Social Worker - Adult Services South team

Job summary

About the Role As a Social Worker, you will manage a varied caseload and complete timely, proportionate assessments, reviews and professional interventions. You will apply relevant legislation and professional judgement to develop personalised support plans, promote independence, balance choice and risk, and safeguard adults and children where concerns arise. Working within the Care Act 2014, Mental Capacity Act 2005, Mental Health Act 1983 and other relevant legislation, you will work with health, housing and community partners to explore informal support, reablement, equipment, assistive technology and property adaptations. The role includes community visits, telephone enquiries, clinics, duty work and emergency advice. The post is appointed at Grade 10/11. You will work within the Social Worker competency framework and progress to Grade 11 by completing and passing the required progression criteria within the specified timescales. Undertake strengths-based assessments and reviews with individuals, families and carers, identifying desired outcomes and the most appropriate ways to meet eligible needs. Develop clear, personalised support plans that make best use of informal networks, community resources, reablement, equipment, assistive technology and adaptations. Manage and prioritise a caseload, undertaking face-to-face visits, telephone enquiries, clinics and duty work, including emergency advice when required. Act as a trusted assessor and involve other social care or health professionals when specialist assessment, skills or intervention are needed. Identify and respond appropriately to adult and child safeguarding concerns, completing enquiries in line with legislation, local procedures and Making Safeguarding Personal principles. Apply legal and professional knowledge to balance protection, choice and risk, supporting people to manage risk wherever possible. Maintain accurate, comprehensive and professionally defensible records; where required, prepare court reports and give evidence in legal proceedings. Work effectively with individuals, carers, colleagues and partner agencies to achieve positive and sustainable outcomes. Contribute ideas, learning and professional insight through supervision, briefings, surveys and team meetings. Maintain Social Work England registration and actively engage in continuing professional development, with opportunities to develop in roles such as Practice Educator, Best Interests Assessor or Approved Mental Health Professional. This is a rewarding opportunity to use your professional expertise in a role that combines relationship-based practice, legal literacy, multi-agency working and practical problem-solving.

Main duties of the job

About you You will be a qualified, registered Social Worker who is committed to strengths- You will bring at least two years post-qualification experience , a recognised Social Work qualification and current Social Work England registration, supported by continuing professional development. You will understand relevant adult social care legislation, safeguarding, confidentiality and information-sharing requirements, and be confident using digital systems, maintaining accurate records and producing clear reports. You will be able to complete strengths-based assessments and reviews, manage competing priorities and work independently and collaboratively with individuals, families, carers and partner agencies. Calm, resilient and responsive to feedback, you will communicate effectively, use sound professional judgement and demonstrate a commitment to equality, ethical practice and ongoing learning. You will be required to have a driving licence and access to a vehicle as part of this role. Post-qualifying training, experience of equipment, housing adaptations or moving and handling, and knowledge of wider community services would be advantageous. Could this be you? Before applying, we recommend reviewing the attached job description. It contains further information about the role and the essential criteria we will use during the selection process.

About us

About the team Join Oxfordshire County Councils South Adult Social Care Team and help people live their lives as successfully, independently and safely as possible. We work collaboratively with individuals, families, carers, communities and partner agencies, using strengths-based practice to build resilience, identify sustainable support networks and achieve outcomes that matter. You will be part of a collaborative service committed to high-quality practice, continuous learning and making a real difference to Oxfordshires residents and communities. You will be supported by a Practice Supervisor and encouraged to develop your professional knowledge and career.