Social Worker (Sponsorship Available) At Oxfordshire County Council

Job Summary

We are looking for a new committed Social Worker to join the team. The role sits within the countywide kinship team as part of Oxfordshire County Council’s fostering service. The team is experienced and stable, values best practice, and is supportive of one another. Regular, focused supervision and support will be provided when needed.

Main Duties of the Job

The Social Worker will be responsible for:

Assessing Regulation 24 arrangements to present to Fostering Panel
Supporting and supervising connected persons foster carers
Undertaking initial viability assessments and Special Guardianship assessments for court regarding children subject to legal proceedings

About Oxfordshire County Council

The ideal candidate will be passionate about supporting children to remain within their kinship networks wherever possible, ensuring these arrangements are safe and supported.

Strong communication skills are essential when working with vulnerable families. The role requires building and maintaining strong working relationships across Children’s Services and other agencies.

The Social Worker must be proactive, take responsibility for decision-making, and demonstrate strong report writing skills with the ability to meet deadlines.

Rewards and Benefits

Oxfordshire County Council offers:

Optional 9-day fortnight working pattern
Agile working with flexible office base options across the county
Learning and development opportunities for continuous professional growth
Generous holiday allowance rising up to 32 days, with option to buy additional leave
Local Government Pension Scheme with employer contributions up to 19.9%
Retail discounts (local and national)
Enhanced family-friendly policies including carers leave and paid volunteering time

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

Oxfordshire County Council is committed to building an inclusive workforce. All individuals are welcomed regardless of age, disability, gender identity, marital status, race, faith or belief, sexual orientation, socioeconomic background, or maternity/family status. Staff network groups provide peer support, education, and safe spaces.

Guaranteed Interview Schemes

As a Disability Confident employer, Oxfordshire County Council guarantees interviews for disabled applicants who meet essential criteria.

Guaranteed interviews are also offered to:

Care leavers who meet essential criteria
Apprenticeship applicants from care backgrounds without further education
Armed Forces leavers within three years who meet essential criteria

Safeguarding Commitment

Oxfordshire County Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people, and adults. All staff, workers, and volunteers are expected to share this commitment. Recruitment and selection practices reflect these standards.

Flexible Working

Flexible working options are available depending on the role and service needs, including:

Flexi-time
Full-time and part-time working
Job sharing
Nine-day fortnights
Annualised hours

Social Media

Stay updated with Oxfordshire County Council news and vacancies via LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

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. A Disclosure and Barring Service check will be required for any previous criminal convictions.

Certificate of Sponsorship

Applications from job seekers requiring Skilled Worker sponsorship are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applicants.

From 6 April 2017, applicants must provide a criminal record certificate from every country lived in for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants are also subject to this requirement.

UK Registration

Applicants must have current UK professional registration. Further information is available via the NHS Careers website.

How to Apply

If this opportunity interests you, head to the company’s official website for full details — click here to submit your application.