At a Glance
- Tasks: Support vulnerable individuals facing homelessness and improve their access to health services.
- Company: Oxfordshire County Council, dedicated to making a difference in the community.
- Benefits: Competitive pay, flexible working hours, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Join a dynamic, multidisciplinary team focused on holistic support.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on people's lives while working in a supportive team environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in social work and a passion for helping others.
The predicted salary is between 37338 - 44962 £ per year.
Your new company, Oxfordshire County Council, are seeking an experienced and motivated Locum Social Worker to join the Oxfordshire Health & Homelessness Inclusion Team (OHHI) - a dynamic, multidisciplinary service working with some of the most vulnerable individuals across the county.
This post sits within Oxfordshire County Council Adult Social Care (City Team) but is embedded within the OHHI multidisciplinary team (MDT). You will work closely alongside:
- Two additional Social Workers (including a Practice Supervisor)
- A Clinical Psychologist
- Housing professionals and support staff
The team supports vulnerably housed individuals, with a strong focus on:
- Improving access to health services
- Preventing chronic homelessness
- Delivering coordinated, person-centred interventions
OHHI provides wraparound, intensive support for individuals with complex needs, helping to stabilise housing and improve overall wellbeing.
Key Responsibilities
- Manage a varied caseload of adults experiencing or at risk of homelessness
- Work collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team to deliver holistic support
- Contribute to safeguarding, assessments, and care planning
- Support individuals to access appropriate health, housing, and community services
- Build strong partnership relationships with health providers, housing agencies, and third-sector organisations
Working Arrangements: This is a county-wide role, with most work based in Oxford City.
Social worker - Oxfordshire employer: Hays Social Care
Oxfordshire County Council is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and collaborative work culture that prioritises the wellbeing of both employees and the vulnerable individuals they serve. With a strong focus on professional development, social workers in the Oxfordshire Health & Homelessness Inclusion Team benefit from working within a dynamic multidisciplinary environment, gaining valuable experience while making a meaningful impact in the community. The council's commitment to improving access to health services and preventing chronic homelessness ensures that employees are engaged in rewarding work that truly makes a difference.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Social worker - Oxfordshire
✨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 Hays Social Care.
✨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 Hays Social Care!
✨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 Hays Social Care, 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 Hays Social Care 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 - Oxfordshire
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 Hays Social Care:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Hays Social Care! 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 Hays Social Care
✨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.
