Social Worker - Safeguarding

About us

Do you want to help us radically change the way we deliver social care?

Join Oxfordshire County Council on an exciting journey towards Delivering the Future Together, our ambitious transformation programme which is enabling us to be an employer, partner, and place shaper of choice. We’re seeking the right people who can help us get there while embracing our value of ‘daring to do it differently’, as we continue to strive to do better.

In Adult Services, this means we're daring to do adult social care differently by supporting Oxfordshire’s residents to stay fit, healthy and independent in their communities for as long as possible through a strength’s-based approach. Working with local NHS services, care providers and community and voluntary groups, we make the most of what each of our strengths are, pulling in the same direction, and united by one shared vision.

This means we keep the people we support at the heart of all that we do. And that works. By listening to people and building on the positives in their lives, we can work collaboratively to help them live the lives they want with the right support around them.

It is something we call the Oxfordshire Way and we can’t do it alone – our proactive, positive approach to social care gives everyone the opportunity to make a bigger difference. If we’re doing a good job, we don’t stand still – we’re ambitious and we’re always striving to do better; it’s in our DNA.

About the role

We’re transforming the way we help our frontline Social Workers support our communities to get the best outcomes possible for each and every person we work with. We do this through our commitment of strengthened supervision, ongoing professional training and manageable caseloads, so that you can bring your best self to the people you work with.

The safeguarding team is integral to our commitment to the community, ensuring that people with care and support needs are protected from abuse and neglect. Our team’s efforts are crucial in maintaining a safe environment for our residents, using a multi-agency and community-based approach to ensure there is an understanding that safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility. 

As a dedicated Social Worker in Adult Safeguarding, your role is pivotal in making a meaningful difference to the lives of adults who have specific care and support needs and who may be at risk of abuse or neglect. Collaborating with our established, passionate, and supportive team, you will strive to achieve the best possible outcomes for the people you work with. 

Working alongside Occupational Therapists and Practice Supervisors you will:

•    Utilise a strength-based approach to promote people’s wellbeing to help them achieve their desired outcomes, in alignment to safeguarding principals. 
•    Empower individuals to achieve the outcomes they want and so that they can protect themselves from potential abuse.
•    Support people and carers to ensure their voice is heard through advocacy where necessary.
•    Empower people in your community to identify their strengths and desired outcomes, embracing new ideas and ways of doing things to improve and maintain their independence.

About you

You are…
•    Driven to do it differently to find creative solutions that problem solves with the person, rather than for the person.
•    Willing to take responsibility, you are a self-leader who has the passion to promote people’s strengths to gain the best outcomes for people. 
•    Kind and caring, with an understanding of and respect for individuals’ qualities, abilities and diverse backgrounds. 
•    Advocating for equality and integrity in all you do with a commitment to human rights and social justice, and with your strong communication skills you will work collaboratively to achieve the best outcome.
•    Always learning, to continuously develop your skills and knowledge in theory and case law.  
•    Passionate about following the professional standards of SWE with a commitment to continue your professional development.

Rewards and benefits

• Culture of flexible working
• Technology to support agile working where role permits
• Up to 33 day’s holiday p.a. plus bank holidays
• Option to ‘buy’ additional holiday
• Employee Assistance Programme including access to health and wellbeing support
• Membership of the Local Government contributory pension scheme, with an employer’s contribution of up to 19.9%
• Enhanced family friendly policies
• Local and national discounts for shopping and travel
• Great learning and development opportunities to support your ongoing development
• Relocation package up to a maximum of £8,000 to cover reimbursement of expenses for newly appointed employees (conditions apply in line with Council Policy)
• Regular weekly and monthly formal and informal support and supervision
• Extensive Continuous Professional Development opportunities, career progression scheme including the opportunity to train as a PEP BIA or AMHP

Learn more here: Our benefits | Jobs (oxfordshire.gov.uk) 

Would you like to know more?

Please click here to view the Job Description and Selection Criteria 

For an informal discussion about the role, please contact Patricia Jennings, Team Manager on 01865 328659 or patricia.jennings@oxfordshire.gov.uk.