Assistant Team Manager - Children's Assessment Service (North Oxford)
Are you passionate about making a difference in the lives of children, young people and families in need of help and protection? We have exciting Assistant Team Manager opportunities within the Children’s Assessment Service.
Main duties of the job
You will be responsible for coordinating and overseeing the social work response for children referred to us at the Front Door. You will line‑manage a pod of Social Workers, act as Duty Manager, oversee allocations for incoming Section 17 and Section 47 referrals, provide case and individual supervision to Social Workers and QA their completed work. Making threshold decisions is part of daily life in the Children’s Assessment Service and you will provide clear advice and proportionate decisions in how we respond. The role is fast‑paced and your energy and enthusiasm will be key. You will be part of a wider management team and, with the support of your Team Manager and our skilled social workers, you will be at the forefront of safeguarding our most vulnerable children and families.
The post holder will be free‑thinking, brave, supportive and energized; you don’t accept the norm if it can be done better – finding answers through exploration and courage. You will embody our values in everything you do: always learning, being kind and caring, equality and integrity, taking responsibility and daring to do it differently.
Required qualifications and experience
* A Social Work qualification and current registration with Social Work England
* Considerable direct experience of frontline safeguarding Social Work, including assessment team working and developing safe plans and interventions
* Ability to work autonomously and management experience gained from a statutory child‑protection service (experience of supervising student social workers or family support staff may be considered)
* Ability to manage competing demands, be reflective and analytical, proportionate in decision‑making whilst maintaining a clear focus on the best interests of children and vulnerable adults
* Working knowledge of the Family Safeguarding Model and Motivational Interviewing
For further detail, please refer to the full selection criteria in the attached job description.
About us
Together we are shaping children’s social care for the future. Every day our colleagues are helping to transform the lives of the residents of Oxfordshire. In our Early Help, Assessment and Prevention Directorate we are committed to delivering lasting change by helping children, young people and families to thrive. We value building relationships, empowering people and building on strengths – reflected in our restorative, relational practice approach.
We believe that together our differences make us stronger, and diversity is the foundation for innovation. Here you can create a unique career while raising the bar for the future of children’s social care.
Rewards and benefits
We offer a flexible working culture, opportunities for flexibility on hours, technology to support agile working, strong learning and development opportunities and a range of family‑friendly policies.
* Annual leave starting at 30 days per year (plus bank holidays)
* Culture of flexible working
* Technology to support agile working where role permits
* Membership of the Local Government contributory pension scheme, employer’s contribution of up to 19.9 %
* Employee Assistance Programme, 24 × 7 health and wellbeing support
* Range of family‑friendly policies
* Childcare vouchers, cycle‑to‑work scheme, electric‑car scheme, staff discounts on travel, holidays, insurance, food, health & leisure activities
* Excellent learning and development opportunities
* Explore more here
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 meeting the essential criteria for the role within three years of leaving the service.
Our commitment to Safeguarding
Oxfordshire County Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and adults. We expect all employees, workers and volunteers to share this commitment and ensure our recruitment and selection practices reflect this.
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 role and service requirements.
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If you encounter any technical issues with the application system, please contact us at: nicola.harper@oxfordshire.gov.uk
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such a submission to the Disclosure and Barring Service will be required to check for any previous convictions.
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