Social Worker - Adult Services South team
About the teamJoin Oxfordshire County Council’s South Adult Social Care Team and help people live their lives as successfully, independently and safely as possible. We work collaboratively with individuals, families, carers, communities and partner agencies, using strengths-based practice to build resilience, identify sustainable support networks and achieve outcomes that matter.
You will be part of a collaborative service committed to high-quality practice, continuous learning and making a real difference to Oxfordshire’s residents and communities. You will be supported by a Practice Supervisor and encouraged to develop your professional knowledge and career.
About the Role As a Social Worker, You will manage a varied caseload and complete timely, proportionate assessments, reviews and professional interventions.You will apply relevant legislation and professional judgement to develop personalised support plans, promote independence, balance choice and risk, and safeguard adults and children where concerns arise.Working within the Care Act 2014, Mental Capacity Act 2005, Mental Health Act 1983 and other relevant legislation, You will work with health, housing and community partners to explore informal support, reablement, equipment, assistive technology and property adaptations.
The role includes community visits, telephone enquiries, clinics, duty work and emergency advice.The post is appointed at Grade 10/11.
You will work within the Social Worker competency framework and progress to Grade 11 by completing and passing the required progression criteria within the specified timescales.Undertake strengths-based assessments and reviews with individuals, families and carers, identifying desired outcomes and the most appropriate ways to meet eligible needs.Develop clear, personalised support plans that make best use of informal networks, community resources, reablement, equipment, assistive technology and adaptations.Manage and prioritise a caseload, undertaking face-to-face visits, telephone enquiries, clinics and duty work, including emergency advice when required.Act as a trusted assessor and involve other social care or health professionals when specialist assessment, skills or intervention are needed.Identify and respond appropriately to adult and child safeguarding concerns, completing enquiries in line with legislation, local procedures and Making Safeguarding Personal principles.Apply legal and professional knowledge to balance protection, choice and risk, supporting people to manage risk wherever possible.Maintain accurate, comprehensive and professionally defensible records; where required, prepare court reports and give evidence in legal proceedings.Work effectively with individuals, carers, colleagues and partner agencies to achieve positive and sustainable outcomes.Contribute ideas, learning and professional insight through supervision, briefings, surveys and team meetings.Maintain Social Work England registration and actively engage in continuing professional development, with opportunities to develop in roles such as Practice Educator, Best Interests Assessor or Approved Mental Health Professional.This is a rewarding opportunity to use your professional expertise in a role that combines relationship-based practice, legal literacy, multi-agency working and practical problem-solving.
About youYou will be a qualified, registered Social Worker who is committed to strengths-You will bring at least two years’ post-qualification experience , a recognised Social Work qualification and current Social Work England registration, supported by continuing professional development.
You will understand relevant adult social care legislation, safeguarding, confidentiality and information-sharing requirements, and be confident using digital systems, maintaining accurate records and producing clear reports.You will be able to complete strengths-based assessments and reviews, manage competing priorities and work independently and collaboratively with individuals, families, carers and partner agencies.
Calm, resilient and responsive to feedback,You will communicate effectively, use sound professional judgement and demonstrate a commitment to equality, ethical practice and ongoing learning.You will be required to have a driving licence and access to a vehicle as part of this role. Post-qualifying training, experience of equipment, housing adaptations or moving and handling, and knowledge of wider community services would be advantageous.
Could this be you? Before applying, we recommend reviewing the attached job description. It contains further information about the role and the essential criteria we will use during the selection process.Rewards and benefitsAt OCC, you'll be part of a team that’s not only passionate about what we do, but also about how we do it.
We foster a culture of inclusion, respect, and continuous improvement, and we’re proud to offer flexible working arrangements, professional development opportunities, and a strong sense of purpose in everything we do.Hybrid working – Flexibility is important to deliver the service and to suit individual lifestyles, we encourage discussion at interviews as we acknowledge there isn’t a one size fits all approach.Culture of flexible workingGreat learning and development opportunities to support your growthTechnology to support agile working – with unlimited access to Copilot for smarter productivityEmployee Assistance Programme with health and wellbeing supportGenerous annual leave - up to 30 days plus bank holidays, and an option to 'buy' additional time offEnhanced family friendly policiesLocal Government Pension Scheme - employer contributions up to 18.9%Discounts - local and national offers for shopping and travel 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 InclusionAt 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 SchemesAs 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: SafeguardingOxfordshire 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 WorkingWe 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 MediaStay up-to-date with the latest news and featured jobs from Oxfordshire County Council by following us on LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
