Social Worker

Job Introduction

About Us

Do you want to help us radically change the way we deliver social care?
Join Oxfordshire County Council on an exciting journey towards Delivering the Future Together, our ambitious transformation programme which is enabling us to be an employer, partner, and place shaper of choice. We’re seeking the right people who can help us get there while embracing our value of ‘daring to do it differently’, as we continue to strive to do better.
 

In Adult Services, this means we're daring to do adult social care differently by supporting Oxfordshire’s residents to stay fit, healthy and independent in their communities for as long as possible through a strength’s-based approach. Working with local NHS services, care providers and community and voluntary groups, we make the most of what each of our strengths are, pulling in the same direction, and united by one shared vision.
 

This means we keep the people we support at the heart of all that we do. And that works. By listening to people and building on the positives in their lives, we can work collaboratively to help them live the lives they want with the right support around them. 
 

It is something we call the Oxfordshire Way and we can’t do it alone – our proactive, positive approach to social care gives everyone the opportunity to make a bigger difference. If we’re doing a good job, we don’t stand still – we’re ambitious and we’re always striving to do better; it’s in our DNA.

 

About the Role

Our team has a broad range and mix of experienced, newly qualified colleagues and apprentices who bring a broad range of experiences and skills to the team. Everyone has a valuable and important contribution to make to the team and the services we provide, and we encourage colleagues to support each other’s personal and professional development.  
 We will support you to continue developing into the best version of your professional self.
We’re transforming the way we help our frontline social workers support our communities to get the best outcomes possible for each and every person we work with in a timely way. We do this through strengthened supervision, ongoing professional training and manageable caseloads, so that you can bring your best self to the people you work with to ensure they have the support they need.

You will be working alongside Social Workers, Occupational Therapists and Coordinators (unqualified colleagues) within the locality. There will be lots of opportunities for inter team and interagency working with health colleagues and other locally based organisations. The ability to travel to and access a variety of premises including people’s home and have access to a car is essential, as this role will require travelling throughout Vale Locality, Oxfordshire.

• Empower people in the community to identify their strengths and desired outcomes, embracing new ideas and ways of doing things to improve and maintain their independence.
• Utilise a strength-based approach to promote people’s wellbeing to help them achieve their desired outcomes.
• Support people and carers to ensure their voice is heard through advocacy where necessary.

We reserve the right to commence interviews prior to the closing date advertised if a sufficient number are received.
 

About you

You are ….

• Motivated to do it differently to find creative solutions that problem solves with the person, rather than for the person.

• Willing to take responsibility, you are someone who has the passion to promote people’s strengths to gain the best outcomes for people. 

• Kind with an understanding of and respect for individuals’ qualities, abilities and diverse backgrounds. 

• Advocating for equality and integrity in all you do with a commitment to human rights and social justice, and with your strong communication skills you will work collaboratively to achieve the best outcome.

• Always learning, to continuously develop your skills and knowledge in theory and case law. 

• Passionate about following the professional standards of SWE with a commitment to continue your professional development.
 

We want you to be inspired by our values and to have the satisfaction, from your work, of putting these into practice. 

 

Your office base may be subject to change as we are currently transitioning between temporary and permanent office locations due to the closure of County Hall. If this is applicable to you, you will be notified, but no reimbursement will apply in respect of travel.

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 Rewards and Benefits

• Up to 33 day’s holiday p.a. plus bank holidays - Option to ‘buy’ additional days
• Membership of the Local Government contributory pension scheme, employer’s contribution of up to 19.9%
• Relocation package up to a maximum of £8,000 to cover reimbursement of expenses for newly appointed employees (conditions apply in line with council policy)
• Regular monthly formal and informal support and supervision
• Local and national discounts for shopping and travel
• Extensive Continuous Professional Development opportunities, career progression scheme including the opportunity to train as a Practice Educator, Best Interest Assessor or Adult Mental Health Practitioner.
• Learn more here: Our benefits | Jobs (oxfordshire.gov.uk) 

Are you a passionate qualified Social Worker ‘returning’ into Adult Social Care? Are you keen to resume practicing, but need some support to re-register with Social Work England? If so, we would also like to hear from you.

For an informal discussion about the role, please contact please contact Halley White – Locality Manager telephone number 07889 176008 or Halley.White@oxfordshire.gov.uk  

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.

Follow us on Social Media

Stay up-to-date with the latest news and featured jobs from Oxfordshire County Council by following us on LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.