Team Manager

Job Introduction

Empowering change - children’s social care  

Together, we’re 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 Children, Education, & Families directorate, we’re 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. 

We’ve been consistently rated as “good” by Ofsted, but we are not content with that; we are ambitious and want to do even better! We’re a financially stable local authority which is 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).
 

About Us

Together, we’re the moment makers and we’re focussed on making every day the best it can be for our residents. Whatever you do here, you’ll look around and say, “I make a difference”. Because we’re all creating lasting change to people’s lives in Oxfordshire. 

Everyday you’ll be challenged in a new way, supported by your team, in an organisation that is free thinking, flexible, and helps people achieve their ambitions. We’re not afraid to do things differently and our dynamic culture means this is a place where new ideas are embraced, and innovation thrives. 

We believe that together, our differences make us stronger, and that diversity is the foundation for innovation. Here, you can create a unique career for yourself – while raising the bar for the future of children’s social care.

 
Are you in?

About the Role

Join our dedicated team at OCC as a Team Manager.

You will play a crucial role in ensuring that children, young people and families in need of help and protection receive timely, high quality assessments and support. Your efforts will help identify and meet their needs, reduce risks and safeguard their wellbeing.

Key responsibilities include:

• Team Management: Lead a team to deliver exceptional services to vulnerable children and families.
• Service Development: Support the Service Manager in the continual development,delivery and review of services to maximise life chances and implement permanency plans for children.
• Practice Model: Ensure adherence to Oxfordshire's Family Safeguarding Plus practice model, including effective group supervision and timely progression of children's plans.
• Policy Compliance: Ensure all relevant County policies and procedures are followed, and concerns are raised appropriately. 
• Budget Management: Oversee the effective management of the team's budget.

 
About you 

You’re free-thinking and brave, and that sets you apart. You’ll be supportive and energised; you don’t accept the norm if it can be done better - finding answers through exploration and courage. Just as importantly, you will embody our values in everything you do.

Fundamentally, you’ll be passionate about delivering stand-out public services, because we’re here to make every moment the best it can be for the residents of Oxfordshire. 

This is an opportunity for a proactive and passionate leader to join our team and develop our service. You will be a competent and dedicated manager who has insight and experience of the needs of care leavers.  

Does this sound like you? If so, we look forward to receiving your application!
 
To apply, you will need:

• Social Work Qualification and registration with Social Work England
• Ability to form positive working relationships with children,families and a range of colleagues across agencies

Please refer to the job description attached for a full list of essential criteria. 
 

Curious to learn more? Contact our friendly team for a confidential and informative chat!

Sue Evans, Service Manager: sue.evans@oxfordshire.gov.uk or

Joel Carvalho, Assistant Director Family Support & Safeguarding: Joel.Carvalho@Oxfordshire.gov.uk 
 

Rewards and Benefits  

• Welcome and Loyalty payment of £3,500 for eligible roles.
• Relocation allowance of up to £8,000 for eligible roles.
• Annual leave starting at 30 days per year (plus bank holidays).
• Option to buy additional holiday. 
• A comprehensive Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS).
• Flexible working.
• Employee Assistance Programme including access to health and wellbeing support 24x7.
• 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.

Our commitment to Flexible Working 

We are open to discussions about flexible working, which can include flexitime, part time working, job sharing, nine-day fortnights and annualised hours, depending on the requirements of the role and the service.

 
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 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 to share this commitment. We will ensure that all our recruitment and selection practices reflect these commitments.

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