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Employer: Oxfordshire County Council
Job Title: Social Worker
Location: Oxford, United Kingdom
Salary: £38,220 to £45,091 per year
Job Type: Full-time
Closing Date: 21 March 2026
Overview
Oxfordshire County Council is inviting applications for Newly Qualified Social Workers (NQSWs) to join the Assessed and Supported Year in Employment (ASYE) programme within the Social Work Professional Development Centre. This programme provides a structured, supportive environment for NQSWs to build confidence and develop the skills needed to deliver outstanding services to children and families.
This role offers a unique opportunity to work in a child-focused safeguarding position, supporting families to achieve lasting change while gaining professional development in a strengths-based, relationship-focused approach.
About the Role
Social Workers will be involved in services across Children’s Social Care, including:
Children’s Assessment Team
Family Support and Safeguarding
Children We Care For
Children with Disabilities
Recent NQSWs describe the programme as a safe, supportive, and positive environment that enables them to develop confidence, independence, and professional skills without feeling overwhelmed.
Key Responsibilities
Support children and families, promoting safety, well-being, and independence
Manage a protected caseload with gradual increase in responsibilities
Develop personalised plans and participate in regular progress reviews
Engage with families using relationship-based practice and motivational interviewing
Contribute to strengths-based, restorative practice
Travel across Oxfordshire, including rural areas
Maintain clear, concise, and accurate written records
Collaborate with colleagues, families, and external professionals to ensure holistic care
About You
Ideal candidates will:
Hold a Social Work degree and be registered with Social Work England
Practice with strong values and commitment to strengths-based approaches
Possess excellent communication and relationship-building skills
Be resilient and able to manage the emotional demands of the role
Have experience working with children and families, through placements or previous roles
Have a valid driving licence and access to transport (beneficial but not essential)
Interim posts as a Social Work Trainee are available for those awaiting formal registration.
What Oxfordshire County Council Offers
Competitive salary: £38,220–£45,091 per year with progression after ASYE
Pension: Up to 20% employer contribution
Manageable caseloads to ensure quality service
Flexible working: Hybrid and agile working options with laptop, mobile, and MS Teams support
Generous annual leave: 29 days plus bank holidays, with leave purchase options
Training & support: Ongoing development in handling complex cases and challenging behaviours
Employee well-being: Health programmes, yoga classes, social activities, and recognition initiatives
Other benefits: Cycle to work, staff discounts, insurance, leisure activities, rail travel
Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion
Oxfordshire County Council values diversity and is committed to equality, guaranteeing interviews for:
Disabled applicants meeting essential criteria
Care leavers completing further education
Armed Forces personnel within three years of leaving service
The council promotes a safeguarding culture and flexible working options, including flexi-time, part-time, job sharing, and annualised hours.
Person Specification
Essential: Refer to key responsibilities and candidate requirements above.
Desirable: Experience in children’s social care or placements with children and families.
Disclosure and Barring Service Check: Required for all successful applicants.
Certificate of Sponsorship: Applicants requiring Skilled Worker sponsorship are welcome; additional criminal record checks may apply for overseas applicants.
How to Apply
If this opportunity interests you, head to the council’s official website for full details — click here to submit your application.
