Social Worker - Children's Disability Team

Job description

Job responsibilities

About Us

Together, were shaping childrens 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, were 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.

Weve been consistently rated as good by Ofsted, but we are not content with that; we are ambitious and want to do even better!Were 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 Solutions Plus (FSP).

Together, were the moment makers and were focussed on making every day the best it can be for our residents. Whatever you do here, youll look around and say, I make a difference. Because were all creating lasting change to peoples lives in Oxfordshire.

Everyday youll be challenged in a new way, supported by your team, in an organisation that is free thinking, flexible, and helps people achieve their ambitions.Were 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 childrens social care.

Are you in?

About the Role

The Children's Disability Team work with disabled children and their families, assessing their need for social care services and supporting Child in Need and Child Protection plans; children subject to Care Proceedings, Children We Care For and Leaving Care adults.

This is a rewarding opportunity, to ensure that services are planned and delivered in a way that maximises participation and reflects childrens rights in relation to services being provided; to act on views of children and young people and demonstrate that childrens 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:

• To assess need, providing focused work aimed at helping parents and children make changes in their lives, recording and evaluating that work as well as liaising with other agencies and voluntary organisations to improve the support available to children and their families in the local community.
• To be the allocated worker for disabled children in need or subject to child protection plans as identified by assessment, and for disabled children who are looked after.
• To provide ongoing timely assessment, planning, implementation and review for allocated cases, working in partnership with young people, their families and partner agencies.
• To prepare written reports for review, case conferences, courts and departmental panels as appropriate.
• To undertake effective analysis and management of risk for allocated children and to promote and support their developing needs under the supervision of the Team Manager.

Please see the attached job description for a full list.

About You

Youre free-thinking and brave, and that sets you apart.Youll be supportive and energised; you dont accept the norm if it can be done better - finding answers through exploration and courage. Just as importantly, you will embody our values in everything you do.

Fundamentally, youll be passionate about delivering stand-out public services, because were here to make every moment the best it can be for the residents of Oxfordshire.

We would like to hear from you if you are:

• A Qualified Social Worker, and 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 Councils vision.
• Driven to do it differently to embark on a journey of continuous improvement.

Rewards and Benefits

• Competitive salary from £37,035 - £43,693.
• 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.

Curious to learn more? Contact our friendly team for a confidential and informative chat! Lizzie Sharland, Team Manager (Childrens Services) on elizabeth.sharland@oxfordshire.gov.uk

Ourcommitmentto: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 flexitime, 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 MediaStay up-to-date with the latest news and featured jobs from Oxfordshire County Council by following us on LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. If you encounter any technical issues with the application system, please contact us at: careers@oxfordshire.gov.uk

Person Specification

General Requirements

Essential

• Please refer to job description above

Desirable

• Please refer to job description above

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.

Certificate of Sponsorship

Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).

From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).

UK Registration

Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).

Employer details

Employer name

Oxfordshire County Council

Address

Oxford

OX1 1ND

Employer's website

https://www.oxfordshire.gov.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)