Overview
Social Worker - Family Finding, Adoption West Essex. Fixed Term, Full Time. £34,902 to £50,081 per annum. Location: Harlow. Working Style: Community-based worker. This vacancy is a fixed term contract or secondment opportunity until June 2026.
Responsibilities
* Assess complex social care needs, offering crucial support to children and families.
* Provide and deliver comprehensive plans for direct work with children to prepare them for a move to an adoptive placement.
* Work closely with birth families to provide support and guidance in relation to adoption.
* Attend adoption craft and profiling events, some on weekends, to support family finding for children.
* Work closely with partners within the Adopt East Alliance.
* Engage directly with young children, facilitating a deep understanding of their care plans.
* Prepare children for adoption placements through personalised direct work.
* Develop adoption support plans that empower families and build resilience.
* Navigate the statutory legal framework, ensuring timely intervention when needed.
* Collaborate with internal and external partners, stakeholders, and the voluntary sector to provide comprehensive support.
* Conduct assessments and plan responses to safeguard children and promote their welfare.
* Champion a child-centred approach, emphasising early intervention and prevention.
* Influence inter-agency planning and decision-making to proactively shape positive outcomes.
* Communicate assessments and professional judgments clearly, both orally and in writing.
* Work with families, communities, and individuals to support strategic aims and promote well-being.
* Manage individual and shared targets within the performance management framework.
Experience and Qualifications
* A recognised social work qualification and current registration with Social Work England.
* Continued professional development aligned with relevant competency frameworks.
* Experience in challenging social and family situations within a social work setting.
* Strong communication skills with adults and children, building rapport with diverse groups.
* Direct work experience with children, showcasing your ability to connect on a personal level.
* Proven ability to manage competing demands, meeting required deadlines.
* Establishing strong relationships with partners, agencies, and the local community.
* Understanding the value-for-money delivery of interventions balanced against need.
* Clear decision-making skills to highlight and mitigate potential risks associated with intervention.
Requirements & Additional Information
* The role requires mobility around Essex and beyond, including travelling around the county of Essex and beyond; a driving licence and car or the ability to meet mobility requirements through other means is essential.
* Essex County Council is Disability Confident Leader; commitment to interview all disabled applicants who meet minimum requirements under the Job Interview Scheme and to provide reasonable adjustments during the process.
* Flexible working opportunities and support for DBS update service may apply; staff benefits for safeguarding and welfare commitments.
* Essex County Council values integrity and ethical behaviour; staff are expected to uphold the code of conduct and Nolan principles.
* DBS check: if required for the role, you will need to register with the DBS Update Service.
* For more information and updates, visit the Essex County Council careers site and join the Essex Talent Community.
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