Social Worker – Children in Care (Harlow)
Permanent, Full‑time. Salary: £37,185 to £50,081 per annum. Location: Harlow, Essex. Working Style: Community‑based worker with a nine‑day working fortnight. Closing Date: 17 November 2025.
About The Role
The Children in Care team in West Essex supports children and young people up to the age of 18 who are in care, either with foster carers or in residential homes. Your role is to ensure they have a positive experience, develop permanency plans, support the adoption process, and help them understand their care journey through life‑story work.
Responsibilities
* Visit children and young people in placement to assess progress and well‑being.
* Develop and review permanency plans, including Special Guardianship Orders and adoption arrangements.
* Prepare court reports and participate in court work.
* Support the adoption process and occasionally assist with legal documentation.
* Engage in case recording and manage complex social and family situations.
* Provide timely and high‑quality work, meeting deadlines consistently.
* Work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends, to meet children’s needs.
* Maintain up‑to‑date DBS checks and comply with the DBS update service as required.
Qualifications
* Diploma or degree in social work, CQSW, CSS, or an equivalent qualification.
* Registered with Social Work England as a Social Worker.
* Demonstrated capability following current professional standards such as the Professional Capability Framework (PCF) and Knowledge & Skills Statement (KSS).
* Proficiency in Word and social‑work case recording systems.
* Strong analytical, communication, organisational, and decision‑making skills.
* Understanding of safeguarding and the ability to take appropriate action.
* Valid driving licence and ability to travel across Essex and beyond.
Benefits & Support
* Unwavering support from experienced managers and daily ad‑hoc support from the team.
* Systemic, strengths‑based, relationship‑based and trauma‑informed practice focus.
* Top‑notch training and development through the Essex Social Care Academy (ESCA).
* Flexible working options and a nine‑day working fortnight for frontline Social Workers.
* Support for unpaid carers and other employee benefits such as health and well‑being programmes.
Why Essex
Essex County Council is one of the UK’s largest and most dynamic local authorities, offering a stimulating public‑service environment and a commitment to transformation and innovation. Essex is proud to be a Disability Confident Leader, a Veterans & Care Leavers friendly employer, and committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults.
Application
For more information about this role or to apply, please email resourcing.team@essex.gov.uk.
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