daring to do it differently’, as we continue to strive to do better.
In our Children, Education, & Families Directorate, we do our very best to help children, young people, and families 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! Oxfordshire County Council is 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.
About the Role
We’ve transformed the way we help our social workers get the best outcomes possible for every child and family we work with. We do this through manageable caseloads, great management support, reflective supervision, continual professional development in a learning environment, and unwavering focus on your wellbeing, so that you can always bring your best self to the children you support.
As part of our team, you will:
- Focus on successful outcomes for families using a relational, strengths-based approach.
- Use motivational interviewing to engage and support families with making the changes they need.
- Be supported with individual supervision to promote your wellbeing and professional development.
- Hold a manageable caseload of no more than 18 children as an experienced social worker, to ensure that you have the time you need to spend with the children and families you are working with.
- Have opportunities to continue to learn while you work, by undertaking training, webinars, practice learning events and reflective sessions.
In the Children we care for service, we support children and young people once a decision has been made that children need to live away from their family home. We support children who are subject to S31 and S20 of the Children\’s Act 1989.
We support children and young people achieve permanence via Adoption, Special Guardianships and Long-Term Fostering. We also support all elements of children and young people\’s care plans including preparing them for adulthood.
The young person is at the heart of everything we do.
About you
We would like to hear from you if you are…
- 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.
Rewards and Benefits
- Competitive salary from £41,771 – £49,282.
- 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 24 x 7.
- 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.
For further information about the role please contact Jo.Melhuish@Oxfordshire.gov.uk
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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Social Worker - Children We Care For employer: Connected Local Government
Contact Detail:
Connected Local Government Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Social Worker - Children We Care For
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former social workers at Oxfordshire County Council on LinkedIn. Ask them about their experiences and any tips they might have for landing the job. Personal connections can make a huge difference!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by practising your motivational interviewing skills. Think of real-life examples where you've successfully engaged with families or made a positive impact. This will show that you’re ready to embrace the relational, strengths-based approach they value.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t just focus on your qualifications; highlight your passion for continuous learning and development. Share how you’ve taken initiative in your previous roles to grow your skills, as this aligns perfectly with their commitment to professional development.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining Oxfordshire County Council and contributing to their mission of helping children and families thrive.
We think you need these skills to ace Social Worker - Children We Care For
Some tips for your application 🫡
Be Authentic: When you're writing your application, let your true self shine through. We want to see your personality and passion for social work, so don’t be afraid to share your experiences and what drives you to make a difference in children's lives.
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to reflect the values and goals of Oxfordshire County Council. Highlight how your skills and experiences align with our commitment to helping children and families thrive, and show us how you dare to do it differently!
Showcase Your Skills: Use specific examples to demonstrate your strengths and abilities. Whether it's your experience with motivational interviewing or your approach to building relationships, we want to know how you can contribute to our team and support the children we care for.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website for a smoother process. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves, and you’ll find all the details you need to get started on your journey with us!
How to prepare for a job interview at Connected Local Government
✨Know Your Values
Before the interview, take some time to reflect on your own values and how they align with Oxfordshire County Council's commitment to 'daring to do it differently'. Be ready to share examples of how you've embraced similar values in your previous roles.
✨Showcase Your Relational Skills
Since the role focuses on a relational, strengths-based approach, prepare to discuss specific instances where you've successfully built relationships with children and families. Highlight your use of motivational interviewing techniques to engage and support them.
✨Emphasise Continuous Learning
Demonstrate your passion for professional development by discussing any relevant training or learning experiences you've had. Mention how you plan to continue growing your skills in line with the opportunities offered by the council.
✨Prepare Questions
Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare thoughtful questions about the team dynamics, management support, and the council's vision for the future. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you assess if it's the right fit for you.