Principal Social Worker

Job Introduction

About Us

At Oxfordshire County Council, our Adult Social Care service is driven by a clear purpose: to help people live independent, meaningful lives supported by high‑quality, compassionate and professional practice. We value strong leadership at every level and invest in our workforce to ensure that practitioners feel supported, developed and empowered to deliver their best work.

We are looking for an experienced and motivated Practice Supervisor to join our Adult Social Care service and play a key role in leading practice, supporting staff and ensuring consistently high standards for the people we serve.

About the Role

As a Practice Supervisor, you will be accountable for the quality of social work practice across your team. You will provide professional supervision, guidance and leadership to social workers, occupational therapists and students, supporting their development while ensuring compliance with legislation, policies and procedures. You will model strength‑based, person‑centred practice and create a supportive and reflective learning environment.

You will hold responsibility for overseeing complex casework, including safeguarding enquiries, Mental Capacity Act work and court‑related activity, offering professional oversight and challenge where required. The role includes chairing Best Interest meetings and strategy meetings, acting as Safeguarding Manager when appropriate, and contributing to service improvement through quality assurance activity such as audits and performance management.

Alongside practice leadership, you will support the effective management of the service by allocating work, managing demand and prioritisation, and authorising the use of financial resources within agreed delegation, ensuring responsible use of public funds. You will work closely with Team Managers and deputise when required, contributing to operational decision‑making and continuous improvement. The role also supports recruitment and retention activity and uses data and insight to strengthen practice and performance.

About You

You will hold a recognised professional qualification in social work or occupational therapy and be registered with the relevant professional body. You will bring substantial experience of working in statutory adult social care, with a strong understanding of relevant legislation including the Care Act 2014, Mental Capacity Act 2005 and Mental Health Act 1983.

You will have experience of supervising and developing others, with the confidence to provide constructive challenge, professional guidance and motivational leadership. You will be calm under pressure, adaptable and solution‑focused, with strong communication and decision‑making skills. An understanding of budget management and the ability to balance risk, resources and outcomes is essential.

You will be committed to strength‑based practice, professional development and continuous improvement. Post‑qualifying training such as Practice Educator, Best Interest Assessor or Approved Mental Health Professional, or a willingness to work towards one of these, is desirable.

Rewards and Benefits

• Competitive salary
• Annual leave starting at 29 days per year (plus bank holidays)
• A comprehensive Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS)
• Agile and flexible working
• Employee Assistance Programme including access to health and wellbeing support 24/7
• Childcare vouchers, cycle to work scheme, electric car scheme, range of staff discounts including travel, holidays, insurance, food, health and leisure activities.
• Excellent learning and development opportunities.

Our commitment to:
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 flexi-time, full time and part time working, job sharing, nine-day fortnights and annualised hours, depending on the requirements of the role and the service.

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