Job Summary
Oxfordshire County Council is shaping the future of children’s social care, focusing on empowering families and improving lives. Within the Children, Education & Families Directorate, the council is dedicated to helping children, young people, and families across Oxfordshire thrive.
Through a restorative and relational practice approach, the council builds strong relationships and supports long-lasting change. Consistently rated as Good by Ofsted, the council remains ambitious, striving for even greater success.
The authority is financially stable and continues to invest in services and staff to ensure families receive the highest quality support, particularly through its Family Support and Safeguarding (FSS) model.
- Employer: Oxfordshire County Council
- Job Title: Social Worker
- Location: United Kingdom
- Salary: £38,220 – £49,282 per year
- Job Type: Full-time
- Closing Date: 26 November 2025
Main Duties
Manage a caseload aligned with experience, ensuring children and family voices are central to all decisions.
Work closely with families using FSS Workbook modules and a strengths-based approach.
Maintain regular communication with the Assistant or Team Manager on key developments.
Deliver services that meet government and local guidance, including Children Acts 1989 & 2004, Working Together, and DoH Assessment Framework 2000.
Prepare and submit professional reports such as child protection conference and legal care proceeding reports.
Undertake child and family assessments, including investigations under Section 47 of the Children Act 1989 when required.
Maintain accurate case records and utilise ICT efficiently to meet performance targets.
About the Role
This role focuses on empowering families and ensuring every child receives the right support at the right time. Social workers play a key role in delivering high-quality, child-centred services within Oxfordshire County Council’s FSS framework.
The council promotes collaboration and professional development, giving social workers the tools and confidence to make a lasting impact.
About You
Qualified and experienced Social Worker with in-depth knowledge of services for children, young people, families, carers, and partner agencies.
Strong understanding of safeguarding, relevant legislation, policy, and procedures.
Familiarity with Motivational Interviewing and the Cycle of Change is beneficial.
Confident in chairing meetings and engaging proactively with multi-agency partners.
Ability to travel to meet clients and attend meetings at short notice across a wide area.
Rewards and Benefits
Welcome and Loyalty Payment: £3,500
Relocation Allowance: Up to £8,000
Annual Leave: 30 days plus bank holidays
Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS)
Flexible working arrangements
Employee Assistance Programme (24/7 wellbeing support)
Family-friendly policies
Staff discounts (travel, insurance, food, leisure, etc.)
Childcare vouchers, cycle to work, and electric car schemes
Excellent learning and professional development opportunities
For further details, contact Liz Macaulay-Brown at liz.macaulay-brown@oxfordshire.gov.uk.
Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion
Oxfordshire County Council is proud of its diverse and inclusive workforce. The council welcomes applications from all backgrounds regardless of age, disability, gender identity, marital status, race, religion, sexual orientation, or socioeconomic background.
Employee network groups provide peer support and safe spaces, fostering a culture of belonging and respect.
Guaranteed Interview Schemes
As a Disability Confident Employer, the council guarantees interviews for:
Disabled applicants who meet essential criteria.
Care leavers who have completed further education and meet essential criteria.
Applicants transitioning from HM Armed Forces (within three years of leaving service).
Safeguarding Commitment
The council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people, and adults. All staff, workers, and volunteers are expected to uphold these principles, and recruitment practices reflect this commitment.
Flexible Working
The council supports flexible work arrangements, including flexi-time, part-time, job sharing, nine-day fortnights, and annualised hours, depending on role requirements.
Additional Information
This role is subject to a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975.
Applicants requiring Skilled Worker sponsorship will be considered.
Applicants must hold current UK professional registration.
From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants must present a criminal record certificate from each country resided in for 12 months or more in the past 10 years.
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For technical issues, contact: careers@oxfordshire.gov.uk
How to Apply
If you’re interested in this role, visit the official website for more information — click here to apply now.