Senior Practitioner - Mulberry Tree Family Centre, Colchester
Permanent, Full Time
£48,205 to £57,988 per annum
Location: Colchester
Working Style:
Closing Date: 8th April 2026
Here in Essex, we continue to raise the bar about practice and our investment in our workforce is second to none. It’s an exciting time to join us having received our 2 nd Outstanding Ofsted rating in a row.
The Role
Essex Family Centres are dedicated to creating safer, stronger futures for children and their families. We deliver a wide range of specialist services – from in‑depth assessments to impactful group interventions – all designed to help families overcome challenges and build lasting positive change.
What We Do
Our work is varied, meaningful and rewarding. As part of our team, you’ll contribute to:
Specialist Assessment Work
Assessments of known or suspected male sex offenders
AIM assessments and interventions for children displaying harmful sexual behaviour
Parenting capacity assessments for court
ParentAssess work with parents who have learning needs
Assessments exploring and understanding sibling relationships
Group Work Interventions
Support for women in protective roles where concerns exist around a partner’s or ex‑partner’s sexual offending
Programmes designed specifically for dads
Healthy relationship and trauma‑focused group work
Across all areas, we aim to equip parents with the insight, skills and confidence needed to improve their children’s safety and wellbeing.
Who We’re Looking For
We’re seeking a motivated, compassionate and resilient Senior Practitioner who is passionate about making a tangible difference. If you thrive in a supportive team, enjoy varied and specialist work, and are driven by positive outcomes for children, we’d love to hear from you.
The Experience You Will Bring
1. A recognised social work qualification. Diploma, degree or master’s in social work, CQSW, CSS or equivalent, with current Social Work England (SWE) registration.
2. Evidence of continuing professional development, aligned to any relevant Professional Competency/Capability frameworks or Knowledge and Skills Statements.
3. Significant experience of social work, demonstrating a comprehensive and up to date understanding of all relevant legislation, regulation and guidance.
4. Experience of mentoring both Social Work students and newly qualified and experienced Social Work staff, being a subject matter expert in professional social work practice.
5. Experience of chairing meetings involving clients, family members and/or carers and other multi-agency professionals.
6. Developing strong relationships with partners, other agencies and the local community to achieve joint objectives and offer a supportive framework for children, young people and families.
7. In depth understanding of delivery of value for money interventions balanced against need.
8. Proven track record of clear decision making in order to highlight and limit the potential risks associated with intervention.
Why Essex?
As one of the largest and most dynamic UK local authorities, Essex offers a stimulating public service environment. Covering over 1,420 square miles and serving 1.8 million residents, we’re committed to transformational change and delivering better quality at lower cost. Recognised in the top three of the latest IMPOWER index for productivity, we ensure everyone matters in. With flexible working options and a focus on innovation, whether you are looking to develop your career or contribute to the local community, Essex is the ideal place for you.
In February 2025, Greater Essex was accepted onto the Government’s devolution priority programme, which will see local authorities in Essex work towards establishing a Mayoral Combined County Authority by May 2026. You can read more about
, including throughout the recruitment process. Your commitment to these standards helps us maintain a positive and respectful workplace for everyone.
The role requires you to be mobile throughout a wider operational area including travelling around the county of Essex and beyond, transporting service users and their belongings and to be able to do so in an emergency. Driving licence and car or the ability to meet the mobility requirements of the role through other means is essential.
Essex County Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults and expects all employees and volunteers to share this commitment.
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