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- Tasks: Manage complex cases and support children and families in need.
- Company: Join Oxfordshire County Council's dedicated Safeguarding Team.
- Benefits: Earn £42 per hour with hybrid working options and leadership opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while developing your career.
- Qualifications: Qualified Social Worker with experience in safeguarding and child protection.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with strong management support.
The predicted salary is between 84000 - 84000 £ per year.
We are currently recruiting for an experienced Senior Social Worker to join the Safeguarding Team based in Witney, working with Oxfordshire County Council. This is an excellent opportunity for a confident and skilled practitioner to take on a senior role within a well-structured safeguarding service, supporting children and families where risk is high and impactful intervention is critical.
About the Role
As a Senior Social Worker within the Safeguarding Team, you will work with children subject to Child Protection Plans, Child in Need plans, and care proceedings. You will play a key role in managing complex cases, supporting less experienced colleagues, and ensuring high-quality practice across the service. Based in Witney, this role offers a hybrid working model, with a strong emphasis on collaboration, reflective supervision, and consistent practice standards.
Key Responsibilities
- Manage a complex caseload involving Child Protection, CIN, and court proceedings
- Undertake risk assessments and develop robust, outcome-focused care plans
- Lead on strategy discussions, child protection conferences, and core groups
- Provide informal mentoring and support to junior staff and ASYEs
- Work closely with multi-agency partners to safeguard children effectively
- Ensure all work is completed in line with statutory requirements and best practice
Requirements
- Qualified Social Worker with Social Work England registration
- Significant experience within a Safeguarding / Child Protection team
- Proven ability to manage complex and high-risk cases
- Strong court work and report-writing skills
- Ability to support and guide less experienced practitioners
- Must live within a 1-hour radius of Witney
Why Work with Oxfordshire County Council?
- Competitive pay rate of £42 per hour
- Supportive and experienced management team
- Hybrid working with a base in Witney
- Opportunities to take on leadership responsibilities within the team
- A well-organised service focused on high-quality safeguarding practice
Contact: Josh Dhumisani
Senior Social Worker - Oxford City Council employer: Sheldon Phillips Ltd
Contact Detail:
Sheldon Phillips Ltd Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Social Worker - Oxford City Council
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the social work field, especially those who might have insights into Oxfordshire County Council. A friendly chat can sometimes lead to opportunities that aren’t even advertised.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your safeguarding knowledge and case management skills. Think about real-life examples where you’ve made a difference, as these stories will showcase your experience and confidence.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t forget to follow up after interviews! A quick thank-you email can keep you fresh in their minds and show your enthusiasm for the role. Plus, it’s a great way to reiterate why you’re the perfect fit for the team.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website for the best chance at landing that Senior Social Worker role. We love seeing candidates who are proactive and engaged with our platform, so make sure to showcase your passion for safeguarding!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Social Worker - Oxford City Council
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Senior Social Worker role. Highlight your experience in safeguarding and managing complex cases, as this will show us you’re the right fit for our team.
Showcase Your Skills: Don’t hold back on showcasing your court work and report-writing skills. We want to see how you’ve successfully navigated high-risk situations and what strategies you’ve used to support children and families.
Be Authentic: Let your personality shine through in your application. We value authenticity and want to know what drives you to work in social care, especially in safeguarding roles.
Apply Through Our Website: For the best chance of success, make sure to apply directly through our website. This way, we can easily track your application and get back to you quicker!
How to prepare for a job interview at Sheldon Phillips Ltd
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of safeguarding practices and relevant legislation. Familiarise yourself with the specific challenges faced by children and families in high-risk situations, as well as the frameworks used in Oxfordshire County Council.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare to discuss your previous experience managing complex cases. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've successfully navigated child protection plans and worked collaboratively with multi-agency partners.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Skills
As a Senior Social Worker, you'll be expected to mentor junior staff. Think about times when you've supported less experienced colleagues and be prepared to discuss your approach to leadership and team collaboration.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions about the Safeguarding Team's structure and the hybrid working model. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you assess if it's the right fit for you.