Social Worker - kinship team

Job Introduction

About Us

We are looking for a new committed Social Worker to join our team. You will be working within the countywide kinship team as part of Oxfordshire County Council’s fostering service. We are an experienced and stable team who value best practice and are supportive of one another. You will receive regular, focussed supervision and support when needed.

About the Role

You will be responsible for assessing Regulation 24 arrangements to present to Fostering Panel, as well as supporting and supervising connected persons foster carers. You will also regularly undertake both initial viability and Special Guardianship assessments for court, regarding children who are subject to legal proceedings.

About you

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

You will need to communicate well with vulnerable families and maintain strong working relationships across Children's Services as well as with other agencies. You will need to be pro-active and take responsibility for decision making. Strong report writing skills and the ability to adhere to deadlines is essential.

Rewards and benefits

We offer an optional 9 day fortnight working pattern as well as agile working, with a range of possible office bases across the county. We also offer excellent internal and external learning and development opportunities to support your ongoing development.

We have a generous holiday allowance which rises as you remain in employment with us up to 32 days, as well as giving you the option to buy additional holiday. You will also have access to a Local Government Pension Scheme with employer contributions of up to 19.9% of your salary; a range of local and national retail discounts; and a host of enhanced family friendly policies including carers leave and paid time off for volunteering.

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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