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- Tasks: Lead and support a team of social workers in children's services.
- Company: Join Oxfordshire County Council, shaping the future of children's social care.
- Benefits: Enjoy 30 days annual leave, flexible working, and a generous pension scheme.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while developing your career.
- Qualifications: Qualified Social Worker with safeguarding experience and knowledge of relevant legislation.
- Other info: Diverse and inclusive workplace with excellent learning opportunities.
The predicted salary is between 43300 - 47100 ÂŁ per year.
Assistant Team Manager – Children\’s Services (Didcot) – OX11 8QXNumber of Positions: 1Contract Type: PermanentSalary: £50269 – £53460Working Hours: 37Location: OxfordshireBusiness Unit: Children\’s Services
Empowering change – children’s social care
Together , we’re the moment makers
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) .
Our Rewards & Benefits
- Annual leave starting at 30 days per year (plus bank holidays).
- Relocation allowance of up to ÂŁ8,000 (subject to meeting eligibility criteria).
- A welcome and loyalty bonus of ÂŁ3,500.
- Culture of flexible working
- Technology to support agile working where role permits
- Membership of the Local Government contributory pension scheme, employer’s contribution of up to 19.9%
- Employee Assistance Programme including access to health and wellbeing support 24 x7.
- Range of family friendly policies.
- Childcare vouchers, cycle to work scheme, electric car scheme, range of staff discounts including travel, holidays, insurance, food, health & leisure activities.
- Excellent learning and development opportunities.
Link to our Children\’s Services benefits site: * Benefits of working for children\’s services *
How to apply
To apply, please complete our online application form.
Application requirements:
- Explain how you meet the job role requirements and selection criteria as specified in the job description attached.
- Attach a cover letter and CV to your application form.
- If you encounter any difficulties while completing the form, please contact the Recruitment Team using the Application Enquiry Form on the Home Page.
We look forward to receiving your application!
Our commitment to:
Equality, Diversity and Inclusion
At Oxfordshire County Council we are proud of our diverse workforce. Everyone is accepted for who they are, regardless of age, disability, gender identity, marital status, race, faith or belief, sexual orientation, socioeconomic background, or on maternity or family leave . We have a number of staff network groups which provide peer support, education and safe spaces for all.
Our commitment to:
Guaranteed Interview Schemes
As a Disability Confident employer, we guarantee an interview for disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for the job. We also guarantee interviews to care leavers who have completed further education and who meet the essential criteria for the job . For those leaving care without any further education, we guarantee an interview for our apprenticeships. We are also committed to helping and supporting those transitioning from HM Armed Forces to civilian life and guarantee an interview for those demonstrating the essential criteria for the role, within three years of leaving the service .
Our commitment to:
Safeguarding
Oxfordshire County Council are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and adults . We expect all employees, workers and volunteers to share this commitment. We will ensure that all our recruitment and selection practices reflect these commitments.
Our commitment to:
Flexible Working
We are open to discussions about flexible working, which can include flexi-time, part time working, job sharing , nine-day fortnights and annualised hours, depending on the requirements of the role and the service .
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If you encounter any technical issues with the application system, please contact us at:
Assistant Team Manager - Children\'s Services (Didcot) - OX11 8QX 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) - OX11 8QX
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current employees in Children’s Services on LinkedIn or at local events. A friendly chat can give you insider info and maybe even a referral!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by brushing up on your knowledge of safeguarding policies and the Family Safeguarding Model. Show us you’re not just qualified, but passionate about making a difference!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your responses to common interview questions. We want to hear how you’ve handled challenging situations in the past, so have some examples ready that highlight your skills and experience.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after your interview! A quick thank-you email can keep you fresh in our minds and show us you’re genuinely interested in the role.
We think you need these skills to ace Assistant Team Manager - Children\'s Services (Didcot) - OX11 8QX
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight how your experience aligns with the role. We want to see how you meet the job requirements and selection criteria, so don’t hold back on showcasing your relevant skills!
Be Clear and Concise: When filling out the application form, keep your answers straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so avoid jargon and make it easy for us to understand your qualifications and experiences.
Show Your Passion: Let your enthusiasm for working in children’s services shine through! Share why you’re excited about this role and how you can contribute to empowering change for children and families in Oxfordshire.
Check Your Work: Before hitting submit, give your application a thorough once-over. Typos and errors can distract from your message, so take a moment to ensure everything is polished and professional. We’re looking forward to seeing your best work!
How to prepare for a job interview at Oxfordshire County Council
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of the Family Safeguarding Model and Motivational Interviewing. Be ready to discuss how these frameworks can be applied in practice, especially when it comes to supporting families and ensuring child protection.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare specific examples from your past work that highlight your experience in safeguarding social work and child protection planning. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses and demonstrate your impact.
✨Engage with the Team's Vision
Familiarise yourself with the council's commitment to empowering change and restorative practices. During the interview, express how your values align with theirs and share ideas on how you can contribute to improving practice within the team.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare insightful questions about the role and the team dynamics. Inquire about the support provided for Newly Qualified Social Workers and how the team collaborates to meet safeguarding goals. This shows your genuine interest and helps you assess if it's the right fit for you.
