Senior Practitioner - Fostering Recruitment
The closing date is 29 October 2025
Job summary
An exciting opportunity has arisen for a full time Senior Practitioner to join the Countywide Fostering Recruitment Team. We are seeking an experienced, passionate, and dedicated Social Worker to be part of a dynamic team, driving the recruitment of foster carers and contributing to the ongoing development of the service.
Main duties of the job
We are seeking a passionate and experienced Senior Practitioner to support prospective foster carers through recruitment, assessment, training, and beyond championing the vital role of foster carers across Oxfordshire. Our team is friendly, supportive, and committed to high quality practice, consistently receiving excellent feedback from the fostering panel. This is a fantastic opportunity for someone dedicated to the recruitment and retention of foster carers to grow their career. You will contribute to service development, lead new initiatives aligned with departmental policy, and manage your workload independently within legal and procedural frameworks.
About us
We are seeking a qualified Social Worker with at least three years post-qualifying experience, ideally within Childrens Services or Family Placement. A solid understanding of the recruitment and assessment process for foster carers, whether in a Local Authority or Independent Agency setting, is essential along with knowledge of frameworks, legislation, and guidance, and a willingness to further develop your skills. You should be confident working independently, leading practice areas or projects, and modelling positive leadership within the team. Experience in supervising or mentoring staff is desirable, and computer literacy is required. As a Senior Practitioner, you will manage more complex cases and carry a heavier workload than basic grade Supervising Social Workers, with the potential to step into a development role.
Details
Date posted
03 October 2025
Pay scheme
Other
Salary
£46,142 to £49,282 a year
Contract
Permanent
Working pattern
Full-time
Reference number
VP55066A33
Job locations
Kidlington
OX5 2BP
Employer details
Employer name
Oxfordshire County Council
Address
Kidlington
OX5 2BP
Employer's website
https://www.oxfordshire.gov.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)



Employer contact details
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