Social Worker - Oxfordshire Health & Homelessness Inclusion Team

Job Introduction

About Us

The Oxfordshire Health & Homelessness Inclusion Team (OHHI) is a dynamic team of passionate professionals who support people experiencing homelessness and barriers to accessing housing and health services in Oxfordshire. The OHHI team is multi-disciplinary, including social workers, clinical psychology, and other related mental health and housing professionals. The OHHI service covers all of Oxfordshire but is based in Oxford. The team is funded collaboratively across health and social care.

About the Role

We are recruiting for two full-time social workers. The social worker posts in OHHI are hired and managed by the Oxfordshire County Council Adult Social Care City locality team. There is a third practice supervisor social worker in OHHI to provide direct line management. All social workers in OHHI report to the OCC ASC City team manager.

Social workers in OHHI support people in the community with multiple intersecting housing, mental health, and physical care needs. Experience in statutory assessments (Care Act Assessment, mental capacity assessments, best interest assessments) is required. Experience with statutory safeguarding work is required. Knowledge and experience of housing, mental health, and physical health legislation is preferred but could be supported with experience in the job. A social worker in OHHI will become a highly-competent professional through the work they do on a daily basis.

OHHI is commissioned to cover all of Oxfordshire, but works most often in Oxford. OHHI has a well-equipped office in Oxford in a location near other supportive services. The role is 37 hours, five days per week. Flexible working requests could be considered during interview. A social worker in OHHI would be expected to work in the community an average of 3 days per week, but would need to be willing to work in the community every day, depending upon service demand. Access to a car is strongly preferred with mileage reimbursed. A parking permit and Oxford congestion charge permit will be issued. OCC supports alternative transport methods, as appropriate.

OHHI is hiring for an initial 10-month contract, until 31 March 2027, with the opportunity to renew for further one-year contracts, pending funding approval. Opportunities for permanent social worker contracts within OCC adult social care could be considered if vacancies are available at that time.

About you

OHHI is recruiting for two social workers who are passionate about supporting people in our community who are experiencing barriers to accessing supportive services. We are looking for social workers are feel a strong commitment to social justice and equity of access. You will need to have high levels of resilience and be willing to advocate for the people you are supporting.

In return, you will work in a highly-collaborative, multi-disciplinary team of professionals. You will receive regular supervision and you will be supported by your supervisor and manager. You will learn about the intersection of mental health, physical health, and social care legislation and process in Oxfordshire. You will be stretched professionally to achieve more than you thought you could.

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, 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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If you encounter any issues with the application system, please contact: peter.heim@oxfordshire.gov.uk.