Social Worker - Family Support and Safeguarding - South Oxfordshire

Oxfordshire County Council; Town of Oxford; On-site; CAD 64,000 - 83,000; Full time

Job summary

A local authority in Canada, Nova Scotia is seeking a dedicated Social Worker for Family Support and Safeguarding. You will manage a caseload aimed at helping children and families thrive, ensuring effective communication and assessment within legislative frameworks. The role requires excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to collaborate with various agencies. A strong commitment to safeguarding and an understanding of motivational interviewing are crucial. This position offers generous benefits including a relocation allowance and professional development opportunities.

Benefits

Welcome and Loyalty payment of £3,500

Relocation allowance up to £8,000

Annual leave starting at 30 days

Comprehensive LGPS pension scheme

Employee Assistance Programme

Range of family-friendly policies

Childcare vouchers and staff discounts

Excellent learning and development opportunities

Qualifications

• Qualified Social Worker with experience in family support.
• Good understanding of relevant legislation and safeguarding.
• Ability to manage a caseload effectively.

Responsibilities

• Manage a caseload ensuring families' needs are met.
• Conduct child and family assessments as needed.
• Prepare reports for child protection and legal proceedings.

Skills

Knowledge of safeguarding legislation

Motivational Interviewing

Strong interpersonal skills

Education

Social Work Qualification

Job description

Social Worker - Family Support and Safeguarding - South Oxfordshire

In our Children, Education, & Families 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, reflected in our restorative, relational practice approach. We’ve consistently been rated as good by Ofsted and are striving to do even better. As a financially stable local authority, we invest in Children, Education, and Families to support our transformational model Family Support and Safeguarding (FSS).

Main duties of the job

You will manage a caseload tailored to your experience, ensuring that children's and their families' voices are heard and their needs are met. You will work with families using the FSS Workbook modules and a strengths‑based approach, keeping the Assistant/Team Manager fully apprised of significant information. You will provide high‑quality services that integrate government and local guidance and initiatives, including the Children Act 1989 & 2004, Working Together, local Child Protection and Looked‑After Children procedures, and the Department of Health Assessment Framework 2000. You will prepare and submit written reports as required, including child protection conference reports and legal reports for care proceedings, and conduct child and family assessments, investigating allegations of harm or neglect under s47 Children Act 1989 when required. Efficient use of ICT will enable you to maintain accurate case records and record activity in line with key performance data.

About us

We are a qualified, experienced Social Worker team, skilled in services relevant to children, young people, families, carers, groups, and partner agencies. We are committed to safeguarding, legislation, guidance, policy, and the values and principles of FSS. Knowledge of Motivational Interviewing and the cycle of change is beneficial. You will chair meetings and proactively engage with partner agencies. It is essential that you can travel to visit clients and attend meetings over a wide area at short notice.

Job responsibilities

You will manage a caseload tailored to your experience, ensuring that children's and their families' voices are heard and their needs are met. You will work with families using the FSS Workbook modules and a strengths‑based approach, keeping the Assistant/Team Manager fully apprised of significant information. You will provide high‑quality services that integrate government and local guidance and initiatives, including the Children Act 1989 & 2004, Working Together, local Child Protection and Looked‑After Children procedures, and the Department of Health Assessment Framework 2000. You will prepare and submit written reports as required, including child protection conference reports and legal reports for care proceedings, and conduct child and family assessments, investigating allegations of harm or neglect under s47 Children Act 1989 when required. Efficient use of ICT will enable you to maintain accurate case records and record activity in line with key performance data.

About you

As a qualified, experienced Social Worker, you will possess good working knowledge of services relevant to children, young people, families, carers, groups, and partner agencies. You will have a good understanding of safeguarding, relevant legislation, guidance, policy, and procedures, and the values and principles of FSS. Knowledge of Motivational Interviewing and the cycle of change is hugely beneficial. Your supportive and energised nature will help you chair meetings and proactively engage with partner agencies. It is essential that you are able to travel to visit clients and attend meetings over a wide area and at short notice.

Rewards and benefits

• Welcome and Loyalty payment of £3,500.
• Relocation allowance of up to £8,000.
• Annual leave starting at 30 days per year (+ bank holidays).
• A comprehensive LGPS pension scheme.
• Employee Assistance Programme including 24x7 health & wellbeing support.
• Range of family‑friendly policies.
• Childcare vouchers, cycle‑to‑work scheme, electric car scheme, staff discounts for travel, holidays, insurance, food, and leisure activities.
• Excellent learning and development opportunities.

Curious to learn more? Contact our friendly team for a confidential and informative chat! Liz Macaulay‑Brown liz.macaulay‑[e-mail]

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 that 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 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 is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and adults. All employees, workers and volunteers share this commitment. We ensure that our recruitment and selection practices reflect these commitments.

Our commitment to Flexible Working

We are open to discussions about flexible working, including flexi‑time, part‑time working, job sharing, nine‑day fortnights and annualised hours, depending on the role and service requirements.

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