Important Visa Information
Oxfordshire County Council welcomes applications from international candidates who require sponsorship to work in the UK. This position offers a Certificate of Sponsorship for eligible candidates. However, applicants must verify their eligibility for UK work authorization directly with the employer before applying.
Job Overview
We are seeking a dedicated Social Worker – Family Support and Safeguarding to join our Children, Education & Families directorate. This is an excellent opportunity for qualified social workers looking to relocate to the UK while making a meaningful difference in the lives of vulnerable children and families. The role offers a competitive salary range of £38,220 to £49,282 per year, with a permanent full-time contract based in Oxford.
About Oxfordshire County Council
Oxfordshire County Council is a financially stable local authority committed to delivering lasting change for the residents of Oxfordshire. We have been consistently rated as ‘Good’ by Ofsted and are ambitious to improve further. Our Children, Education & Families directorate operates with a restorative, relational practice approach, emphasizing building relationships, empowering people, and building on strengths.
The Role
As a Social Worker – Family Support and Safeguarding, you will manage a caseload tailored to your experience level while ensuring that children’s and their families’ voices are heard and their needs are met. You will work with families using our Family Support and Safeguarding Workbook modules and a strengths-based approach, maintaining regular communication with your Assistant/Team Manager.
Key Responsibilities
You will be responsible for ensuring the provision of good quality services that integrate government and local guidance, including the Children Acts 1989 & 2004, Working Together procedures, local Child Protection and Looked After Children procedures, and the DoH Assessment Framework 2000. Your duties will include preparing and submitting written reports such as child protection conference reports and legal reports for care proceedings.
Casework Management
You will have the confidence to undertake child and family assessments for allocated families and investigate allegations of harm or neglect under Section 47 of the Children Act 1989 when required. Using ICT efficiently, you will maintain accurate case records and record activity in line with key performance management data.
Essential Requirements
To be successful in this role, you must be a qualified and experienced Social Worker with good working knowledge of services relevant to children, young people, families, carers, groups, and partner agencies. You should have a solid understanding of safeguarding practices, relevant legislation, guidance, policies, procedures, and the values and principles of Family Support and Safeguarding.
Experience Required
You must have experience in preparing and submitting written reports, including child protection conference reports and legal reports for care proceedings. The ability to undertake child and family assessments and investigate allegations of harm or neglect under Section 47 of the Children Act 1989 is essential. Experience in chairing meetings and proactively engaging with partner agencies is also required.
Professional Qualities
We are looking for candidates with good working knowledge of Motivational Interviewing and the cycle of change and their application in social work with children and families. You should be supportive, energized, and able to travel to visit clients and attend meetings over a wide area at short notice.
Benefits Package
We offer a comprehensive benefits package including a Welcome and Loyalty payment of £3,500, a relocation allowance of up to £8,000, and annual leave starting at 30 days per year plus bank holidays. You will also have access to a comprehensive Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS), flexible working options, and an Employee Assistance Programme providing health and wellbeing support 24/7.
Additional Benefits
Our family-friendly policies include childcare vouchers, cycle to work scheme, electric car scheme, and a range of staff discounts including travel, holidays, insurance, food, and health & leisure activities. We also provide excellent learning and development opportunities to support your professional growth.
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 staff network groups that provide peer support, education, and safe spaces for all.
Guaranteed Interview Schemes
As a Disability Confident employer, we guarantee an interview for disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria. We also guarantee interviews to care leavers who have completed further education and meet the essential criteria, and to those transitioning from HM Armed Forces to civilian life within three years of leaving service.
Safeguarding Commitment
Oxfordshire County Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people, and adults. We expect all employees, workers, and volunteers to share this commitment, ensuring our recruitment and selection practices reflect these values.
Flexible Working
We are open to discussions about flexible working arrangements, which can include flexi-time, part-time working, job sharing, nine-day fortnights, and annualised hours, depending on the requirements of the role and service.
International Candidate Information
We welcome applications from international candidates who require sponsorship to work in the UK. The Certificate of Sponsorship will be provided for eligible candidates. However, you must be aware that from 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants must present criminal record certificates from each country they have resided in for 12 months or more in the past 10 years.
Professional Registration
Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information on UK registration requirements for social workers, please visit the NHS Careers website for overseas health professionals.
How to Apply
To apply for this position, please visit the NHS Jobs website and follow the application process. Ensure you have all necessary documents ready, including proof of your professional qualifications, evidence of your work experience, and any required criminal record checks if you are an overseas applicant.
Application Checklist for International Candidates
Before applying, please verify your eligibility for UK work authorization with our recruitment team. Prepare your CV highlighting your social work experience and qualifications, gather your professional reference letters, and ensure you have the required language proficiency in English. Contact our recruitment team with any questions about the sponsorship process.
Contact Information
For questions about the job, contact Sandra Benaite (Recruiter) at [email protected] or call 01865816000. For technical issues with the application system, please contact [email protected].
Application Deadline
The closing date for applications is 13 December 2025. We encourage early applications as this position may be filled before the closing date. For more information about Oxfordshire County Council, please visit our website at https://www.oxfordshire.gov.uk/.
Privacy Notice
Please be aware that all applications will be handled in accordance with Oxfordshire County Council’s privacy notice, which you can view at https://www.oxfordshire.gov.uk/council/about-website/privacy-notice#paragraph-5977.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Will the employer assist with relocation? A: Yes, we offer a relocation allowance of up to £8,000. Q: Is language proficiency required? A: Yes, fluency in English is required for this role. Q: What is the expected start date? A: This will be discussed during the interview process for successful candidates.
