Service Manager (Disabled Children) Salary £61605 - £61605 Frequency Annual Job Reference OCC/TP/2514/649 Working Hours 37 Contract Type Permanent Closing Date 19 January, 2025 Job Type Children, Education and Families Services Job Introduction Empowering change - Children’s Social Care Together, we’re the moment makers About the role 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 Solutions Plus (FSP). The Disabled Children’s Service in Oxfordshire offers a comprehensive multi agency service to meet the needs of Disabled Children living in Oxfordshire. The service comprises of a number of different teams (including a CQC registered domiciliary team, short breaks team, occupational therapy team and the local offer) who work together to ensure children have a care plan that meets their holistic needs. The service manager will lead the service as it continues to develop and moves towards using the Family Safeguarding model to support Disabled Children and their families. You will play a key role in implementing the council’s strategy to support vulnerable children and families. Collaboration with partners is essential to ensure a shared understanding of local thresholds, providing both support and challenge as needed. As a member of the Children’s Services Management Team, you will contribute to the operational management and strategic development of the service, fostering a culture of continuous learning and improvement. Join us to make a real difference in the lives of children and families. 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 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. Essential Criteria: • Professional social work qualification and registration access a variety of locations, such as those across Oxfordshire. • Management qualification or equivalent experience. • Understanding of the LA’s political dynamics and ability to work effectively with senior politicians. • Comprehensive knowledge and understanding of the main issues and influences affecting the service. • Detailed knowledge of relevant childcare legislation, guidance, and regulations, including Working Together to Safeguard Children 2018. • Good understanding of the principles and practice underpinning effective multiagency stakeholder management. • Experience and knowledge of risk assessment and risk management. • Ability to manage difficult and sensitive issues • Extensive experience of child protection, children in need and children we care for arrangements delivered in statutory settings. • Extensive experience of service delivery including resource planning, performance management and effective development of teams. • Experience of engaging partners in strategic planning and effective joint delivery of services. • Experience of managing a group of staff with a range of professional expertise, ideally in a multi-agency setting. • Experience of working at a senior level in a local authority or other public sector organisation. • A proven track record of anti-discriminatory and anti-oppressive management and practice. • While experience of working with Disabled Children is not essential there is an expectation that applicants will have an understanding of relevant SEND legislation and policy, along with knowledge of the factors that lead to improved outcomes for Disabled Children. Please refer to the job description for the full list of specific criteria to be assessed during the recruitment process. We encourage you to read the job description thoroughly and submit a detailed application in response. Rewards and benefits Culture of flexible working • Technology to support agile working where role permits • Up to 33 day’s 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 employer’s 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. Curious to learn more? Contact our friendly team for a confidential and informative chat Charlotte Davey - charlotte.daveyoxfordshire.gov.uk 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. Our commitment to: Flexible Working We 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. 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: careersoxfordshire.gov.uk Attached documents JD Generic Disability 2023 v2 (003) (1).docx