Service Manager – Children’s Assessment Service (CAS) & Emergency Duty Team (EDT)
| Posting date: | 08 May 2026 |
|---|---|
| Salary: | £68,143 to £71,574 per year |
| Additional salary information: | Excellent Plus Benefits |
| Hours: | Full time |
| Closing date: | 31 May 2026 |
| Location: | Oxford, OX1 1ND |
| Company: | Oxfordshire County Council |
| Job type: | Permanent |
| Job reference: | OCC/TP/848/2028 |
Summary
Help Shape the Future for Oxfordshire’s Children
About us
Oxfordshire children’s services is a family safeguarding authority dedicated to strength-based working with our children and their families, underpinned by motivational interviewing, trauma informed and restorative practice.
We received a ‘good’ judgment in our last ILACS Ofsted inspection.
Oxfordshire is a diverse county encompassing both market towns and rural landscapes, and it offers a wealth of historical sites, vibrant cultural events, and prestigious academic institutions. You will be working in an organisation that is free thinking, supportive, flexible, and helps people achieve their ambitions. We are not afraid to do things differently and our dynamic culture means this is a place where new ideas are embraced and innovation thrives.
About the role
We have implemented our Family Safeguarding Model across children’s services and are now developing ourresponseto the social care reform.This is an exciting time to join Oxfordshire Children’s Services as we develop our One Assessment approach and implement the national Families First Programme, strengthening how werespondto children and families at the front door of children’s social care.
The Service Manager forthe Children’s Assessment Service (CAS) and Emergency Duty Team (EDT) has overall responsibility for the operational leadership, performance and continuous development of high‑quality assessment and safeguarding responses for children and families.
The Emergency Duty Team is a well-established and a critical part of our service to children, families and vulnerable adults in Oxfordshire, and you will help shape how the team responds to the needs of children out of hours ensuring joined up safeguarding decisions and safety planning for children and families.
Why join CAS in Oxfordshire?
The Children’s Assessment Service in Oxfordshire sits at the heart of anambitiousprogramme of reform, shaping how children and families experience the front door of children’s social care. You will be joining a servicecommittedto high-quality, strengths‑based assessment, reflective supervision and continuous learning,supportedby a strong, visible senior leadership team.With the development of the One Assessment and the Families First Programme, this is a genuine opportunity to influence practice, embed improvement andleada service that makes timely,confidentandcompassionatedecisions that truly improve children’s lives.
About you
We are looking for anenthusiasticand passionateindividualto join a dedicated group of service managers to provide impactful,childfocussedsupportand interventions for our children and their families in Oxfordshire.
You’ll need afull driving licenceand the flexibility to work countywide.
The post requires a recognised social work qualification and registration with Social Work England.
You will have a proven track record in leading outcome focused services and demonstrating
For an informal discussion about the role please contact Sophie Black, Assistant Director for Early Help, Assessment and Prevention sophie.black@oxfordshire.gov.uk
Our Rewards & Benefits
- Relocation expenses of up to £8,000
- A good OFSTED rating
- Regular training opportunities
- A flexible, agile organisation
- A generous local government pension scheme
- 30 days annual leave plus bank holidays
- Culture of flexible working
- Technology tosupportagile working where role permits
- Option to ‘buy’ additional holiday
- 24/7 access to Employee Assistance Programme including access to health and wellbeingsupport
- 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 tosupportyour ongoing development.
How to apply
To apply, you will need to complete an online application form.This includes a section asking you to explain how you meet the requirements of the job role and selection criteria, as specified in the job description. You may attach a cover letter to your application form; however, it is not mandatory.
Interviews will be held on Friday 12 June 2026.
Ourcommitmentto:
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 peersupport, education and safe spaces for all.
Ourcommitmentto:
Guaranteed Interview Schemes
As a DisabilityConfidentemployer, 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 alsocommittedto helping andsupportingthose transitioning from HM ArmedForcesto civilian life and guarantee an interview for those demonstrating the essential criteria for the role, within three years of leaving the service.
Ourcommitmentto:
Safeguarding
Oxfordshire County Council arecommittedto safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and adults. We expect all employees, workers and volunteers tosharethiscommitment. We will ensure that all our recruitment and selection practices reflect these commitments.
Ourcommitmentto:
Flexible Working
We are open to discussions about flexible working, which can include flexi-time, part time working, jobsharing, nine-day fortnights and annualised hours, depending on the requirements of the role and the service.
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Proud member of the Disability Confident employer scheme