Social Worker – Children in Care, Harlow
Employer: Essex County Council
Location: Harlow, Essex
Employment type: Permanent, Full time (Community-based worker)
Salary: £37,185 - £50,081 per annum
Closing date: 11th January 2025
About the role
We are looking for a dedicated and experienced Social Worker to join our Children in Care team in West Essex.
The role involves working with children and young people up to 18 years in foster care or residential homes, ensuring a positive experience in care, developing permanency plans, including Special Guardianship Orders and adoption, and supporting their well‑being.
Responsibilities
* Build relationships, communicate effectively with children, families and professional stakeholders.
* Prepare court reports, care planning documents and support the adoption process.
* Assess situations, identify risks of significant harm and take appropriate safeguarding action.
* Manage competing priorities, deliver high-quality work on time, and support case recording.
* Attend placement visits, work with foster carers and residential staff, and provide life‑story work.
* Be flexible and available for evenings and weekends as required.
Qualifications and Experience
* Diploma or degree in social work, CQSW, CSS or equivalent qualification.
* Registered with Social Work England as a Social Worker.
* Evidence of capability in practice, following the Professional Capability Framework (PCF) and Knowledge & Skills Statement (KSS).
Proficient in Word and case recording systems.
* Strong analytical, organisational and decisive skills with a solid understanding of safeguarding.
* Valid driving licence and ability to travel across Essex.
Benefits and Support
* Nine‑day working fortnight for full‑time frontline social workers.
* Top‑notch training via the Essex Social Care Academy (ESCA).
* Unwavering managerial support with ad‑hoc supervision and daily support.
* Trauma‑informed, strengths‑based practice
commitment to safeguarding and child welfare.
* Disability confident leader – interview all disabled applicants and provide reasonable adjustments.
* Vetting systems: DBS update service and mobile role requirements.
* Flexible working arrangements to support carers and mobility.
Equality and Diversity
Essex County Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults and welcomes applications from all backgrounds. We interview all disabled applicants, veterans and care leavers, and offer reasonable adjustments where needed.
How to apply
Apply through the Essex County Council careers portal before 11th January 2025. For any queries, email resourcing.team@essex.gov.uk.
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