At a Glance
- Tasks: Support vulnerable families and foster carers while making a real difference in children's lives.
- Company: Join Oxfordshire County Council's dedicated fostering service team.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, generous holiday allowance, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Inclusive workplace with support networks and assured interview schemes.
- Why this job: Be part of a mission to protect children and strengthen family relationships.
- Qualifications: Professional social work qualifications and a passion for helping others.
The predicted salary is between 38220 - 45091 £ per year.
We are seeking a dedicated Social Worker to become a member of our team. You will work as part of Oxfordshire County Council’s fostering service, within the countywide kinship team.
Summary of the job
- You will be responsible for analysing Regulation 24 arrangements to present to the Fostering Panel, supporting and supervising linked persons’ foster carers, and undertaking initial viability and Special Guardianship evaluations for court in relation to children subject to legal proceedings.
Main duties of the role
- Analyse Regulation 24 arrangements and present to the Fostering Panel.
- Support and supervise linked persons’ foster carers.
- Conduct initial viability and Special Guardianship evaluations for court.
- Work with kinship carers, children, and families to develop safe, stable and well‑supported living arrangements.
- Collaborate with Children’s Services and other agencies to provide assistance and support.
- Maintain accurate records, meet deadlines, and write reports effectively.
- Build and maintain relationships with vulnerable families and agencies.
Qualifications and experience
- Professional social work qualifications and experience.
- Excellent judgement, decision‑making and report writing skills.
- Proactive, organised and motivated to deliver high quality social work practice.
- Capacity to manage a diversified caseload and meet deadlines.
- Passion for protecting children, developing family relationships, and making a lasting difference.
Benefits and rewards
- Optional 9‑day fortnight working pattern and agile working with a range of potential office bases.
- Internal and external learning and development opportunities.
- Significant holiday allowance up to 32 days, with option to buy more.
- Local Government Pension Scheme with employer contributions up to 19.9% of salary.
- Retail discounts and family‑friendly policies (carer leave, volunteering time off).
Equality, Diversity & Inclusion
All are welcome regardless of age, handicap, gender identity, marital status, race, faith or belief, sexual orientation, socioeconomic background or maternity or family leave. We offer staff network groups that provide peer support, education and safe spaces for all.
Assured Interview Schemes
We are a Disability Confident company, offering interviews to applicants who meet the minimum qualifications, including care leavers and those transitioning from the armed forces.
Flexible working
Flexible working options include flexi‑time, part‑time, job sharing, nine day fortnights and annualised hours.
Disclosure & Barring Service (DBS) Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and a DBS check will be made.
Certificate of Sponsorship
Applications from skilled workers requiring visa sponsorship will be assessed alongside all other applicants.
Recruitment position
Applicants must be professionally current in the UK.
Social Worker Jobs UK Sponsorship – Certificate of Sponsorship Opportunity in Oxford employer: Destinydot
Oxfordshire County Council is an exceptional employer for social workers, offering a supportive work culture that prioritises employee well-being and professional development. With flexible working options, generous holiday allowances, and a commitment to equality and diversity, employees can thrive in a collaborative environment dedicated to making a meaningful impact in the community. The opportunity to work within the fostering service in the vibrant city of Oxford further enhances the appeal, providing a fulfilling career path in a picturesque location.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Social Worker Jobs UK Sponsorship – Certificate of Sponsorship Opportunity in Oxford
✨Dive into Local Community Groups
Social work thrives on community connections, so get involved in local groups or forums specific to your interests. Whether it’s volunteering at local shelters or joining community action boards, these are great ways to boost your visibility and make direct contacts that could lead to opportunities like the one at Destinydot.
✨Attend Social Work Events and Workshops
Keep an eye out for workshops, seminars, or conferences in social work. These events are fantastic for meeting professionals in the field, learning about emerging trends, and spotting job openings. Plus, you might just bump into someone from Destinydot!
✨Showcase Your Passion and Expertise
Use platforms like Instagram or LinkedIn to share your journey and insights into the social work sector. Whether it’s writing about your experiences or sharing relevant articles, this helps to establish you as an engaged professional. Potential employers, like Destinydot, will notice your enthusiasm!
✨Leverage Your Network
Don’t hesitate to reach out to professors, mentors, or even past colleagues who are in social work. They might have inside knowledge about openings at Destinydot or be able to connect you with someone who’s hiring. Networking is key, especially in a full-time role where relationships matter.
We think you need these skills to ace Social Worker Jobs UK Sponsorship – Certificate of Sponsorship Opportunity in Oxford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Social Work:In your cover letter, let us see your passion for social work shine through! Talk about the experiences that made you want to pursue this career—whether it’s volunteering, personal experiences, or academic projects. We want to know why this field matters to you.
Emphasise Relevant Qualifications:Make sure your CV highlights any relevant qualifications, like degrees in social work or certifications like a DBS check. If you've done any workshops or training, don’t forget to include those as well. We're keen to see your commitment to your professional development!
Detail Your Experience with Clients:Since this is a hands-on field, detailing any direct experience you have with clients is crucial. Whether it's internships, volunteer roles, or previous jobs, highlight those experiences in your CV to show us you've got the practical skills necessary for the job!
Tailor Your Application to Destinydot:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Destinydot! Research our mission and values, and refer to them in your cover letter. This shows us that you understand our work and are genuinely interested in being a part of our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Destinydot
✨Understanding the Role of Empathy
In social work, understanding and demonstrating empathy is key. Be prepared to share personal experiences or scenarios where you effectively showed compassion and support. This helps show that you genuinely care about the well-being of others, which is crucial in social work.
✨Demonstrating Knowledge of Frameworks
Familiarise yourself with the frameworks and models used in social work, such as the Strengths-Based Approach or the Ecological Perspective. Be ready to discuss how these frameworks apply to your work, especially if you can tie them into real-world examples or case studies you've encountered.
✨Showcasing Your Multi-Disciplinary Skills
In a full-time social work role, you'll often collaborate with healthcare professionals, educators, and law enforcement. Be prepared to describe your teamwork experiences and how you've effectively communicated with other disciplines to achieve the best outcomes for clients.
✨Preparing for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that put you in hypothetical social work situations, such as dealing with a crisis or managing a complex case. Think through your thought process for these scenarios beforehand, considering how you'd assess the situation and what steps you'd take, as this demonstrates your critical thinking and problem-solving abilities.
