Working as a social worker
Social workers support residents to live the lives they want, in the way they need.
A role with a difference
As one of our social workers, you’ll be right at the heart of the support we provide to residents.
Our Family Safeguarding Approach has transformed how we support families across Oxfordshire – helping them stay safe, strong and together.
A strengths-based, collaborative model
We focus on what families can achieve, not what’s missing. We work alongside families to build trust, understand their situation, and support lasting change using motivational interviewing and restorative practice.
Meet Lara - Assistant team manager
We have a clear way of working with families. By using the family safeguarding model and working as a team with other professionals, we're able to meet their needs.
But there is also a big focus on us. We're supported in developing our careers and progressing. Everyone genuinely values our strengths and listens.
Why Oxfordshire?
Jemima explains why she wants to be in Oxfordshire.
Video transcript
I'm Jemimah. I am a newly qualified social worker, and I work with the family support and safeguarding team. It's a lot.
One, there's love in Oxfordshire. I'm Nigerian, so I'm an immigrant, and coming to Oxfordshire, I was not expecting this much acceptance, if that makes sense.
And there's structure within OCC. I love structure. This is what I have to do. This is how I get it done.
Happy days. And team spirit, like I said, I'm in FSS team one, and I love my team. So these things just make it all so perfect for me to be here.
Whole family support
Multi-disciplinary teams bring together children’s social workers and adult specialists (e.g. mental health, domestic abuse, substance misuse).
This means the right support for parents and shared responsibility for safeguarding.
Families lead their own change
They identify their support networks and take ownership of change through Family Group Decision Making.
Structured support for our team
Clear frameworks, shared tools and reflective supervision give our teams the support and consistency they need - with a culture of learning, not blame.
Values and benefits we commit to
We celebrate our differences and the people we work with. We encourage responsibility and continuous learning. Working with us means you’ll be supported and supportive, be brave and free-thinking.
Returning to social work?
Ask our team about our dedicated programme to help social workers wanting to return.
Latest jobs
Take a look at the latest children's social care vacancies.
View children’s social care vacancies
Why care?
Help us deliver children's social care across Oxfordshire. Read more about working in children's social care.
Assessed and supported year (AYSE)
During your assessed and supported year (ASYE) with us you will get a scaffolded learning experience that enables you to embed knowledge into practice and build your confidence