At a Glance
- Tasks: Support children and families through meaningful relationships and high-quality assessments.
- Company: Oxfordshire County Council, known for its forward-thinking approach and staff wellbeing.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, welcome payment, 30 days 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 UK statutory experience and a full UK driving licence.
The predicted salary is between 41771 - 45091 € per year.
Children's Services (Oxfordshire)
Locations: Banbury, Bicester, Witney, Oxford (Central), Abingdon, Didcot
Salary Range: £41,771 - £45,091 + 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
Choose a location that suits your lifestyle:
- North: Banbury, Bicester, Witney
- Central: Union Street, Barton, Rosehill (Oxford)
- South: Abingdon, Didcot
- 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
- 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
- £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 Social Worker - Oxfordshire employer: Hays Senior Finance
Oxfordshire County Council is an exceptional employer that prioritises the wellbeing and professional growth of its social workers. With a strong focus on mental health, supportive management, and a culture of kindness, employees enjoy generous benefits including a welcome payment, relocation support, and 30 days of annual leave. This forward-thinking council not only values high-quality social work but also invests in the future of its staff, making it an ideal place for those seeking meaningful and rewarding employment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Qualified Social Worker - Oxfordshire
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees at Oxfordshire County Council on LinkedIn. A friendly chat can give you insider info and maybe even a referral!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by practising common social work scenarios. Think about how you'd handle specific cases and be ready to share your experiences. We want to see your passion for making a difference!
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your skills during the interview! Bring examples of your assessments and reports, and be ready to discuss how you've worked collaboratively with multi-agency partners. We love seeing real-life applications of your expertise.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we’re always looking for passionate individuals who want to join our supportive team.
We think you need these skills to ace Qualified Social Worker - Oxfordshire
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 Social Worker. 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 tell us why you're passionate about social work and how your values align with Oxfordshire County Council's commitment to wellbeing and support.
Showcase Your Experience:When detailing your experience, focus on your long-term casework and any leadership roles you've held. We want to see how you've made a difference in previous positions, so don’t hold back!
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 brush up on your knowledge of children's services and the specific challenges faced in Oxfordshire. Familiarise yourself with relevant legislation and frameworks, as well as the council's approach to social work. This will show that you're not just qualified, but genuinely interested in how they operate.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare to discuss your previous casework in detail, especially any long-term cases you've managed. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've built relationships with families and collaborated with multi-agency partners. This will demonstrate your practical skills and ability to handle a protected caseload.
✨Emphasise Wellbeing
Since Oxfordshire County Council prioritises staff wellbeing, be sure to mention how you manage your own mental health and support others. Discuss any strategies you use for self-care and how you maintain a healthy work-life balance, which aligns with their values.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare some insightful questions about the team dynamics, support systems, and opportunities for professional development within the council. This shows that you're not only interested in the role but also in how you can grow and contribute to their forward-thinking culture.
