Social Worker/Senior Practitioner - Family Support and Safeguarding

Oxfordshire County Council; Oxford; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

A local government authority in Oxford is looking for a qualified and experienced Social Worker to manage a caseload involving children's and families' needs. You will work closely with clients, conduct assessments, prepare necessary reports, and ensure compliance with safeguarding legislation. The role offers competitive benefits, including a welcome payment and flexible working arrangements, promoting a supportive environment for both clients and staff.

Benefits

Welcome and Loyalty payment of £3,500

Relocation allowance up to £8,000

Annual leave starting at 30 days

Local Government Pension Scheme

Flexible working

Employee Assistance Programme

Childcare vouchers

Cycle to work scheme

Qualifications

• Experience in social work with children and families.
• Knowledge of FSS policies and related legislation.
• Ability to engage with families using strengths-based approaches.

Responsibilities

• Manage a caseload to ensure children's and families' needs are met.
• Prepare and submit relevant reports including child protection conferences.
• Undertake assessments for allocated families.

Skills

Qualified experienced Social Worker

Good knowledge of safeguarding and relevant legislation

Motivational Interviewing skills

Job description

Overview

You will manage a caseload tailored to your experience, ensuring that children's and 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 appraised of significant information. Most importantly, you will provide good quality services that integrate government and local guidance and initiatives including the Children Acts 1989 & 2004, Working Together, local Child Protection and Looked After Children procedures, the DoH, Assessment Framework 2000. You will prepare and submit written reports as required, including child protection conference reports and legal reports for care proceedings. You will undertake child and family assessments for allocated families, investigate allegations of harm or neglect under s47 Children Act 1989 when required. You will maintain accurate case records using ICT and record activity in line with key performance management data. You will chair meetings, proactively engage with partner agencies, travel to visit clients and attend meetings over a wide area at short notice.

Responsibilities

• Manage a caseload and ensure children’s and families’ voices are heard and needs met.
• Work with families using the FSS Workbook modules and a strengths‑based approach.
• Prepare and submit written reports, including child protection conference reports and legal reports for care proceedings.
• Undertake child and family assessments for allocated families and investigate allegations of harm or neglect under s47 Children Act 1989.
• Maintain accurate case records and record activity in line with key performance management data.
• Chair meetings, proactively engage with partner agencies, travel to visit clients and attend meetings over a wide area.

Qualifications

• Qualified experienced Social Worker.
• Good working knowledge of services relevant to children, young people, families, carers, groups and partner agencies.
• Good understanding of safeguarding, relevant legislation, guidance, policy and procedures, and values and principles of FSS.
• Working knowledge of Motivational Interviewing and the cycle of change and their application in social work with children and families.

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.
• Comprehensive Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS).
• Flexible working.
• Employee Assistance Programme with 24x7 health and wellbeing support.
• Family‑friendly policies and childcare vouchers.
• Cycle to work scheme, electric car scheme and range of staff discounts including travel, holidays, insurance, food, health & leisure activities.
• Excellent learning and development opportunities.