At a Glance
- Tasks: Support children and families through meaningful relationships and high-quality assessments.
- Company: Oxfordshire County Council, a forward-thinking organisation prioritising staff wellbeing.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, welcome payment, generous annual leave, and flexible working options.
- Other info: Join a culture of kindness with excellent career progression opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in social work while being supported in your career growth.
- Qualifications: 2+ years of UK statutory experience and a full UK driving licence.
The predicted salary is between 46142 - 49282 € per year.
Children's Services (Oxfordshire)
Locations: Banbury, Bicester, Witney, Oxford (Central), Abingdon, Didcot
Salary Range: £46,142 - £49,282 + welcome payment of £3,500 + up to £8,000 relocation
Annual leave starting at 30 days
A council that genuinely looks after its people. Oxfordshire County Council is known for being forward‑thinking and committed to doing social work the right way. They invest in their teams, review salaries regularly, monitor caseloads closely, and put staff wellbeing at the heart of everything they do.
If you want to practice high‑quality social work in a service that supports you as much as you support families, this is the place.
What You'll Do:
- Hold a protected caseload and build meaningful relationships with children & families
- Complete high‑quality assessments, plans and s47 enquiries
- Lead CIN, CP and Court work with confidence
- Write clear, evidence‑based reports for conference & legal proceedings
- Work strengths‑based using FSS Workbook modules
- Ensure the child's voice shapes every decision
- Maintain accurate case records and meet statutory requirements
- Work collaboratively with multi‑agency partners
- Participate in reflective supervision and ongoing CPD
- Act as duty worker on a rota
Where You'll Work: Choose a location that suits your lifestyle
- North: Banbury, Bicester, Witney
- Central: Union Street, Barton, Rosehill (Oxford)
- South: Abingdon, Didcot
Why Oxfordshire?
- Regular salary reviews
- Strong focus on mental health & wellbeing
- 24/7 Employee Assistance Programme
- Supportive managers who actually listen
- A culture of kindness, respect and professional curiosity
- Career progression - investment in your future
What You Need:
- 2+ years UK statutory experience (3+ for Senior Practitioner)
- Experience in long‑term casework (CIN, CP, Court)
- Full UK driving licence + access to a car
- Live within, or be willing to relocate to within, 1 hour of an office
- Already working for a UK Local Authority if applying from overseas
And the benefits speak for themselves:
- £3,500 welcome payment
- Up to £8,000 relocation
- 30 days annual leave + bank holidays
- Local Government Pension Scheme
- Flexible working
- Cycle to work & electric car scheme
- Discounts on travel, holidays, insurance, food & leisure
Ready to join a council that values you? If you want to do meaningful social work in a service that supports your wellbeing, your development, and your career - Oxfordshire is the place to be.
What you need to do now:
If you're interested in this role, click 'apply now' to forward an up-to-date copy of your CV, or call us now. If this job isn't quite right for you, but you are looking for a new position, please contact us for a confidential discussion about your career.
Qualified Practitioner - Social Care employer: Hays Senior Finance
Oxfordshire County Council is an exceptional employer that prioritises the wellbeing and professional growth of its staff, offering a supportive work culture where kindness and respect are at the forefront. With competitive salaries, generous annual leave, and a strong focus on mental health, employees can thrive in their roles while making a meaningful impact in the community. The council's commitment to regular salary reviews and career progression ensures that practitioners are valued and invested in, making it an ideal place for those looking to advance their social care careers.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Qualified Practitioner - Social Care
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in social care, attend local events, and join relevant online groups. The more people you know, the better your chances of hearing about job openings before they even hit the market.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by practising common questions and scenarios specific to social work. Think about how you can showcase your experience with CIN, CP, and Court work. We want you to shine when it’s your turn to impress!
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t just apply and wait! Follow up on your applications with a friendly email or call. It shows your enthusiasm and keeps you on their radar. Plus, it gives you a chance to ask any questions you might have about the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Check out our website for the latest job openings and resources tailored for social care professionals. We’re here to help you find the right fit, so don’t hesitate to reach out if you need guidance or support during your job search!
We think you need these skills to ace Qualified Practitioner - Social Care
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the specific skills and experiences that match the role of a Qualified Practitioner. Highlight your statutory experience and any relevant casework to show us you’re the right fit!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you’re passionate about social work and how your values align with Oxfordshire County Council’s commitment to wellbeing and support.
Showcase Your Achievements:Don’t just list your duties; tell us about your successes! Whether it’s a successful case outcome or a positive impact on a family, we want to see how you’ve made a difference in your previous roles.
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 into the right hands quickly!
How to prepare for a job interview at Hays Senior Finance
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you’re well-versed in the key responsibilities of a Qualified Practitioner in Children's Services. Brush up on your knowledge of high-quality assessments, casework, and the importance of maintaining accurate records. This will help you answer questions confidently and show that you’re ready to hit the ground running.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare specific examples from your past work that highlight your experience with long-term casework, particularly in CIN, CP, and Court settings. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses, making it easy for the interviewers to see how your skills align with their needs.
✨Emphasise Wellbeing and Support
Since Oxfordshire County Council prioritises staff wellbeing, be sure to express your understanding of its importance in social work. Share how you’ve managed your own wellbeing while supporting families, and discuss any strategies you use to maintain a healthy work-life balance.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare some insightful questions to ask at the end of your interview. Inquire about the council's approach to reflective supervision or how they support career progression. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you determine if it’s the right fit for you.
