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- Tasks: Lead and support a team of Children's Practitioners and Social Workers in safeguarding and child protection.
- Company: Join a forward-thinking council dedicated to transforming children's social care in Oxfordshire.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development opportunities, and a chance to make a real impact.
- Why this job: Be part of a passionate team committed to empowering children and families for a brighter future.
- Qualifications: Qualified Social Worker with experience in safeguarding and child protection.
- Other info: Ambitious environment focused on continuous improvement and lasting change.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
About the role
You will line manage Children's Practitioners & Social Workers while also deputising for the Team Manager, when required. You will also supervise Newly Qualified Social Workers, supporting and assessing them to meet the requirements of the council's Assessed & Supported Year in Employment (ASYE) programme. In addition, you will manage the Team's duty and assessment function.
Large part of your role will focus on supporting county safeguarding and child protection policies and ensuring that they are adhered to. You will play a lead role in improving practice, including the quality of assessments and care planning within the team, leading team meeting discussions and workshops, and updating staff on practice developments and research findings.
You will be responsible for the allocation and timely progression of new referrals into the team via the duty system, under the direction of the Team Manager.
About you
As a qualified Social Worker, you will possess knowledge of services relevant to children, young people, families, carers, and groups, and knowledge of how to access relevant services. You working knowledge of the Family Safeguarding Model and Motivational Interviewing will be beneficial in ensuring timely progression of work with families within the FSS model, ensuring direct reports work in accordance with the model modules and attend group case supervision as required.
You should have considerable direct experience of safeguarding social work including child protection planning and legal casework, including knowledge of relevant law, legislation, guidance, policy and procedures in relation to children and families' social work.
About us
Together, we're shaping children's social care for the future. Every day, our colleagues are helping to transform the lives of Oxfordshire residents.
In our Children, Education, & Families directorate, we're 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 and this is reflected in our restorative, relational practice approach.
We\’ve been consistently rated as \”good\” by Ofsted, but we are not content with that; we are ambitious and want to do even better! We\’re committed to investing in Children, Education, and Families, to ensure that we have the resources we need to make a real difference to the families we work with – including successful operation of our transformational model Family Support and Safeguarding (FSS).
Assistant Team Manager - Children\'s Services (Didcot) employer: Oxfordshire County Council
Contact Detail:
Oxfordshire County Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Assistant Team Manager - Children\'s Services (Didcot)
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the social work field, 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 researching the organisation and its values. Familiarise yourself with their approach to safeguarding and child protection policies. This will help you demonstrate your alignment with their mission and show that you're genuinely interested in making a difference.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your interview skills with a friend or mentor. Role-playing common interview questions can help you articulate your experience and knowledge effectively. Plus, it’ll boost your confidence when it’s time to shine!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! We’re always on the lookout for passionate individuals who want to make a real impact in children’s services. Keep an eye on our job listings and get your application in – we’d love to hear from you!
We think you need these skills to ace Assistant Team Manager - Children\'s Services (Didcot)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: When writing your application, let your passion for children's services shine through. We want to see how much you care about making a difference in the lives of children and families, so share your experiences and motivations clearly.
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to tailor your application to the specific role of Assistant Team Manager. Highlight your relevant experience in safeguarding, child protection, and team management. We love seeing how your skills align with what we’re looking for!
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application clear and to the point. Use straightforward language and avoid jargon where possible. We appreciate a well-structured application that makes it easy for us to see your qualifications and fit for the role.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team at StudySmarter!
How to prepare for a job interview at Oxfordshire County Council
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of safeguarding policies and the Family Safeguarding Model. Being able to discuss these topics confidently will show that you're not just familiar with the role, but that you're genuinely passionate about improving practice in children's services.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As an Assistant Team Manager, you'll be leading discussions and workshops. Prepare examples from your past experiences where you've successfully managed a team or supported newly qualified social workers. This will demonstrate your capability to lead and mentor effectively.
✨Be Ready for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that put you in real-life situations related to child protection and assessment. Think through how you would handle various scenarios, focusing on your decision-making process and adherence to policies. This will highlight your practical understanding of the role.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
At the end of the interview, don’t shy away from asking questions about the team dynamics or the council's future plans for children's services. This shows your interest in the role and helps you gauge if it's the right fit for you.
