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Essex County Council understands how important flexibility and wellbeing is for our colleagues working across childrens Social Care and that we need to think differently. We have therefore developed a nine day working fortnight for full time frontline Social Workers within Children’s services.
Are you ready to be part of an incredible social work team that is all about support, creativity, and making a real impact on young lives? Our Children in Care team in West Essex is not your average workplace. It is a place where every member looks out for each other and where innovation thrives. We currently have a permanent opportunity.
What You’ll Do
As part of our Children in Care team, you will be working with children and young people up to the age of 18 who need our help. Whether they are with foster carers or in residential homes, your goal is to ensure their experience in care is a positive one. You will visit children and young people in placement, develop permanency plans (including Special Guardianship Orders and adoption), and help them understand the reasons behind being in care through life‑story work. For some, your support could be the key to them returning home to their birth family.
Ideal Candidate
* A strong communicator – able to build relationships and present information clearly.
* Analytical and insightful – confident in assessing situations and identifying risks of significant harm.
* Organised and deadline‑driven – able to manage competing priorities and deliver high‑quality work on time.
* Decisive and responsible – understands safeguarding and takes appropriate action when needed.
What You’ll Need
* Diploma or degree in social work, CQSW, CSS, or an equivalent qualification.
* Registered with Social Work England as a registered Social Worker.
* Demonstrated capability in practice, following current professional standards such as the Professional Capability Framework (PCF) and Knowledge & Skills Statement (KSS). You must excel in case recording and confidently handle complex social and family situations.
* Proficiency in using tools such as Word and social work case recording systems.
* Flexibility – you may need to work evenings and weekends when necessary, ensuring children’s needs are always met.
Why Essex
As one of the largest and most dynamic UK local authorities, Essex offers a stimulating public service environment. Covering over 1,420 square miles and serving 1.8 million residents, we are committed to transformational change and delivering better quality at lower cost. With flexible working options and a focus on innovation, Essex is the ideal place to develop your career or contribute to the local community.
EEO Statement
Essex County Council is proud to be a Disability Confident Leader. We are committed to interview all disabled applicants who choose to apply 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 of the role.
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