Experienced Social Worker

Oldham Council; Oldham; Hybrid; GBP 35,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

A local council in England is looking for a dedicated social worker to support children and families. The position offers competitive pay, flexible working conditions, and opportunities for professional development. Ideal candidates will have a commitment to safeguarding and experience in child assessments, contributing to positive outcomes within a diverse caseload. This role emphasizes a supportive environment for both staff and service users.

Benefits

Competitive pay with £2,000 retention payment

Flexible working hours

Free town centre parking

Reimbursement of registration fees

25 days annual leave

Defined benefit pension scheme

Qualifications

• All applicants must have the right to work in the UK.
• Strong commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children.
• Experience with the GM Elevate (Leadership Development) programme is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Undertake high-quality assessments and investigations.
• Develop and implement robust Child in Need plans.
• Work collaboratively with partner agencies.
• Manage a diverse caseload while ensuring compliance.
• Lead on court proceedings within Safeguarding and Care Planning.

Skills

Safeguarding

Child in Need assessments

Collaborative working

Strength-based approach

Job description

Overview

Oldham is a wonderful place of diversity, where people of all cultures come together. This is one of our greatest strengths and our social workers enjoy using a breadth of skills and gaining a variety of experiences whilst supporting children and families from diverse backgrounds. We use systemic practice as our chosen practice model, focusing on building relationships with children and families, understanding the context and family dynamics, and reflectively learning together. We have launched systemic reflective hubs and our Social Work Academy continues to offer reflective supervision and tailored support through an innovative 2-year ASYE programme. We have a strong ethos of "Growing our own", providing a great environment to excel in your social work career. In Oldham, we are committed to delivering high-quality services for children and families.

Our promises to you include a manageable and diverse caseload, ongoing professional development, opportunities to progress within Social Work, regular supervision and reflective learning, and dedicated support to help you meet your career aspirations.

Responsibilities

• Undertake high-quality assessments, including Section 17 (Child in Need) and Section 47 (Child Protection) investigations.
• Develop and implement robust Child in Need plans to address identified risks and needs.
• Work collaboratively with partner agencies to provide a coordinated and effective response.
• Use a strength-based approach to build trusting relationships with children and families.
• Manage a diverse caseload, ensuring all work complies with statutory requirements and safeguarding protocols.
• Provide timely and evidence-based reports for planning and review meetings.
• Lead on court proceedings within Safeguarding and Care Planning where applicable, ensuring the safety and well-being of children.

Team Context

We have teams including Assessment and Intervention Team (Front Door services) and Safeguarding and Care Planning Team. You will be the first point of contact for statutory support, undertake comprehensive assessments, address immediate risks, and create CIN plans that prioritise safety, stability, and positive outcomes for children. You will work directly with families during times of crisis, providing timely intervention and support to identify needs, manage risks, and enable safer home environments.

What we need from you

• All applicants must have the right to work in the UK. We do not accept applications requiring sponsorship.
• Strong commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, with the ability to secure good outcomes in a supportive environment.
• If you have completed the GM Elevate (Leadership Development) programme, please indicate this in your application.

Benefits and Rewards

• Competitive pay with a £2,000 retention payment.
• Hybrid working and flexible diary management for better work/life balance.
• Free town centre parking and essential car user allowance with mileage at 45p per mile.
• Reimbursement of Social Work England registration fees (£90/year).
• 25 days annual leave with the option to purchase additional days, increasing with service length.
• Attractive defined benefit pension with AVC option; former benefits including discounted gym membership and staff discounts across various services.
• Salary sacrifice schemes (including Cycle to Work) and wellbeing support, including an Employment Assistance Programme.
• Staff recognition and celebration events and access to peer support groups.

About Oldham

Our employees say that Oldham values a family-like, participative, and inclusive culture. We emphasise resident-focused work, supporting local leadership, delivering high performance, and taking ownership to drive change. You can learn more about our values on the greater.jobs Oldham page.