Oxfordshire County Council

Assistant Team Manager - Children's Services (Didcot)

The closing date is 01 November 2025

Job summary

You will line manage Childrens Practitioners & Social Workers while also deputising for the Team Manager, when required. You will also supervise Newly Qualified Social Workers, supporting and assessing them to meet the requirements of the council's Assessed & Supported Year in Employment (ASYE) programme. In addition, you will manage the Teams duty and assessment function. Large part of your role will focus on supporting county safeguarding and child protection policies and ensuring that they are adhered to. You will play a lead role in improving practice, including the quality of assessments and care planning within the team, leading team meeting discussions and workshops, and updating staff on practice developments and research findings. You will be responsible for the allocation and timely progression of new referrals into the team via the duty system, under the direction of the Team Manager.

Main duties of the job

As a qualified Social Worker, you will possess knowledge of services relevant to children, young people, families, carers, and groups, and knowledge of how to access relevant services. You working knowledge of the Family Safeguarding Model and Motivational Interviewing will be beneficial in ensuring timely progression of work with families within the FSS model, ensuring direct reports work in accordance with the model modules and attend group case supervision as required. You should have considerable direct experience of safeguarding social work including child protection planning and legal casework, including knowledge of relevant law, legislation, guidance, policy and procedures in relation to children and families social work.

About us

Together, were shaping childrens social care for the future. Every day, our colleagues are helping to transform the lives of Oxfordshire residents. In our Children, Education, & Families directorate, were committed to delivering lasting change, by helping the children, young people, and families of Oxfordshire to thrive. We know the importance of building relationships, empowering people, and building on strengths and this is reflected in our restorative, relational practice approach. Weve been consistently rated as good by Ofsted, but we are not content with that; we are ambitious and want to do even better! Were committed to investing in Children, Education, and Families, to ensure that we have the resources we need to make a real difference to the families we work with including successful operation of our transformational model Family Support and Safeguarding (FSS).

Details

Date posted

02 October 2025

Pay scheme

Other

Salary

£50,269 to £53,460 a year

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Full-time

Reference number

VP3A6BD83B

Job locations

Didcot

OX11 8QX


Job description

Job responsibilities

Empowering change - childrens social care

Together, were the moment makers

About the role

You will line manage Childrens Practitioners & Social Workers while also deputising for the Team Manager, when required.You will also supervise Newly Qualified Social Workers, supporting and assessing them to meet the requirements of the council's Assessed & Supported Year in Employment (ASYE) programme. In addition, you will manage the Teams duty and assessment function.

Large part of your role will focus on supporting county safeguarding and child protection policies and ensuring that they are adhered to.You will play a lead role in improving practice, including the quality of assessments and care planning within the team, leading team meeting discussions and workshops, and updating staff on practice developments and research findings.

You will be responsible for the allocation and timely progression of new referrals into the team via the duty system, under the direction of the Team Manager.

About you

As a qualified Social Worker, you will possess knowledge of services relevant to children, young people, families, carers, and groups, and knowledge of how to access relevant services.You working knowledge of the Family Safeguarding Model and Motivational Interviewing will be beneficial in ensuring timely progression of work with families within the FSS model, ensuring direct reports work in accordance with the model modules and attend group case supervision as required.

You should have considerable direct experience of safeguarding social work including child protection planning and legal casework, including knowledge of relevant law, legislation, guidance, policy and procedures in relation to children and families social work.

About us

Together, were shaping childrens social care for the future. Every day, our colleagues are helping to transform the lives of Oxfordshire residents.

In our Children, Education, & Families directorate, were committed to delivering lasting change, by helping the children, young people, and families of Oxfordshire to thrive.We know the importance of building relationships, empowering people, and building on strengths and this is reflected in our restorative, relational practice approach.

Weve been consistently rated as good by Ofsted, but we are not content with that; we are ambitious and want to do even better!Were committed to investing in Children, Education, and Families, to ensure that we have the resources we need to make a real difference to the families we work with including successful operation of our transformational model Family Support and Safeguarding (FSS).

Our Rewards & Benefits

  • Annual leave starting at 30 days per year (plus bank holidays).
  • Relocation allowance of up to £8,000 (subject to meeting eligibility criteria).
  • A welcome and loyalty bonus of £3,500.
  • Culture of flexible working
  • Technology to support agile working where role permits
  • Membership of the Local Government contributory pension scheme, employers contribution of up to19.9%
  • Employee Assistance Programme including access to health and wellbeing support 24 x7.
  • Range of family friendly policies.
  • Childcare vouchers, cycle to work scheme, electric car scheme, range of staff discounts including travel, holidays, insurance, food, health & leisure activities.
  • Excellent learning and development opportunities.

Link to our Children's Services benefits site: *Benefits of working for children's services *

How to apply

To apply, please complete our online application form.

Application requirements:

  • Explain how you meet the job role requirements and selection criteria as specified in the job description attached.
  • Attach a cover letter and CV to your application form.
  • If you encounter any difficulties while completing the form, please contact the Recruitment Team using the Application Enquiry Form on the Home Page.

We look forward to receiving your application!

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 peersupport, 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 tosharethiscommitment. 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.

Follow us on Social Media

Stay up-to-date with the latest news and featured jobs from Oxfordshire County Council by following us on LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

If you encounter any technical issues with the application system, please contact us at: careers@oxfordshire.gov.uk

Job description

Job responsibilities

Empowering change - childrens social care

Together, were the moment makers

About the role

You will line manage Childrens Practitioners & Social Workers while also deputising for the Team Manager, when required.You will also supervise Newly Qualified Social Workers, supporting and assessing them to meet the requirements of the council's Assessed & Supported Year in Employment (ASYE) programme. In addition, you will manage the Teams duty and assessment function.

Large part of your role will focus on supporting county safeguarding and child protection policies and ensuring that they are adhered to.You will play a lead role in improving practice, including the quality of assessments and care planning within the team, leading team meeting discussions and workshops, and updating staff on practice developments and research findings.

You will be responsible for the allocation and timely progression of new referrals into the team via the duty system, under the direction of the Team Manager.

About you

As a qualified Social Worker, you will possess knowledge of services relevant to children, young people, families, carers, and groups, and knowledge of how to access relevant services.You working knowledge of the Family Safeguarding Model and Motivational Interviewing will be beneficial in ensuring timely progression of work with families within the FSS model, ensuring direct reports work in accordance with the model modules and attend group case supervision as required.

You should have considerable direct experience of safeguarding social work including child protection planning and legal casework, including knowledge of relevant law, legislation, guidance, policy and procedures in relation to children and families social work.

About us

Together, were shaping childrens social care for the future. Every day, our colleagues are helping to transform the lives of Oxfordshire residents.

In our Children, Education, & Families directorate, were committed to delivering lasting change, by helping the children, young people, and families of Oxfordshire to thrive.We know the importance of building relationships, empowering people, and building on strengths and this is reflected in our restorative, relational practice approach.

Weve been consistently rated as good by Ofsted, but we are not content with that; we are ambitious and want to do even better!Were committed to investing in Children, Education, and Families, to ensure that we have the resources we need to make a real difference to the families we work with including successful operation of our transformational model Family Support and Safeguarding (FSS).

Our Rewards & Benefits

  • Annual leave starting at 30 days per year (plus bank holidays).
  • Relocation allowance of up to £8,000 (subject to meeting eligibility criteria).
  • A welcome and loyalty bonus of £3,500.
  • Culture of flexible working
  • Technology to support agile working where role permits
  • Membership of the Local Government contributory pension scheme, employers contribution of up to19.9%
  • Employee Assistance Programme including access to health and wellbeing support 24 x7.
  • Range of family friendly policies.
  • Childcare vouchers, cycle to work scheme, electric car scheme, range of staff discounts including travel, holidays, insurance, food, health & leisure activities.
  • Excellent learning and development opportunities.

Link to our Children's Services benefits site: *Benefits of working for children's services *

How to apply

To apply, please complete our online application form.

Application requirements:

  • Explain how you meet the job role requirements and selection criteria as specified in the job description attached.
  • Attach a cover letter and CV to your application form.
  • If you encounter any difficulties while completing the form, please contact the Recruitment Team using the Application Enquiry Form on the Home Page.

We look forward to receiving your application!

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 peersupport, 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 tosharethiscommitment. 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.

Follow us on Social Media

Stay up-to-date with the latest news and featured jobs from Oxfordshire County Council by following us on LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

If you encounter any technical issues with the application system, please contact us at: careers@oxfordshire.gov.uk

Person Specification

General Requirements

Essential

  • Please refer to job description above

Desirable

  • Please refer to job description above
Person Specification

General Requirements

Essential

  • Please refer to job description above

Desirable

  • Please refer to job description above

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.

Certificate of Sponsorship

Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).

From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).

UK Registration

Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).

Additional information

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.

Certificate of Sponsorship

Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).

From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).

UK Registration

Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).

Employer details

Employer name

Oxfordshire County Council

Address

Didcot

OX11 8QX


Employer's website

https://www.oxfordshire.gov.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)


Employer details

Employer name

Oxfordshire County Council

Address

Didcot

OX11 8QX


Employer's website

https://www.oxfordshire.gov.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)


Employer contact details

For questions about the job, contact:

Recruiter

Sandra Benaite

VP3A6BD83B.1286@vacancyposter.com

01865816000

Details

Date posted

02 October 2025

Pay scheme

Other

Salary

£50,269 to £53,460 a year

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Full-time

Reference number

VP3A6BD83B

Job locations

Didcot

OX11 8QX


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