About this role
Job summary Practice Supervisor - Adult Social Care
Oxfordshire County Council is seeking an experienced and motivated Practice Supervisor to support the delivery of high-quality adult social care services across Oxfordshire.
As a key member of the leadership team, you will provide professional supervision, guidance and support to social workers, occupational therapists, co-ordinators and students, helping to develop a culture of reflective practice, continuous learning and excellent outcomes for people who use our services.
You will oversee complex casework, including safeguarding enquiries, Mental Capacity Act work and court-related activity, providing professional oversight, challenge and decision-making where required. The role also involves chairing Best Interest and strategy meetings, acting as Safeguarding Manager where appropriate, and contributing to quality assurance, service improvement and performance monitoring activities.
Alongside practice leadership responsibilities, you will support operational management by allocating work, managing demand, monitoring performance and ensuring the effective use of resources. You will work closely with Team Managers, contribute to service development and help shape and maintain high standards of professional practice.
We are looking for a qualified social worker with substantial experience in statutory adult social care, excellent leadership and communication skills, and a strong commitment to strengths-based practice. This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced practitioner looking to take the next step in their leadership career while making a significant impact on service quality and outcomes.
Main duties of the job As a Practice Supervisor, you will provide professional leadership, supervision and support to Adult Social Care practitioners while overseeing complex casework, safeguarding activity and quality assurance processes. You will help maintain high standards of practice, support staff development and contribute to the effective delivery of person-centred social care services across Oxfordshire.
About us Oxfordshire County Council Adult Social Care is committed to helping people live independent, fulfilling lives through high-quality, person-centred support. Guided by a strengths-based approach, the service works collaboratively with individuals, families, communities and partner organisations to promote wellbeing, independence and positive outcomes.
The council is committed to delivering excellent social work practice, investing in workforce development and creating an environment where practitioners can thrive. Through strong leadership, professional support and continuous improvement, Adult Social Care empowers staff to make a meaningful difference to the lives of Oxfordshire residents while developing rewarding careers.
Job description Job responsibilities
About UsAt Oxfordshire County Council, our Adult Social Care service is motivated by a clear purpose: to help people live independent, meaningful lives supported by highquality, compassionate and professional practice. We value strong leadership at every level and invest in our workforce to ensure that practitioners are supported, developed and empowered to deliver their best work.We are looking for an experienced and motivated Practice Supervisor to join our Adult Social Care service and play a key role in leading practice, supporting staff and ensuring consistently high standards for the people we serve.About the RoleAs a Practice Supervisor, you will be accountable for the quality of social work practice across our team. You will provide professional supervision, guidance and leadership to social workers, occupational therapists, co-ordinators and students, supporting their development while ensuring compliance with legislation, policies and procedures. You will model strengthbased, personcentred practice and create a supportive and reflective learning environment.You will hold responsibility for overseeing complex casework, including safeguarding enquiries, Mental Capacity Act work and courtrelated activity, offering professional oversight and challenge where required. The role includes chairing Best Interest meetings and strategy meetings, acting as Safeguarding Manager when appropriate, and contributing to service improvement through quality assurance activity such as audits and performance management.Alongside practice leadership, you will support the effective management of the service by allocating work, managing demand and prioritisation, and authorising the use of financial resources within agreed delegation, ensuring responsible use of public funds. You will work closely with Team Managers and deputise when required, contributing to operational decisionmaking and continuous improvement. The role also supports recruitment and retention activity and uses data and insight to strengthen practice and performance.About YouYou will hold a recognised professional qualification in social work and be registered with the relevant professional body. You will bring substantial experience of working in statutory adult social care, with a strong understanding of relevant legislation including the Care Act 2014, Mental Capacity Act 2005 and Mental Health Act 1983.You will have experience of supervising and developing others, with the confidence to provide constructive challenge, professional guidance and motivational leadership. You will be calm under pressure, adaptable and solutionfocused, with strong communication and decisionmaking skills. An understanding of budget management and the ability to balance risk, resources and outcomes is essential.You will be committed to strengthbased practice, professional development and continuous improvement. Postqualifying training such as Practice Educator, Best Interest Assessor or Approved Mental Health Professional, or a willingness to work towards one of these, is desirable.Your office base may be subject to change as we are currently transitioning between temporary and permanent office locations due to the closure of County Hall. If this is applicable to you, you will be notified, but no reimbursement will apply in respect of travel.Our commitment to: Equality, Diversity and InclusionAt 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 SchemesAs 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: SafeguardingOxfordshire 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.Our commitment to: Flexible WorkingWe are open to discussions about flexible working, which can include flexi-time, part time working, job sharing, nine-day fortnights and annualised hours, depending on the requirements of the role and the service.
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Person Specification
General Requirements Essential
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Disclosure and Barring Service Check This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.
UK Registration
Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).
Employer details Employer name Oxfordshire County Council
Address
Oxford
OX28 4AZ
United Kingdom
Employer's website https://www.oxfordshire.gov.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)