Social Worker - Children in Care, Mid Essex
Permanent, Full Time
£36,124 to £51,834 per annum
Location: Chelmsford
Working style: Community‑based worker
What You’ll Do
As part of our Children in Care team, you will work with children and young people up to the age of 18 who need our support. Whether they are with foster carers or in residential homes, your goal is to ensure their experience in care is positive. 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. You will build an effective professional support network. You will represent the Local Authority in Family Court, prepare court reports and present our care plans, gaining court report writing skills and evidence presentation. For some, your support could be the key to them returning home to their birth family.
Key Responsibilities
* Build relationships and clearly present information.
* Assess situations and identify risks of significant harm.
* Manage competing priorities and deliver high‑quality work on time.
* Understand safeguarding and take appropriate action when needed.
* Provide child‑centred, creative direct work with children and advocate their wishes and feelings.
* Develop permanency plans and assist with Special Guardianship Orders and adoption.
* Represent the Council in Family Court and prepare court reports.
* Build and maintain a professional support network.
Qualifications & Requirements
* A diploma or degree in social work, CQSW, CSS, or an equivalent qualification.
* Registered with Social Work England as a Social Worker.
* Demonstrate capability in practice following current professional standards such as the PCF and KSS.
* Excellent case‑recording skills and confidence handling complex social and family situations.
* Proficiency in using Word and social work case‑recording systems.
* Flexibility to work evenings and weekends when necessary.
* Mobile throughout Essex; must hold a valid driving licence and access to a vehicle or other means to meet mobility requirements.
Benefits & Support
Pay range £36,124 to £51,834 per annum. You will receive support for unpaid carers and flexible working arrangements to accommodate their needs. Additional benefits include access to the Essex Social Care Academy (ESCA) training and development opportunities.
Equality, Diversity & Inclusion
Essex County Council is a Disability Confident Leader and we are committed to interviewing all disabled applicants who meet the minimum requirements. We also interview all veterans and care leavers who meet the minimum requirements. The Council upholds the Nolan principles and code of conduct.
Additional Information
If a DBS check is required, you will need to register with the DBS update service to keep your certificate current.
How to Apply
For queries contact the hiring team at resourcing.team@essex.gov.uk.
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