Social Worker - Children in Care, Harlow
Permanent, Full Time
£37,185 to £50,081 per annum
Location: Harlow
We understand 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.
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? Look no further! Our Children in Care team in West Essex is not your average workplace - it's a place where every member looks out for each other and where innovation thrives. We currently have a permanent opportunity.
We’re looking for someone with experience in Court Work, including preparing Court Reports, Care Planning, and occasionally supporting the adoption process.
This role is 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.
Here's What Sets Us Apart:
Unwavering Support: Our experienced managers are there for you, every step of the way. They prioritise providing top-notch supervision, so you can excel in your role. Plus, our team believes in daily ad-hoc support because we're in this together.
A Systemic Approach: At Essex County Council, we approach social work from a systemic perspective. We understand that the challenges our children and young people face go beyond individual circumstances, and we work together to address these complexities.
Strengths and Trauma-Informed Practice: We're all about strengths-based, relationship-based, and trauma-informed practice. It's not just a buzzword here; it's our way of life. We empower our social workers to make a genuine difference.
Top-Notch Training: The Essex Social Care Academy (ESCA) is your gateway to outstanding training and development opportunities. We're committed to helping you grow in your career.
What You'll Do:
As part of our Children in Care team, you'll be working 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'll visit children and young people in placement, develop permanency plans (including Special Guardianship Orders and adoption), and even help them understand the reasons behind being in care through life-story work.
And for some, your support could be the key to them returning home to their birth family.
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'll need to demonstrate your capability in practice, following current professional standards like the Professional Capability Framework (PCF) and Knowledge & Skills Statement (KSS). You'll 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