Practitioner

Oxfordshire County Council; Kidlington; On-site; GBP 32,000 - 42,000; Full time

Job summary

Oxfordshire County Council’s Children’s Disability Team seeks a qualified and registered social worker with substantial safeguarding and court experience to support children in need and those with disabilities. You will assess needs, manage risks, and collaborate with families and partner agencies to promote positive outcomes for children and families.

You will supervise students, support induction for new staff, and contribute to high-quality reports and court-related tasks in a

Qualifications

• Qualified and registered social worker with substantial safeguarding and child protection experience.
• Strong communication, analytical, decision-making and supervision abilities.
• Able to collaborate with partner agencies and uphold council values.

Responsibilities

• Work with children, young people, and families subject to Child in Need or Child Protection planning and related proceedings.
• Provide timely support to vulnerable families and address safeguarding concerns and risks.
• Undertake effective assessments of need, analysis and risk management for allocated children.
• Maintain accurate case records and produce timely assessments and reports.
• Prepare and manage court work, including liaison with guardians and legal representatives.
• Quality assure other team members' reports, assessments and minutes.
• Support less experienced staff with report writing, meetings and court tasks.
• Demonstrate accountability and commitment to professional development.
• Supervise students and support induction for newly qualified social workers and staff.
• Plan and facilitate group supervision sessions to strengthen practice.

Skills

Communication skills

Analytical skills

Decision-making

Assessment skills

Supervision skills

Education

Bachelor's/Master's in Social Work

Job description

The Children's Disability Team work with children with disabilities and their families, assessing their needs and supporting children subject to Child in Need, Child Protection and Children We Care For plans, and children subject to Care Proceedings.

This is a rewarding opportunity, to ensure services are planned and delivered in a way that maximises participation and reflects children's rights in relation to services being provided, to act on views of children and young people and demonstrate that children's rights are reflected in the work with children and young people.

The post holder is responsible for ensuring that all County Safeguarding and Child Protection policies are adhered to and concerns are raised in accordance with these policies.

Key responsibilities include:

• Work with children, young people, and families subject to Child in Need or Child Protection planning, Public Law Outline, Care Proceedings, Child We Care For arrangements and adoption.
• Providing timely support to vulnerable families, addressing safeguarding concerns and reducing risks.
• Undertaking effective assessments of need, analysis, and risk management for allocated children and supporting newer staff in doing so for their allocated children.
• Maintaining accurate case records and producing timely assessments and reports.
• Preparing and managing court work, including liaison with guardians and legal representatives.
• Quality assuring other team member's reports, assessments and minutes.
• Supporting less experienced staff with report writing, meetings and court-related tasks.
• Demonstrating accountability and responsibility for practice and a commitment to continued professional development.
• Supervising students and supporting induction for newly qualified social workers and support staff.
• Planning and facilitating group supervision sessions to strengthen practice and shared learning.

A qualified and registered social worker with substantial experience in safeguarding, child protection, court work, children we care for and children with disabilities. You have strong communication, analytical, decision-making, assessment and supervision skills. You are able to work collaboratively with partner agencies. You have integrity, professionalism, resilience, practice inclusive working, and have a commitment to council values and positive outcomes for children and families.