Social Worker – Children’s Assessment Service (South)
In this important role, you will be part of a duty rotation of social workers receiving assessments as they are referred by our Multi‑Agency Safeguarding Hub. You will also be responsible for leading Section 47 child protection investigations where they are necessary, all with the support of experienced permanent managers. The role of a children’s assessment social worker is critical in ensuring our children and their families receive thoughtful, evidence‑based assessments that help them identify and make changes, and where necessary have a well‑developed further plan of intervention to support lasting changes.
Main duties of the job
This is a key safeguarding role and our social workers are critical in ensuring children and families receive a safe, respectful and child‑focused service. You should be a qualified social worker with current Social Work England registration, and have completed the ASYE (or equivalent). You should have experience of working with children and their families in a statutory setting. Most importantly, you should share our commitment to delivering respectful, proportionate and evidence‑based assessments that are child‑focused and ensure children’s voices really make a difference to what we do.
About us
The Childrens Assessment Service provides an early response to support children and their families who may be in need or at risk of harm. The team’s purpose is to complete comprehensive child and family assessments in partnership with children and their families, so we can ensure they receive the right help, at the right time. We do this with the support of our multi‑agency partners and have a strong relationship as part of Oxfordshire County Council’s commitment to the Family Safeguarding Model. We provide a fast‑paced environment and professional development opportunities for our social workers, who have the privilege of supporting families at one of the earliest points of contact with children’s services. We maintain an OFSTED rating of “Good” overall and continue to work toward an Outstanding service.
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).
- Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS) with employer contributions up to 19.9%.
- Employee Assistance Programme including access to health and wellbeing support 24×7.
- Range of family‑friendly policies.
- Childcare vouchers.
- Cycle to work scheme, electric car scheme, and staff discounts on travel, holidays, insurance, food, and leisure activities.
- Excellent learning and development opportunities.
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, socio‑economic background, or on maternity or family leave. We have a number of staff network groups that provide peer support, education and safe spaces for all.
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, and we guarantee interviews for those completing the apprenticeship scheme. We are committed to helping those transitioning from the Armed Forces to civilian life and guarantee an interview for those demonstrating the essential criteria within three years of leaving the service.
Safeguarding
Oxfordshire County Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and adults. We expect all employees, workers and volunteers to share this commitment. We will ensure that all recruitment and selection practices reflect these commitments.
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.
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and will require a submission for Disclosure to the Disclosure and Barring Service. We will check for any previous criminal convictions.
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