Social Worker - Kinship Assessment Team
Permanent, Full Time
£37,185 to £50,081 per annum
Location: Chelmsford
Working Style: Community-based worker
Here in Essex, we continue to raise the bar about practice and our investment in our workforce is second to none. It's an exciting time to join us. Not only have we been named Outstanding by Ofsted, but we are also proud to have been crowned Social Work Employer of the Year for the second time in the last three years!
The Role
We are looking for a social worker to join the Kinship Assessment Team (SGO & Connected Person) on a permanent basis. The team conducts Viability and full Kinship Assessments, including assessments for prospective Care Proceedings / Special Guardianship families.
The Opportunity
The Kinship Assessment Team was established in 2019 and has since expanded to meet the increasing demand across Essex. We seek an experienced, resilient, self-motivated, and creative Social Worker to assess and support potential SGO/Connected Persons carers initiated through the Public Law or Private Law routes, who wish to provide long-term care for children connected to them. The team focuses on thorough, analytical, and evidence-based assessments emphasizing the trauma children have experienced and how the proposed carers can provide long-term stability. These assessments are prepared for court and fostering panels, and the role may involve giving evidence in court or presenting assessments to panels.
We prioritize fully preparing Kinship Carers through regular training days, enabling them to make informed decisions.
What the Social Worker Role Involves
* Utilizing assessment skills, knowledge of attachment and trauma, and developing new skills.
* Managing a manageable caseload.
* Participating in ongoing development and training.
* Engaging with national kinship care development initiatives, including links with Coram BAAF.
* Monthly supervision and team meetings.
* Working flexibly and managing your own diary.
* Contributing to the service’s continuous development within Essex.
* Participating in training delivery.
* Collaborating with supportive colleagues and engaging in joint working when needed.
Our goal is to develop a centre of excellence, with a dynamic and rewarding work environment. The vacancy is in team 2, working across all quadrants of Essex—North, West, Mid, and South, regardless of your residence. Join us on this journey!
Candidate Requirements
* Diploma or degree in Social Work, CQSW, CSS, or equivalent.
* Registration with Social Work England as a registered Social Worker.
* Experience and understanding of Children and Families services, preferably including fostering, though not essential.
* Commitment to supporting children to remain with their extended families where possible.
* Strong assessment writing and record-keeping skills.
* Ability to undertake thorough, timely assessments in complex situations within tight deadlines.
* Experience with court attendance, fostering panels, and producing quality reports is advantageous.
* Understanding of the impact of neglect, abuse, and trauma on children, and providing appropriate support.
* Excellent communication skills for working closely with families and various internal and external agencies.
* Flexibility to undertake assessments out of county or with demanding families.
* Participation in the duty system rota.
For more information about us, visit: Children & Families. Also, watch our 'No Magic' video to learn more about our work.
Additional Requirements
The role requires mobility across Essex and beyond, including travel and transportation of service users and belongings. A valid driving license and access to a vehicle or alternative mobility arrangements are essential.
Why Essex?
Essex County Council offers a vibrant, innovative environment serving over 1.8 million residents across 1,420 square miles. Recognized for productivity and commitment to quality, Essex provides flexible working options, career development opportunities, and a focus on community contribution. We are progressing towards establishing a Mayoral Combined County Authority by 2026, reflecting our commitment to devolution and local governance reform.
Equal Opportunities and Safeguarding
We are proud to be a Disability Confident Leader and are committed to inclusive recruitment, including reasonable adjustments and prioritizing disabled applicants, veterans, and care leavers who meet the minimum job requirements. All employees and volunteers must share our safeguarding commitment.
Additional Information
Once employed, you will receive employee benefits such as support for unpaid carers and flexible working arrangements. For further details on the application process or to join our Talent Community, contact resourcing.team@essex.gov.uk. Follow us on social media for updates.
#J-18808-Ljbffr