Newly Qualified Social Worker

Job Introduction

Together, we’re shaping children’s social care for the future. Every day, our colleagues are helping to transform the lives of the residents of Oxfordshire.

In our Children, Education, & Families directorate, we’re committed to delivering lasting change, by helping the children, young people, and families of Oxfordshire to thrive. We know the importance of building relationships, empowering people, and building on strengths and this is reflected in our restorative, relational practice approach.

We’ve been consistently rated as “good” by Ofsted, but we are not content with that; we are ambitious and want to do even better! We’re a financially stable local authority which is committed to investing in Children, Education, and Families, to ensure that we have the resources we need to make a real difference to the families we work with – including successful operation of our transformational model Family Safeguarding Model.

Together, we’re the moment makers and we’re focussed on making every day the best it can be for our residents. Whatever you do here, you’ll look around and say, “I make a difference”. Because we’re all creating lasting change to people’s lives in Oxfordshire. 

Everyday you’ll be challenged in a new way, supported by your team, in an organisation that is free thinking, flexible, and helps people achieve their ambitions. We’re not afraid to do things differently and our dynamic culture means this is a place where new ideas are embraced, and innovation thrives. 

We believe that together, our differences make us stronger, and that diversity is the foundation for innovation. Here, you can create a unique career for yourself – while raising the bar for the future of children’s social care. 

Are you in? 

About Us

Are you a Newly Qualified Social Worker (NQSW) ready to take the next step in your career? We are excited to invite applications for our Assessed and Supported Year in Employment (ASYE) programme within Oxfordshire County Council’s Social Work Professional Development Centre.

We created this centre because we believe that investing in and supporting NQSWs is essential to building a strong, stable workforce and delivering outstanding services to children and families across Oxfordshire.

The role of a children’s social worker is both challenging and rewarding—a true privilege. We know that the right support during your first year of practice will give you the confidence and skills to thrive in your career.

What We Offer

• A structured ASYE programme designed to provide a safe, supportive environment for your first year in practice.
• A protected caseload and a gradual increase in responsibilities as your confidence grows.
• A personalised development plan, tailored to your learning needs, with regular progress reviews.
• Access to our competency framework, aligned with Oxfordshire County Council’s guiding principles for strengths-based practice.
• Opportunities to join a variety of teams across Children’s Social Care.

At Oxfordshire County Council, we are a strengths-based service focused on supporting families to keep children safe and achieve lasting change. Our approach is rooted in relationship-based practice and motivational interviewing, ensuring families are engaged and empowered throughout the process.

Why Join Us?

We are committed to providing a thoughtful, scaffolded learning experience where every NQSW feels supported and valued. Our goal is to help you become a confident, skilled practitioner who makes a real difference in the lives of children and families.

About the Role
 We are hiring for roles across Children's Social Care. Services include: Children's Assessment Team, Family Support and Safeguarding, Children We Care For, and Children with Disabilities.  
  
Here’s what some of our recent NQSW’s had to say...
   "The new Social Work Development Centre has enabled me to start my social work career in a positive, supportive and protected environment. I feel grateful that I have had the opportunity to be part of this team where I can develop at my own pace and where support is available as and when required, rather than being thrown in at the deep end. Being part of this friendly team has enabled me to gain confidence, knowledge and independence without feeling overwhelmed and out of my depth" – Kirsty

"The Social Work Development Centre that is currently being run in Oxfordshire has really helped me feel safe and supported as a NQSW. The Development Centre supports all NQSWs from all backgrounds with varying levels of experience within children's statutory social work. I feel that the Development Centre can really help those whose training and qualification has been impacted by the pandemic" – Patrick

 "All the people in the Social Work Development Centre are approachable and supportive, it feels like I'm part of a family. This was one of the most important things to me when looking for a job and I feel grateful to have joined such a friendly and forward-thinking organisation" – Harriet

About You

This is a key safeguarding role, and our social workers play a vital part in ensuring children and families receive a safe, respectful, and child-focused service.

We are looking for individuals who:

• Practice with strong values, demonstrating a commitment to strengths-based approaches.
• Hold a Social Work degree and are registered with Social Work England. (If you are awaiting formal confirmation of your degree, we can offer an interim post as a Social Work Trainee.)
• Have excellent communication skills, with the ability to build positive relationships and engage effectively with children and families.
• Can produce clear, concise, and accurate written work.
• Are resilient, able to manage the emotional demands of the role, and willing to make use of appropriate support.
• Ability to travel across the county, including rural areas. Valid driving licence and access to own transport will be beneficial. Please enquire if you do not currently possess a valid driving licence and own transport.
• Bring experience of working with children and families, whether through placements or previous roles.

Rewards & Benefits

• A competitive salary starting at £38,220 per annum starting salary, with progression upon completion of ASYE.
• A pension package of up to 20% employer contribution.
• Manageable caseloads: not only is it important that you love what you do, but it's also important to be able to manage your workload and devote the right amount of attention to each family.
• A role in an authority rated 'good' by Ofsted, as a Social Worker, you get the support you need.
• Flexible working. We do all we can to ensure that every one of our employees has a healthy work-life balance. Our agile working policy means you can work across council sites or from home to suit your needs and we support flexible working hours. You will be provided with a laptop, mobile phone and MS Teams to facilitate agile working.
• Generous annual leave allowance. We know that as a social worker, you do an invaluable job. We offer a generous holiday allowance starting at 29 days per year (plus bank holidays) to help demonstrate how much we value the work you do. We also offer an annual leave purchase scheme.
• A caring and supportive culture. We are passionate about keeping people safe, well and independent, whilst making a positive contribution. We host regular listening events and have a well at work scheme, which focuses on health and wellbeing. There's also a social presence, with yoga classes, sports teams and more.
• Other benefits include a cycle to work scheme, staff discount scheme for a range of retailers, holidays, insurance, restaurants, health & leisure activities and rail travel.

Curious to learn more? Contact our friendly team for a confidential and informative chat!

Karina Boorer, SWPDC Team Manager – Children’s Services
  karina.boorer@oxfordshire.gov.uk
   

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 the job. For those leaving care without any further education, we guarantee an interview for our apprenticeships. We are also committed to helping and supporting those transitioning from HM Armed Forces to civilian life and guarantee an interview for those demonstrating the essential criteria for the role, within three years of leaving the service.

Our commitment to:
Safeguarding

Oxfordshire County Council are 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 our 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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 If you encounter any technical issues with the application system, please contact us at: careers@oxfordshire.gov.uk