Southend-on-Sea City Council is recruiting a Qualified Social Worker to join our Children Looked After Team on a full-time, permanent basis. This is an excellent opportunity to be part of a children’s service that is proud of its culture, values, and positive inspection outcome.
“Social workers speak with warmth and knowledge about the children and families they support.”
“Southend is not just a good place to live, but a good place to work.”
About the role:
The CLA team works with children once care proceedings have concluded, focusing on permanence, stability, and positive outcomes. There is some court involvement (revocation of care orders, contact disputes, adoption orders), so court experience is desirable.
* Manage a manageable caseload of 16–18
* Complete high-quality assessments, care planning, and reports
* Undertake some court work where required
* Work within Southend’s Restorative Practice model
* Hybrid working available (minimum 2 days per week onsite)
What Southend offers you:
* £7,500 one-off retention payment after 3 years and 1 day in post
* Hybrid and flexible working arrangements
* Comprehensive CPD and professional development programme designed by social workers
* Strong, visible leadership with a clear understanding of local communities
* A positive, supportive culture with child-focused practice at its core
About you:
* Qualified Social Worker (DipSW, CQSW or equivalent)
* Registered with Social Work England
* ASYE completed
* Previous experience in Children’s Frontline Services, including CLA, CP or CIN
* Confident in statutory work, assessments, care planning, and court reports
Our vision: A Southend where all children achieve success.
If you’re passionate about relationship-based practice and want to work in a service where all paths lead back to the child, this could be the perfect next step.
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