Permanent Social Worker - Children Looked After (Southend) 🌟
Salary: £37,938 - £43,693 per annum
Plus: £7,500 Retention Payment after 3 years and 1 day
Location: Southend-on-Sea | Team: Children Looked After (CLA)
Contract: Permanent | Ref: (phone number removed) | Working Pattern: Full-time
For an informal discussion regarding this job or any opportunities in Social Work - Locum or Permanent, UK wide - please contact Gemma Bridgman at Caritas Recruitment - (phone number removed) g.bridgman @ (url removed)
Southend-on-Sea City Council is seeking a passionate and experienced Social Worker to join their Children Looked After (CLA) team on a permanent basis. This is a rewarding role supporting children and young people in care to achieve stability, permanency, and positive outcomes.
🚨 Applicants must have previous CLA/LAC experience.
🚗 A full UK driving licence and access to a car are essential.
🔹 Key Responsibilities:
Manage a caseload of Looked After Children, supporting their care, education, and emotional wellbeing.
Complete statutory visits, assessments, care plans, and review reports in line with legislation.
Build and maintain strong, trusting relationships with children, carers, and families.
Work collaboratively with foster carers, IROs, health and education professionals to ensure holistic support.
Prepare court reports and contribute to care proceedings where required.
Promote permanency planning, including long-term fostering and adoption.
🔹 What We're Looking For:
Qualified Social Worker with current Social Work England registration.
Proven experience working in a Children Looked After / LAC team.
Strong understanding of relevant legislation, care planning, and statutory duties.
Must drive and have access to a vehicle.
🔹 What's on Offer:
Competitive salary of £37,938 - £43,693
£7,500 retention payment after 3 years and 1 day
A supportive working environment with regular supervision and development opportunities
Hybrid working arrangements, depending on service needs
Access to training, pension scheme, and other employee benefits
Be part of a compassionate team making a real difference in the lives of children and young people in care.
For an informal discussion regarding this job or any opportunities in Social Work - Locum or Permanent, UK wide - please contact Gemma Bridgman at Caritas Recruitment - (phone number removed) g.bridgman @ (url removed)
Caritas Recruitment is acting as an Employment Agency in relation to this vacancy