Newly Qualified Social Worker with certificate of sponsorship to the UK

Visa Information

Important note: While this position offers a certificate of sponsorship for UK work permits, all international applicants must verify their eligibility directly with the employer before applying. Immigration requirements can change, and the final decision rests with the UK Visas and Immigration authority.

Job Details

Company: Oxfordshire County Council

Location: Oxford

Salary: £38,220 to £45,091 a year

Schedule: Full-time

Employment Type: Permanent

Language: English

Education: Not provided

Experience: General Requirements

Essential Qualification: Not provided

Desirable Qualification: Not provided

Essential Experience: Please refer to job description above

Contact: Sandra Benaite (Recruiter)

Email: VPE335BAC2.1286@vacancyposter.com

Phone: 01865816000

Application Method: Apply via NHS Jobs website

Certificate of Sponsorship: Certificate of Sponsorship available

Employer Website: https://www.oxfordshire.gov.uk/

Application Deadline: The closing date is 21 March 2026

Job Summary

Are you a Newly Qualified Social Worker (NQSW) ready to take the next step in your career? Oxfordshire County Council is excited to invite applications for their Assessed and Supported Year in Employment (ASYE) programme within their Social Work Professional Development Centre. This is a unique opportunity to begin your professional journey in one of the UK’s most respected local authorities.

About the Role

The role of a children’s social worker is both challenging and rewarding—a true privilege. Oxfordshire County Council has created their professional development centre because they believe that investing in and supporting newly qualified social workers is essential to building a strong, stable workforce and delivering outstanding services to children and families across Oxfordshire. They know that the right support during your first year of practice will give you the confidence and skills to thrive in your career.

What We Offer

As a successful candidate, you’ll benefit from a structured ASYE programme designed to provide a safe, supportive environment for your first year in practice. You’ll have a protected caseload and a gradual increase in responsibilities as your confidence grows. Additionally, you’ll receive a personalised development plan tailored to your learning needs, with regular progress reviews. You’ll also gain access to their competency framework, aligned with Oxfordshire County Council’s guiding principles for strengths-based practice.

Why Join Oxfordshire County Council?

Oxfordshire County Council is committed to providing a thoughtful, scaffolded learning experience where every NQSW feels supported and valued. Their goal is to help you become a confident, skilled practitioner who makes a real difference in the lives of children and families. The council has been consistently rated as ‘good’ by Ofsted, but they are not content with that—they are ambitious and want to do even better.

About You

This is a key safeguarding role, and social workers play a vital part in ensuring children and families receive a safe, respectful, and child-focused service. Oxfordshire County Council is looking for individuals who practice with strong values, demonstrating a commitment to strengths-based approaches. You should hold a Social Work degree and be registered with Social Work England. If you are awaiting formal confirmation of your degree, they can offer an interim post as a Social Work Trainee.

Essential Skills and Requirements

Candidates should have excellent communication skills, with the ability to build positive relationships and engage effectively with children and families. You must be able to produce clear, concise, and accurate written work. Resilience is essential, as you’ll need to manage the emotional demands of the role and be willing to make use of appropriate support. You should also have the ability to travel across the county, including rural areas, and possess a valid driving license with access to your own transport.

Rewards and Benefits

Oxfordshire County Council offers a competitive salary starting at £38,220 per annum, with progression upon completion of the ASYE programme. You’ll receive a pension package with up to 20% employer contribution. The council provides manageable caseloads, ensuring you can devote the right amount of attention to each family. As an employee, you’ll join an authority rated ‘good’ by Ofsted, where social workers receive the support they need.

Flexible Working

The council is committed to ensuring a healthy work-life balance for all employees. Their agile working policy means you can work across council sites or from home to suit your needs. They support flexible working hours and provide you with a laptop, mobile phone, and MS Teams to facilitate agile working. They are open to discussions about flexible working arrangements, which can include flexi-time, part-time working, job sharing, nine-day fortnights, and annualised hours.

Annual Leave and Additional Benefits

Oxfordshire County Council offers a generous annual leave allowance starting at 29 days per year (plus bank holidays), demonstrating how much they value the work social workers do. They also offer an annual leave purchase scheme. Beyond statutory benefits, they provide a caring and supportive culture, regular listening events, and a well at work scheme focusing on health and wellbeing. There’s also a social presence with yoga classes, sports teams, and more.

Additional Employee Benefits

The council offers a cycle to work scheme, staff discount scheme for a range of retailers, holidays, insurance, restaurants, health and leisure activities, and rail travel. They are passionate about keeping people safe, well, and independent while making a positive contribution. Their staff network groups provide peer support, education, and safe spaces for all employees.

Equal Opportunities and Diversity

At Oxfordshire County Council, they are proud of their 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. They have a number of staff network groups which provide peer support, education and safe spaces for all.

Guaranteed Interview Schemes

As a Disability Confident employer, Oxfordshire County Council guarantees an interview for disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for the job. They also guarantee interviews to care leavers who have completed further education and meet the essential criteria. For those leaving care without further education, they guarantee interviews for apprenticeships. They are committed to helping and supporting those transitioning from HM Armed Forces to civilian life.

Safeguarding Commitment

Oxfordshire County Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and adults. They expect all employees, workers and volunteers to share this commitment. They ensure that all their recruitment and selection practices reflect these safeguarding commitments.

About Oxfordshire

Oxfordshire is a vibrant county with a rich history, world-class education institutions, and beautiful countryside. The county offers an excellent quality of life with good transport links, diverse cultural offerings, and a strong sense of community. As a social worker in Oxfordshire, you’ll have the opportunity to make a real difference in the lives of local families while enjoying all that this wonderful county has to offer.

How to Apply

To apply for this position, please visit the NHS Jobs website and search for reference number VPE335BAC2. When completing your application, ensure you highlight your relevant qualifications, experience, and suitability for working with children and families.

International Applicants Checklist

• Verify your eligibility for a UK work permit with the employer before applying
• Prepare your academic qualifications and Social Work registration documentation
• Prepare evidence of English language proficiency if required
• Gather any required criminal records checks from countries you’ve lived in
• Contact Sandra Benaite at VPE335BAC2.1286@vacancyposter.com with any specific questions about the application process
• Ensure you submit your application before the 21 March 2026 deadline

Contact Information

For questions about the job, contact Sandra Benaite (Recruiter) at VPE335BAC2.1286@vacancyposter.com or by phone at 01865816000. For more information about Oxfordshire County Council, visit their website at https://www.oxfordshire.gov.uk/.