Senior Social Worker – Early Help & Wellbeing
Apply for the Senior Social Worker – Early Help & Wellbeing role at Essex County Council. This permanent, full‑time position is based in Harlow / West Essex.
Salary: £46,574 to £56,027 per annum. Working style: Community‑based worker.
About The Role
This role supports practice and leadership in the West Essex Early Help and Wellbeing team. You will work to transform mental health social care into a new operational delivery model, ensuring care‑act compliance, providing support to improve wellbeing outcomes and working with those not currently receiving services or falling through existing gaps.
In June 2025, the Care Quality Commission (CQC) rated our Adult Social Care services as “Good” with a score of 73%.
Responsibilities
* Provide expert guidance and mentorship to newly qualified and experienced colleagues.
* Assess and support a diverse, complex caseload, conducting comprehensive assessments and creating person‑centred care plans.
* Ensure compliance with statutory Care Act requirements, relevant legislation and organisational standards.
* Manage caseloads and deliver high‑standard practice in complex situations.
* Collaborate across Council and partner agencies, building strong relationships to design high‑quality solutions and promote independence.
* Represent adult social care, chair multi‑agency meetings and advocate for a social‑care perspective.
Qualifications & Experience
* Qualified social worker with current Social Work England registration, post‑qualified for at least 2 years.
* In‑depth knowledge of complex cases and the Care Act.
* AMHP, BIA or PE qualification, or intent to complete these qualifications.
* 2 years of experience within mental health services, with a good working knowledge of neurodivergence.
* Proactive, passionate evidence‑based worker with a record of working complex cases and supporting staff.
* Experience chairing client, family, carers and multi‑agency meetings.
* Strong understanding of financial implications of commissioned care packages and ability to make clear decisions and limit risk.
Additional Qualifications You’ll Bring
* Evidence of continuing professional development and capability of practice in accordance with current professional standards.
* In‑depth understanding of the financial implications of commissioned care packages.
* Ability to make clear decisions, highlight and limit potential risks associated with intervention.
What We Offer
* Ongoing opportunities for continuing professional development
* Flexible working options
* Employee wellbeing and counselling
* Lease Car scheme
* Life assurance of three times annual salary
* Local Government Pension Scheme (view Key Facts and FAQs)
* Volunteering leave
* 27 days annual leave (plus bank holidays), rising with service
* Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) – free and confidential support
* Employee Networks – communities to support you, connect you and influence change
* Payment of your Social Work England registration fees
* T&Cs Apply
Additional Benefits
Driving licence and car, or ability to meet mobility requirements is essential.
Equal Opportunities
Essex County Council is a Disability Confident Leader and is committed to interview all disabled applicants who meet the minimum requirements under our Job Interview Scheme. We also commit to interview veterans and care leavers who meet the role’s minimum requirements. Please let our recruiters know if you require reasonable adjustments during the process.
Employment Conditions
As part of employment, if your role requires a DBS check, you will need to register with the DBS update service. This is an annual subscription that you are responsible for keeping up to date.
Application
If you would like to apply, please contact Abbie.Mollison@essex.gov.uk. The application deadline is not specified but you may apply now.
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