Search for more NHS jobs in Oxford
Job overview
Do you want to take a first step into the world of social working?
The Buckinghamshire Social Work team are looking for 2 Social Work Assistants to join the Early Resolutions & Safeguarding team and the South Community Mental Health team.
Both roles will carry out a range of social care tasks including assessment of need, review of existing packages of care for service users and carers under the Care Act. With the ER&S team working county wide from their base in Aylesbury and the CMHT looking at the south of Bucks based in High Wycombe.
You will have excellent opportunities for career progression into Buckinghamshire Council's Apprenticeship programme to become a qualified Social Worker. Training and development opportunities are available from both Oxford Health and Buckinghamshire Council which provide a wide range of options for learning and development.
The post-holder will be required to visit people in their own homes and in placements across Buckinghamshire and input directly in the Council's electronic information system, LAS. There is an expectation for the post-holder to train to carry out the Appropriate Adult function under the Police & Criminal Evidence Act and act in this capacity on a rota basis.
Main duties of the job
- Undertake Care Act assessments for adults and their carers who are ordinarily resident in Buckinghamshire and appear to be in need of care and support.
- Using a strengths-based approach you will help adults and their families make best use of community resources to support them to live as independently as possible.
- Arrange for commissioned services to be put in place where necessary, in line with Care Act eligibility and Council policy.
- Review existing packages of care in line with the Care Act and s117 MHA.
- Develop a good understanding of the Council's charging and top-up and choice policies and give information and advice to adults and their families when assessing and arranging care and support.
- Work jointly with Social Workers and health colleagues to deliver a supportive and empowering service to older adults and their families.
Applicants must have a full valid driving licence and have access to a vehicle for work. Adjustments can be considered in line with the Equality Act 2010 where required.
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
We hope that the advert has given you a clear understanding of the skills we are seeking and the opportunity at hand. You will need to use the “supporting statement” element of your application form to demonstrate your suitability for this role and you should refer to the job description, person specification and the guidance notes attached to this role to help you tailor your application. The essential and desirable criteria will be used to shortlist for interview and you should ensure that you refer to these within your application to increase your chances of being selected for interview.
The essential and desirable criteria will be used to shortlist for interview, and you should ensure that you refer to these within your application to increase your chances of being selected for interview.
We are aware that some candidates may choose to use AI tools to support their application. We kindly remind applicants that submissions should remain an honest and accurate representation of their experience and must take care to ensure the use of AI tools does not generate an application that does not accurately reflect their knowledge, skills and values
Person specification
Skills
Essential
- Ability to communicate with vulnerable adults and carers who are experiencing mental health distress
- Be able to work alone and use initiative within boundaries set by the Team Manager/Advanced Practitioner.
- Be able to work effectively within a complex professional environment.
- Excellent written and spoken English
Desirable
- To possess a Health and Social Care qualification/Certificate
- Educated to A Level standard or equivalent
Knowledge
Essential
- Demonstrate an understanding of assessment and support planning.
- Demonstrate an understanding of the needs of vulnerable adults.
- A knowledge of services available to support vulnerable adults
Desirable
- A working knowledge of local authority electronic recording systems
- A working knowledge of local authority finance and/or commissioning processes
Experience
Essential
- Extensive experience of working with vulnerable adults and adults with complex needs
- Experience of working with a variety of Microsoft Office systems.
- Experience of working with professionals within social care including social workers, nurses and occupational therapists.
Desirable
- Experience of working in a community mental health setting
- Experience of using the LAS electronic information system
WhatsApp job alerts
Get instant WhatsApp alerts for Band 4 Dietetic Assistant roles in Oxford
Create your Job Clerk account first. We'll collect your alert preferences during onboarding and help you turn on WhatsApp notifications for matching healthcare roles.
Applying for this NHS job
This advert is for Assistant Social Worker - Safeguarding & Community with Oxford Health NHS Foundation Trust in Oxford, South East, England. It is listed as a Band 4 Healthcare support worker role. The advertised salary is £28,392 - £31,157 Per Annum. The contract type is Permanent. The application deadline is 26 Jul 2026.
Before you apply, compare the job description with the person specification and mirror the employer's essential criteria in your supporting information. Use the vacancy title, employer, location, salary, contract type, closing date and posted date (17 Jul 2026) to decide whether this role fits your current NHS job search. If the employer can close applications early, prepare the application before the stated deadline rather than waiting for the final day.
For more context, review related Job Clerk pages for the same profession, band or location where they exist, then use the application-support guides to tailor your statement and prepare for interview.