Overview
Social Worker - Children in Care, South Essex — Fixed Term, 12 month contract. Full Time, 37 hours per week. Salary: £37,185 to £50,081 per annum. Location: Basildon. Working Style: Community-based worker. Closing Date: 24 February 2026.
The Role
Children and Families is recognised as a service in which social work can develop and prosper, with a culture of collaboration, integrity and compassion; promoting development and wellbeing of children, young people and their families; protecting them from neglect and abuse. Working with partners to deliver a range of early help, family support and effective social work interventions which build resilience and enable children and young people to look forward to a brighter future.
The Team
Children in Care (CIC) teams work with children and young people up to the age of 18 who are in care. They are placed with a foster carer or in residential homes. CIC teams ensure the care experience is positive, and enable planning for transition to leaving care or returning home. They undertake life-story work, develop permanency plans (including Special Guardianship Order and adoption) and support children with transitions.
We are a supportive team with managers who prioritise regular, reflective supervision and day-to-day support. Essex County Council promotes systemic, strengths-based, relationship-based and trauma-informed practice. The Essex Social Care Academy (ESCA) provides opportunities for training and development.
What you’ll need to join our Social Work team
* Diploma or degree in social work, CQSW, CSS or equivalent.
* Registration with Social Work England as a registered Social Worker.
* Demonstrable capability of practice in line with professional standards (e.g., Professional Capability Framework, Knowledge & Skills Statement).
* Case recording experience.
* Ability to apply SW knowledge with emotional intelligence, analytical skills and confidence in challenging social and family situations.
* Good working knowledge of information technology and related systems (e.g., Word, SW case recording systems).
* Flexibility to work as required, including evenings and weekends if necessary.
Child and Families: https://www.workingforessex.com/role/children-families
Mobility and Location
The role requires mobility across a wide operational area, including travelling around Essex and beyond, and transporting service users and belongings as needed. A driving licence and access to a car, or the ability to meet mobility requirements by other means, is essential.
Why Essex?
Essex County Council offers a dynamic public service environment with flexible working options and opportunities to develop your career while contributing to the local community. We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults, and we welcome applicants who meet the minimum requirements and share our values.
We are Disability Confident and commit to interviewing all disabled applicants who meet the minimum requirements, and to interviewing all veterans and care leavers who meet the minimum requirements. DBS checks may be required; if so, you will be registered with the DBS update service (annual subscription). For further information, please contact resourcing.team@essex.gov.uk.
Equal Opportunities and Benefits
Essex County Council values integrity and ethical behaviour. We encourage a positive, respectful workplace and invite you to review our Nolan principles during the recruitment process. We offer flexible working arrangements to support carers and other staff needs. Further details can be found on our careers page.
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