Senior Social Worker – Discharge to Assess, Essex County Council
We are looking for a passionate and experienced Social Worker to join our Discharge to Assess team in North Essex. The team supports people who have recently been discharged from hospital or are being prevented from being re‑admitted. Our focus is on enabling safe and timely discharge, followed by continued care and assessment in the community. Wherever possible adults will be supported to return to their home for assessment.
Support is focused on helping people to remain as independent and self‑caring as possible in their own homes. The team supports people pre‑ and post‑hospital discharge, providing a wider range of experiences to support your professional growth, skills and knowledge as a practitioner.
We operate on a 7‑day rota basis, requiring one weekend in six and a share of bank holidays. You’ll receive a 6% flat rate allowance in addition to the basic annual salary.
About the role
As a Senior Social Worker in the team you will:
* Provide expert guidance: foster a supportive environment and model best practice, offering specialist advice and mentoring both newly‑qualified and experienced colleagues.
* Assess and support: manage a diverse and complex caseload, undertaking comprehensive assessments and creating person‑centred care plans.
* Ensure compliance: support the people we work with to live full and fulfilling lives, within the statutory Care Act and relevant legislation and organisational standards.
* Manage caseloads: provide expert social work practice and uphold the highest standards of professional practice.
* Collaborate and build relationships across the council and with partners, shaping high‑quality solutions that promote independence.
* Represent Adult Social Care: chair multi‑agency meetings and proactively take the lead to ensure a social care perspective is represented.
About you
You should be a qualified social worker with current Social Work England registration and be post‑qualified for at least 2 years with in‑depth knowledge of complex cases and the Care Act. You should be AMHP, BIA or PE qualified, or have an intention to complete these qualifications.
You are a proactive worker with a proven record of working complex cases and supporting other staff. You want to develop and become part of the management team.
You’ll bring significant experience of social work, modelling good practice, providing advice and guidance in complex situations, and mentoring newly‑qualified and experienced team members. You have a comprehensive understanding of current legislation, regulations and guidance.
* Evidence of continuing professional development and capability of practice in accordance with current professional standards.
* An in‑depth understanding of the financial implications of commissioned care packages.
* The ability to make clear decisions, to highlight and limit potential risks associated with intervention.
This role involves travelling around Essex. A driving licence and access to a car, or alternative mobility options, are essential.
Why join us?
In June 2025 the Care Quality Commission (CQC) rated our Adult Social Care services as “Good” with a score of 73%. The local authority is recognised for its structure and processes to support people to remain independent and healthy.
Our teams are busy but warm, friendly and supportive. Managers help you manage your workload and develop your practice. We have a second‑to‑none continuing professional development offer.
We welcome diversity and are determined to become a fully inclusive and anti‑racist organisation.
What we offer
* Ongoing opportunities for continuing professional development.
* Flexible working options.
* Employee wellbeing and counselling.
* Lease car scheme.
* Life assurance of three times annual salary.
* Local Government Pension Scheme.
* Volunteering leave.
* 27 days annual leave (plus bank holidays), rising with service.
* Employee Assistance Programme (EAP).
* Employee Networks – communities to support you, connect you and influence change.
* Payment of your Social Work England registration fees.
* T&Cs apply.
Apply now
For more information contact Abbie.Mollison@essex.gov.uk
Disability confident and EEO statement
Essex County Council is proud to be a Disability Confident Leader. We interview all disabled applicants under our Job Interview Scheme if they meet the minimum requirements of the job. We also interview all veterans and care leavers who meet the minimum requirements. We value integrity and ethical behaviour and ask that you embrace our code of conduct, the Nolan principles.
If your role requires a DBS check you will be required to register with the DBS update service. The DBS update service ensures all registered DBS certificates are kept up to date and allows authorised parties to view the status of your certificate. This is an annual subscription, and you will be responsible for ensuring this is maintained.
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