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- Tasks: Lead and support a team of Children's Practitioners & Social Workers in safeguarding and child protection.
- Company: Join Oxfordshire County Council, shaping children's social care for a brighter future.
- Benefits: Enjoy 30 days annual leave, flexible working, and a generous pension scheme.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of children and families while developing your career.
- Qualifications: Qualified Social Worker with experience in safeguarding and child protection.
- Other info: Diverse and inclusive workplace with excellent learning opportunities.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 ÂŁ 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. A 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. Your 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 for qualifying candidates.
- 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 x 7.
- 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.
How to apply
To apply, you will need to complete an online application form. This includes a section asking you to explain how you meet the requirements of the job role and selection criteria, as specified in the job description. You should also attach a cover letter and CV to your application form. If you experience any difficulties whilst completing the application form, please contact the Recruitment Team using the Recruitment Application Enquiry Form on the Home Page.
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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Assistant Team Manager - Children\'s Services (South Oxfordshire) 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 (South Oxfordshire)
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the social work field, especially those who are already working in children's services. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings or even a referral.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your knowledge of safeguarding policies and the Family Safeguarding Model. We want you to feel confident discussing how you can contribute to improving practice and supporting your team.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your experience! Be ready to share specific examples of your work with children and families during interviews. Highlight your direct experience in safeguarding and child protection planning to stand out.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our mission to transform lives in Oxfordshire.
We think you need these skills to ace Assistant Team Manager - Children\'s Services (South Oxfordshire)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your experience aligns with the role. Use keywords from the job description to show that you understand what we're looking for.
Showcase Your Skills: In your cover letter, don’t just list your qualifications; explain how they relate to the specific responsibilities of the Assistant Team Manager role. We want to see how you can contribute to our mission!
Be Clear and Concise: When filling out the online application form, keep your answers clear and to the point. Avoid jargon and make it easy for us to see why you're a great fit for the team.
Check Your Work: Before hitting submit, give your application a thorough proofread. Typos and errors can distract from your qualifications, so let’s make sure everything is polished and professional!
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. Be ready to discuss how you've applied these in your previous roles, as this will show that you're not just familiar with the theory but can also put it into practice.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As an Assistant Team Manager, you'll be leading discussions and workshops. Prepare examples of how you've successfully managed teams or supported newly qualified social workers in the past. Highlight your ability to motivate and guide others.
✨Be Ready for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that ask how you'd handle specific situations related to child protection and assessment processes. Think through some scenarios beforehand and outline your thought process and decision-making skills to demonstrate your competence.
✨Align with Their Values
Familiarise yourself with the council's commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion. Be prepared to discuss how you embody these values in your work and how you would contribute to a positive team culture that empowers families and children.
