Social Worker – Children with Disabilities, South Essex
Essex County Council invites applications for a 12‑month Fixed Term role in the Children & Families services based in Basildon. This role supports children and young people aged up to 25 years with special educational needs and/or disabilities.
About the Role
* Contract: Fixed Term, 12 months
* Hours: Full Time, 37 hours per week*
* Salary: £37,185 to £50,081 per annum (range depends on experience)
* Location: Basildon
* Working style: Community‑based worker
* Closing date: 11th January 2026
This position is open to Newly Qualified Social Workers (NQSWs) and Experienced Social Workers. Salary for NQSWs starts at £32,408 per annum and rises to £36,101 after completing the ASYE programme. For experienced Social Workers the basic salary ranges between £37,185 and £50,081 with nine entry points across the range.
Job Purpose Summary
Managing a defined caseload, the social worker works effectively with children, young people and families/carers to achieve positive change and improved outcomes. Responsibilities include enquiry, assessment, purposeful intervention through direct work and review in relation to Child Protection, Child in Need and Children Looked After; achieving permanency through care for Children in Care.
Responsibilities
* Provide reflective practice and maintain professional standards.
* Collaborate with cross‑functional teams within the Children and Young People with Disabilities Service.
* Support high‑needs further education applications for post‑16 college provision.
* Use information technology and case recording systems to manage records and reporting.
* Work flexibly, including evenings and weekends as required.
Qualifications & Experience
* Diploma or degree in social work, CQSW, CSS or equivalent; registration with Social Work England.
* Demonstrated capability to practice in accordance with current professional standards (e.g. Professional Capability Framework, Knowledge & Skills Statement).
* Ability to apply social work knowledge, emotional intelligence and analytical skills, and act confidently in challenging social and family situations.
* Proficiency in information technology such as Word and case recording systems.
* Willingness to work flexibly with occasional evenings and weekends.
* Mobile across Essex with a driving licence and own vehicle or alternative transport.
Benefits & Work‑Life Balance
* Innovative nine‑day working fortnight for full‑time frontline social workers.
* Flexible working arrangements to support carers and personal needs.
* Support for unpaid carers.
* Candidate responsible for maintaining an annual DBS update service subscription.
Why Essex County Council
As one of the largest local authorities in the UK, Essex offers a stimulating public service environment with opportunities for career development and innovative work. Essex County Council is a Disability Confident Leader, and it actively invites disabled applicants under the Job Interview Scheme, veterans and care leavers. The Council commits to interview all qualified applicants and provides reasonable adjustments throughout the process.
Disclosure Statements
Essex County Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults. All employees and volunteers must share this commitment.
Applicants may wish to read more about Essex County Council at https://www.escc.gov.uk.
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