Social Worker - Children's Assessment Service (North)

NHS; Banbury; On-site; GBP 34,000 - 42,000; Full time

Job summary

A local government authority in the United Kingdom is seeking a dedicated Social Worker for the Children's Assessment Service. This role involves conducting assessments, leading child protection investigations, and ensuring a supportive and respectful service for families. The candidate should be a qualified social worker with strong knowledge of safeguarding and the ability to work effectively with children and families. A generous benefits package including relocation allowance is offered.

Benefits

Welcome payment of £3,500

Relocation allowance up to £8,000

Annual leave starting at 30 days

Comprehensive Local Government Pension Scheme

Employee Assistance Programme

Qualifications

• Qualified social worker that can conduct child and family assessments.
• Experience in a statutory setting with children and families.
• Ability to travel across North Oxfordshire as necessary.

Responsibilities

• Conduct child and family assessments in partnership with families.
• Lead child protection investigations and support experienced managers.
• Process referrals from the Multi-Agency Safeguarding Hub.

Skills

Strong understanding of safeguarding legislation

Experience with children and families

Capable of conducting comprehensive assessments

Good communication skills

Education

Qualified social worker with current Social Work England registration

Completion of ASYE or equivalent

Job description

Social Worker - Children's Assessment Service (North)

Are you passionate about making a difference in the lives of children, young people, and families in need of help and protection? We have exciting Social Worker and Senior Practitioner opportunities within the Children's Assessment Service (North). The Childrens Assessment Service provides an early response to support children and their families who may be in need or at risk of harm.

Main duties of the job

The post holder will be free-thinking and brave, supportive and energised, not accepting the norm if it can be done better, finding answers through exploration and courage. You'll embody our values of always learning, being kind and caring, equality and integrity, taking responsibility and daring to do things differently. You will deliver stand‑out public services and play a key safeguarding role to ensure children and families receive a safe, respectful and child‑focused service.

About us

In our Early Help, Assessment and Prevention Directorate we are committed to delivering lasting change, helping children, young people and families of Oxfordshire thrive. We build relationships, empower people and base our practice on restorative and relational principles.

Job responsibilities

About the Role

• Receive and conduct comprehensive child and family assessments in partnership with children and families, ensuring timely and appropriate help.
• Lead Section 47 child protection investigations where required, supported by experienced managers.
• Work within a duty rotation; process referrals from the Multi‑Agency Safeguarding Hub.
• Provide evidence‑based assessments that help identify and implement interventions for lasting change.

About you

• Qualified social worker with current Social Work England registration and ASYE (or equivalent) completed.
• Experience working with children and families in a statutory setting; good working knowledge of relevant services.
• Strong understanding of safeguarding legislation, guidance, policy and procedures.
• Car ownership/driver's licence and ability to travel across North Oxfordshire.
• Commitment to delivering respectful, proportionate and child‑focused assessments.

To apply

Please refer to the job description attached for a full list of selection criteria. Feel free to contact Nicola Harper (Team Manager North) at [e-mail] for a confidential chat.

Rewards and benefits

• Welcome and loyalty payment of £3,500; relocation allowance up to £8,000.
• Annual leave starting at 30 days per year (plus bank holidays) up to 32 days.
• Comprehensive Local Government Pension Scheme with employer contributions up to 19.9%.
• Employee Assistance Programme, family‑friendly policies and support.
• Childcare vouchers, cycle‑to‑work scheme, electric car scheme, staff discounts.

We offer a generous holiday allowance, learning and development opportunities, and a strong flexible working culture.

Our commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

We proudly welcome a 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 while on maternity or family leave. We support peer‑support networks and safe spaces.

Guaranteed Interview Schemes

• Disability‑Confident employer – guaranteed interview for disabled applicants who meet essential criteria.
• Guaranteed interview for care leavers with completed further education and essential criteria.

  Safeguarding

  Oxfordshire County Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting welfare for children, young people and adults. We expect all employees, workers and volunteers to share this commitment.

  Flexible Working

  We support discussion of flexi‑time, part‑time work, job sharing, nine‑day fortnights and annualised hours where appropriate.

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  If you encounter issues with the application system, please contact [e-mail].

  Person Specification

  • Please refer to job description above for general requirements.

  Disclosure and Barring Service Check

  This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and requires submission for Disclosure to the Disclosure and Barring Service.