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Employer: Oxfordshire County Council
Job Title: Social Worker
Location: Oxford, United Kingdom
Salary: £38,220 to £45,091 a year
Job Type: Full-time
Closing Date: 21 March 2026
Job Summary
Are you a Newly Qualified Social Worker (NQSW) ready to take the next step in your career? Applications are invited for the Assessed and Supported Year in Employment (ASYE) programme within Oxfordshire County Council’s Social Work Professional Development Centre.
This centre is designed to support NQSWs, building a strong, stable workforce and delivering outstanding services to children and families across Oxfordshire. The role of a children’s social worker is both challenging and rewarding — a true privilege. The right support during your first year will give you the confidence and skills to thrive in your career.
Main Duties of the Job
Participate in a structured ASYE programme providing a safe, supportive environment for the first year in practice.
Manage a protected caseload with a gradual increase in responsibilities as confidence grows.
Follow a personalised development plan tailored to learning needs, with regular progress reviews.
Access a competency framework aligned with Oxfordshire County Council’s guiding principles for strengths-based practice.
Join a variety of teams across Children’s Social Care.
Oxfordshire County Council is a strengths-based service focused on supporting families to keep children safe and achieve lasting change. The approach is rooted in relationship-based practice and motivational interviewing, ensuring families are engaged and empowered.
About the Role
Roles are available across Children’s Social Care, including:
Children’s Assessment Team
Family Support and Safeguarding
Children We Care For
Children with Disabilities
NQSW Testimonials
“The new Social Work Development Centre has enabled me to start my social work career in a positive, supportive and protected environment… I can develop at my own pace with support available as and when required.” — Kirsty
“The Development Centre supports all NQSWs from all backgrounds with varying levels of experience… it really helps those whose training and qualification has been impacted by the pandemic.” — Patrick
“All the people in the Social Work Development Centre are approachable and supportive, it feels like I’m part of a family.” — Harriet
About You
This is a key safeguarding role, ensuring children and families receive a safe, respectful, and child-focused service. Oxfordshire County Council is looking for individuals who:
Practice with strong values, demonstrating commitment to strengths-based approaches.
Hold a Social Work degree and are registered with Social Work England. (Interim posts as Social Work Trainee are available if awaiting degree confirmation.)
Have excellent communication skills, with the ability to build positive relationships with children and families.
Can produce clear, concise, and accurate written work.
Are resilient and able to manage the emotional demands of the role, using appropriate support.
Can travel across the county, including rural areas. A valid driving licence and access to transport is beneficial.
Bring experience working with children and families, whether through placements or previous roles.
Rewards & Benefits
Competitive salary starting at £38,220 per annum, with progression upon completion of ASYE.
Pension package with up to 20% employer contribution.
Manageable caseloads for focused attention to each family.
Work in a council rated ‘Good’ by Ofsted, with full support.
Flexible working including agile, part-time, or home-working arrangements.
Laptop, mobile phone, and MS Teams provided to facilitate agile working.
Generous annual leave starting at 29 days plus bank holidays, with annual leave purchase scheme.
Caring and supportive culture with wellbeing initiatives such as yoga classes, sports teams, and social events.
Additional benefits including cycle-to-work scheme, staff discount scheme, holidays, insurance, and rail travel.
Contact for more information:
Karina Boorer, SWPDC Team Manager Childrens Services – karina.boorer@oxfordshire.gov.uk
Equality, Diversity & Inclusion
Oxfordshire County Council values a diverse workforce. Everyone is accepted regardless of age, disability, gender identity, marital status, race, faith, sexual orientation, socioeconomic background, or family/maternity leave. Staff network groups provide peer support, education, and safe spaces.
Guaranteed Interview Schemes
As a Disability Confident employer, Oxfordshire County Council guarantees an interview for disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria. Interviews are also guaranteed for care leavers who have completed further education or are in apprenticeships, and for service leavers from HM Armed Forces within three years of leaving service.
Safeguarding
Oxfordshire County Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people, and adults. All recruitment and selection practices reflect this commitment.
Flexible Working
Flexible working options include flexi-time, part-time, job sharing, nine-day fortnights, and annualised hours, depending on the role and service requirements.
Follow Oxfordshire County Council
Stay updated with news and jobs on LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. For technical issues with applications, contact: careers@oxfordshire.gov.uk
Person Specification
General Requirements:
Essential and desirable requirements are outlined in the job description above.
Disclosure and Barring Service Check:
A DBS submission is required to check for any previous criminal convictions.
Certificate of Sponsorship:
Applications from job seekers requiring Skilled Worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications.
How to Apply
If this opportunity interests you, head to the company’s official website for full details — click here to submit your application.
