Visa Note
While this position offers a certificate of sponsorship, international candidates must verify their eligibility for UK work authorization before applying. The certificate of sponsorship does not guarantee visa approval. Please check the UK government’s visa requirements and contact the employer directly to discuss your specific circumstances.
Job Details
Company: Oxfordshire County Council
Location: Not provided
Salary: £46,142 to £49,282 a year
Schedule: Full-time
Employment Type: Permanent
Language: English
Education: Not provided
Experience: General Requirements
Essential Qualification: Not provided
Desirable Qualification: Not provided
Essential Experience: Please refer to job description above
About the Role
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.
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 You
We are seeking a qualified Social Worker with at least three years post-qualifying experience, ideally within Children’s 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.
You should possess knowledge of relevant frameworks, legislation, and guidance, combined with a willingness to further develop your skills. You must be confident working independently, leading practice areas or projects, and modelling positive leadership within the team.
Experience in supervising or mentoring staff is desirable, along with strong computer literacy skills. 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.
Benefits and Rewards
Oxfordshire County Council offers a comprehensive benefits package including a generous annual leave entitlement (plus bank holidays) and a culture of flexible working. Employees have access to technology to support agile working where the role permits.
The Local Government contributory pension scheme provides an employer contribution of up to 19.9%. Additional benefits include an Employee Assistance Programme with 24/7 access to health and wellbeing support, a range of family-friendly policies, and various staff discounts including travel, holidays, insurance, food, and health and leisure activities.
The organization also offers childcare vouchers, a cycle to work scheme, an electric car scheme, and excellent learning and development opportunities to support your career progression.
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. 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 meet the essential criteria.
Guaranteed Interview Schemes
We are committed to supporting specific groups in gaining employment. For those leaving care without 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, guaranteeing an interview for those demonstrating the essential criteria for the role within three years of leaving the service.
Safeguarding Commitment
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 ensure that all our recruitment and selection practices reflect these safeguarding commitments.
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.
How to Apply
Apply via NHS Jobs website. Before submitting your application, international candidates should verify their eligibility for UK work authorization and ensure they have the required professional qualifications recognized in the UK.
When applying, be prepared to provide documentation of your professional qualifications, proof of English language proficiency if applicable, and details of any previous UK work experience. Contact the recruitment team early in the process if you have questions about visa sponsorship or credential recognition.
Contact Information
For questions about the job, contact: Sandra Benaite (Recruiter)
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 01865816000
Application Deadline
The closing date is 29 October 2025. Applications submitted after this date will not be considered. We recommend applying well in advance of the deadline to allow time for any technical issues or additional documentation requests for international candidates.
Employer Website
https://www.oxfordshire.gov.uk/
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. This is particularly useful for international candidates who want to learn more about relocating to Oxfordshire.
Privacy Notice
Oxfordshire County Council’s privacy notice can be found at https://www.oxfordshire.gov.uk/council/about-website/privacy-notice#paragraph-5977. This explains how your personal data will be used in the recruitment process and beyond.
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975, and 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.
Apply Instructions
To apply for this position, visit the NHS Jobs website and submit your application form. Ensure all required sections are completed accurately, especially the visa sponsorship declaration. International applicants must attach proof of professional qualification recognition and English language proficiency where applicable.
Apply Instructions
Applications without complete documentation for visa eligibility will not be considered. Contact Sandra Benaite at [email protected] or call 01865816000 for clarification on requirements. All applications must be received by 29 October 2025.
