Social Worker – Children in Care, North Essex
Permanent, Full Time
£36,124 to £51,834 per annum
Location: Colchester
Working Style: Community-based worker
Closing Date: 13th April 2026
About The Role
Essex County Council understands how important flexibility and wellbeing is for our colleagues working across children's Social Care and that we need to think differently. We have therefore developed a nine-day working fortnight for full-time frontline Social Workers within Children’s services. This position is open to Newly Qualified Social Workers (NQSWs) and Experienced Social Workers. The starting salary for a NQSW is £36,124 per annum and this will rise to £38,487 per annum on successful completion of the ASYE programme. We’re looking for someone with experience in Court Work, including preparing Court Reports, Care Planning, and occasionally supporting the adoption process. Are you ready to be part of an incredible social work team that’s all about support, creativity, and making a real impact on young lives?
What You’ll Do
As part of our Children in Care team, you’ll work with children and young people up to the age of 18 who need our help. Whether they’re with foster carers or in residential homes, your goal is to ensure their experience in care is a positive one. You will visit children and young people in placement, develop permanency plans (including Special Guardianship Orders and adoption), and help them understand the reasons behind being in care through life-story work. For some, your support could be the key to them returning home to their birth family.
Ideal for Someone Who Is
* A strong communicator – able to build relationships and clearly present information.
* Analytical and insightful – confident in assessing situations and identifying risks of significant harm.
* Organised and deadline-driven – able to manage competing priorities and deliver high-quality work on time.
* Decisive and responsible – understands safeguarding and takes appropriate action when needed.
Requirements
You’ll need a diploma or degree in social work, CQSW, CSS, or an equivalent qualification. You should be registered with Social Work England as a registered Social Worker. You will need to demonstrate your capability in practice, following current professional standards like the Professional Capability Framework (PCF) and Knowledge & Skills Statement (KSS). You will excel in case recording and confidently handle complex social and family situations. Proficiency in using tools like Word and social work case recording systems is a must. Flexibility is key – you might need to work evenings and weekends when necessary, ensuring that children’s needs are always met.
EEO Statement
Essex County Council is proud to be a Disability Confident Leader and is committed to interview all disabled applicants who meet the minimum requirements of the job. We also commit to interview all veterans and care leavers who meet the minimum requirements of the role. We’re also committed to interview all disabled applicants who choose to apply under our Job Interview Scheme if they meet the minimum requirements of the job' and to provide reasonable adjustments during the process.
#J-18808-Ljbffr