Social Worker - Family Support and Safeguarding - Witney

NHS; Witney; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A local authority in the UK seeks a qualified Social Worker for their Children, Education, & Families directorate in Witney. You will manage a caseload to ensure the voices of children and families are herad and their needs met, employing a strengths-based approach. The position offers a comprehensive benefits package, including a £3,500 welcome payment, relocation allowance, and substantial annual leave. Ideal candidates will have experience with safeguarding, legislation, and a commitment to supporting families.

Benefits

Welcome and Loyalty payment of £3,500

Relocation allowance of up to £8,000

Annual leave starting at 30 days per year

Comprehensive Local Government Pension Scheme

Employee Assistance Programme

Family-friendly policies

Qualifications

• You are a qualified, experienced Social Worker with good working knowledge of services for children and families.
• You understand safeguarding, relevant legislation, guidance, policy and procedures.
• Knowledge of Motivational Interviewing and principles of FSP is beneficial.

Responsibilities

• Manage a caseload ensuring children’s voices are heard and their needs are met.
• Work with families using the Family Support and Safeguarding Workbook.
• Prepare and submit written reports including child protection conference reports.

Skills

Knowledge of safeguarding

Understanding legislation and policy

Motivational Interviewing

Education

Qualified Social Worker

Job description

Social Worker - Family Support and Safeguarding - Witney

In our Children, Education, & Families directorate, we are committed to delivering lasting change by helping children, young people and families of Oxfordshire thrive. We focus on building relationships, empowering people and building on strengths, reflected in our restorative, relational practice approach. We have been consistently rated "good" by Ofsted but aim to do even better.

Main duties of the job

You will manage a caseload tailored to your experience, ensuring children’s and families’ voices are heard and their needs are met. You will work with families using the Family Support and Safeguarding 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, including the Children Acts 1989 & 2004, Working Together, local Child Protection and Looked After Children procedures, and the DoH assessment framework. You will prepare and submit written reports, including child protection conference reports and legal reports for care proceedings, and undertake child and family assessments for allocated families, investigating allegations of harm or neglect under s47 Children Act 1989 when required. Efficient use of ICT will allow you to maintain accurate case records and record activity in line with key performance data.

About you

You are a qualified, experienced Social Worker with good working knowledge of services for children, young people, families, carers, groups and partner agencies. You understand safeguarding, relevant legislation, guidance, policy and procedures, and the values and principles of FSP. Knowledge of Motivational Interviewing and the cycle of change is beneficial. You possess a supportive, energised nature that helps you chair meetings and proactively engage with partner agencies. You must be able to travel to visit clients and attend meetings over a wide area 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 (plus bank holidays).
• A comprehensive Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS).
• Employee Assistance Programme including health and wellbeing support 24/7.
• Range of family‑friendly policies.
• Childcare vouchers, cycle‑to‑work scheme, electric car scheme, and staff discounts including travel, holidays, insurance, food, health & leisure activities.
• Excellent learning and development opportunities.

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 which 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 those leaving care without any further education we guarantee an interview for our apprenticeships. We are also committed to supporting those transitioning from the Armed Forces to civilian life and guarantee an interview for those demonstrating the essential criteria, within three years of leaving 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. Recruitment and selection practices reflect these commitments.

Our commitment to Flexible Working

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

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Contact

For more information or a confidential chat, contact Charlotte Philip at [e-mail].