Assistant Team Manager - Children\'s Assessment Service in Abingdon

In our Early Help, Assessment and Prevention Directorate, we are committed to delivering lasting change by helping the children, young people, and families of Oxfordshire to thrive. We know the importance of building relationships, empowering people, and building on strengths – this is reflected in our restorative, relational practice approach.

Main duties of the job

Are you passionate about making a difference in the lives of children, young people, and families in need of help and protection? We have exciting Assistant Team Manager opportunities within the Children's Assessment Service. As one of our Assistant Team Managers you will be responsible for coordinating and overseeing the social work response for children referred to us at the Front Door.

You will line‑manage a pod of Social Workers, act as Duty Manager, oversee allocations for incoming Section 17 and Section 47 referrals, provide case and individual supervision to Social Workers, and QA their completed work. Making threshold decisions is part of daily life in the Children's Assessment Service, and you will provide clear advice and proportionate decisions in how we respond. The role is fast‑paced – your energy and enthusiasm will be key. You will be part of a wider management team, and with the support of your Team Manager and our skilled social workers you will be at the forefront of safeguarding our most vulnerable children and families. We have opportunities for this role to be both Full Time and Part Time.

About us

The post holder will be free‑thinking and brave, and that sets you apart. You'll be supportive and energised; you don’t accept the norm if it can be done better – finding answers through exploration and courage. Just as importantly, you will embody our values in everything you do: always learning, be kind and care, equality and integrity in all we do, taking responsibility, and daring to do it differently. Fundamentally, you'll be passionate about delivering stand‑out public services, because we're here to make every moment the best it can be for the residents of Oxfordshire.

Person Specification

To apply, you will need:

• A Social Work qualification and current registration with Social Work England
• Considerable direct experience of frontline safeguarding Social Work, including assessment team working, and developing safe plans and interventions
• You will be able to work with autonomy and ideally will have management experience gained from a statutory child protection service. Experience of supervising student social workers, family support staff, and/or social workers may also be considered
• You will be able to manage competing demands, be reflective and analytical, and proportionate in your decision‑making whilst maintaining a clear focus on the best interests of children and vulnerable adults
• Working knowledge of the Family Safeguarding Model and Motivational Interviewing

Please refer to the job description attached for a full list of selection criteria. We would love to hear all about your relevant experience and achievements in your application.

Curious to learn more? Contact our friendly team for a confidential and informative chat! Emma Levy, Team Manager – South.

Rewards and benefits

We are proud of our strong flexible working culture, including the opportunity for flexibility on working hours and the use of technology to support agile working. We offer some of the best learning and development opportunities to support your ongoing development. Some of the things you can enjoy: Annual leave starting at 30 days per year (plus