Senior Practitioner

Job Introduction

About Us
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.
We are 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 and use of the Family Safeguarding Model.
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 the Role
 Team: Childrens Disability Team South, Oxfordshire
 Office: Hybrid working, 3 days per week in the office Ron Groves House, Kidlington. 
 Hours: 37 hours, 08:30 – 17:00 Monday to Thursday. 08:30 – 16:00 Friday. 

The Children's Disability Team work with children with disabilities and their families, assessing their needs and supporting children subject to Child in Need, Child Protection and Children We Care For plans, and children subject to Care Proceedings. 
This is a rewarding opportunity, to ensure services are planned and delivered in a way that maximises participation and reflects children’s rights in relation to services being provided, to act on views of children and young people and demonstrate that children’s rights are reflected in the work with children and young people.
The post holder is responsible for ensuring that all County Safeguarding and Child Protection policies are adhered to and concerns are raised in accordance with these policies.

Key responsibilities include:

• Work with children, young people, and families subject to Child in Need or Child Protection planning, Public Law Outline, Care Proceedings, Child We Care For arrangements and adoption.
• Providing timely support to vulnerable families, addressing safeguarding concerns and reducing risks.
• Undertaking effective assessments of need, analysis, and risk management for allocated children and supporting newer staff in doing so for their allocated children.
• Maintaining accurate case records and producing timely assessments and reports.
•  Preparing and managing court work, including liaison with guardians and legal representatives.
• Quality assuring other team member’s reports, assessments and minutes.
• Supporting less experienced staff with report writing, meetings and court-related tasks.
• Demonstrating accountability and responsibility for practice and a commitment to continued professional development.
• Supervising students and supporting induction for newly qualified social workers and support staff.
• Planning and facilitating group supervision sessions to strengthen practice and shared learning.
• Please see the attached job description for a full list. 

About You
A qualified and registered social worker with substantial experience in safeguarding, child protection, court work, children we care for and children with disabilities. You have strong communication, analytical, decision-making, assessment and supervision skills. You are able to work collaboratively with partner agencies. You have integrity, professionalism, resilience, practice inclusive working, and have a commitment to council values and positive outcomes for children and families.

We would like to hear from you if you are: 

• A qualified and experienced Social Worker registered with Social Work England.
• If you are an International Social Worker, please apply via the International Social Worker Vacancy also on the Careers page.
• Kind and caring, with an understanding of and respect for individuals’ qualities, abilities, and diverse backgrounds.
• Advocating for equality and integrity in all you do.
• Always learning, with a passion to grow and develop your skills.
• Willing to take responsibility and contribute to the delivery of Oxfordshire County Council’s vision.
• Driven to do it differently to embark on a journey of continuous improvement.

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).
• Flexible working.
• Employee Assistance Programme including access to health and wellbeing support 24x7.Range of family-friendly policies.
• Childcare vouchers, cycle to work scheme, electric car scheme, range of 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 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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