Oldham Children’s Services are expanding – and we’re looking for committed and passionate Qualified Social Workers to join our Duty & Advice and Assessment & Intervention teams on a permanent basis.

This is a fantastic opportunity to join a progressive and supportive local authority that is investing heavily in its workforce, services, and infrastructure to deliver the best outcomes for children and families. With competitive pay, a £2,000 retention bonus, flexible working options and relocation support – now is the perfect time to make the move.

As a Duty & Advice Social Worker, you will:

• Be part of a co-located, multi-agency team including police, health, adult social care, IDVA and more
• Manage incoming contacts to the MASH, triaging and determining the right level of intervention
• Speak with families and professionals to gather information and assess thresholds
• Make clear, evidence-based decisions in line with practice standards and statutory duties
• Work in a fast-paced environment with clear support and supervision

As a Social Worker in the A&I Team, you will:

• Carry out assessments and short-term interventions for children and families
• Engage with families to identify needs and offer support that prevents escalation
• Work alongside other professionals to deliver child-centred outcomes
• Prepare and present clear written reports and case recordings
• Contribute to a culture of learning, reflection and child-focused practice

You must have:

• A recognised Social Work qualification (Degree/DipSW/CQSW)
• Registration with Social Work England
• Post-qualified experience in frontline Children’s Services (MASH, A&I, or similar)
• Strong decision-making and risk assessment skills
• An understanding of thresholds, safeguarding and early intervention

Please note: Oldham is not able to offer sponsorship or ASYE for these roles. Applicants must be SWE registered and eligible to work in the UK without a visa.

We offer a generous and competitive benefits package including:

• £36,648 – £40,221 salary (plus £2,000 retention payment)
• Free town centre parking
• Essential car user allowance (£500) and 45p per mile mileage
• SWE registration fee reimbursed (£90/year)
• Relocation package up to £8,000
• 25 days annual leave (rising after 5 and 10 years), plus the option to buy more
• Defined benefit pension scheme with market-leading AVC options
• Discounted gym membership and employee discount scheme
• Cycle to Work and other salary sacrifice options
• 24/7 Employee Assistance Programme
• Wellbeing support and celebration events
• Strong CPD programme and progression pathways
• Quality supervision and a supportive team culture

Oldham is one of the most diverse boroughs in the UK – and we believe that’s one of our greatest strengths. Our teams reflect the communities we serve, and our approach is inclusive, strengths-based, and focused on building lasting relationships.

We’re proud of our dedicated management teams, our commitment to reducing caseloads, and our investment in co-located, multi-agency working. Whether you’re working from our newly refurbished offices in Spindles or out in the community, you’ll be supported, valued, and empowered to do your best work.

If you'd like to apply for this role or want to have a confidential chat about your job search, feel free to get in touch:

Whether you're actively looking now or just keeping an eye out, I’m happy to support with advice, CV formatting, and access to roles that aren’t always advertised.

At Only Social Care, we recruit nationwide for both Children’s and Adults Services, across roles including:

Social Workers | Senior Social Workers | IROs | AMHPs | BIAs | Team Managers | Service Managers | Heads of Service

If this role isn’t quite right for you, you can still earn a £250 referral bonus in any of the following ways:

• You refer a qualified social worker to me and I successfully place them into a role
• You are a locum yourself and want me to represent you for a role you have sourced yourself
• You introduce me to a hiring manager who is recruiting and I help fill one of their roles

Referral bonuses are immediatley once a placement has been successfully made and worked for 12 weeks. It's that simple and there's no limit to how many bonuses you can earn.

Even if you’re just curious or know someone looking, feel free to reach out as I’ll always do my best to help.