Social Work Apprentice

Together, were shaping childrens 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, 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.

We are offering a trainee role where successful candidates will complete a social work degree[PF1] apprenticeship over three years. During this time, you will gain practical work experience while studying towards an honours degree and meeting the requirements of the apprenticeship programme. This includes:

• Working towards an honours degree in Social Work with Buckinghamshire New University in line with the Social Work Apprenticeship Degree Standard.
• Supporting children, young people, and their families to achieve positive outcomes and promote their welfare, in accordance with Oxfordshire County Councils values, practice standards, and relevant legislation.

This is your opportunity to ensure that the child is at the heart of all interactions with children, families, other professionals, and decision‑making processes. The post holder will work alongside qualified workers in the delivery of statutory interventions (e.g. Child in Need, Child Protection and Children We Care For) by supporting children and young people’s needs, including taking appropriate actions to address emerging safeguarding concerns.

About you

Youre 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.

• Must be 18 or over to apply
• Must have been a resident in the UK for at least 3 years
• Level 2 qualification, including English at grade C/4 or equivalent and be in possession of the original certificates
• A commitment to personal and professional development, including the ability and willingness to complete the Social Work Degree Apprenticeship Standard
• Must be able to drive or access a variety of locations, such as those across Oxfordshire
• Will not have started another social work degree course already and have earned credits.

Successful candidates will need to pass both our recruitment process and the selection process through Buckinghamshire New University. This will include an assessment day with experts by experience, interviews, a written task, a Disclosure and Barring Service check and an occupational health check.

• Culture of flexible working
• Technology to support agile working where role permits
• Up to 33 days holiday p.a. plus bank holidays
• Option to buy additional holiday
• Employee Assistance Programme including access to health and wellbeing support
• Membership of the Local Government contributory pension scheme, with an employers contribution of up to 19.9%
• Enhanced family friendly policies
• Local and national discounts for shopping and travel
• Great learning and development opportunities to support your ongoing development.

Contact our friendly team for a confidential and informative chat!

Penny Fraser, Social Work Degree Apprenticeship Co‑ordinator, penelo

Join a free online information session about the course on 13 January 09:30 11:00 with the Social Work Degree Apprenticeship academic course leader and the Partnership Manager at Buckinghamshire New University.

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,…