This role is open to Newly Qualified Social Workers (NQSW). The starting salary for an NQSW is £34,902 per annum, rising to £37,185 upon successful completion of the ASYE programme.
The Team
The Early Help & Wellbeing Team is a welcoming, compassionate, and exciting team to work in, offering preventative and early help to connect people to opportunities in their communities and provide support that enables them to achieve personal ambitions, goals, and aspirations.
Mental health social care is transforming into a new operational delivery model focusing on early intervention and prevention for Essex residents, especially those not currently receiving services or falling through gaps. The goal is to ensure Care Act compliance, offering information, advice, guidance, and support to improve wellbeing outcomes.
The service involves direct work with adults, completing Care Act assessments related to wellbeing outcomes, and conducting reviews. The focus has shifted from long-term care to a model based on Prevention, Early Intervention, Enablement, and Safeguarding, promoting independence and healthy living.
We seek someone committed to person-centred work with individuals and families, emphasizing strengths, interests, and assets within the Care Act (2014). The role involves collaborative working, supporting understanding of social work's role in mental health, and considering social determinants of health.
Essential experience includes providing direct support to people, understanding mental wellbeing factors, neurodivergence, and offering advice and guidance. The role balances direct support with assessments for service eligibility, considering needs and financial aspects.
The working pattern is Monday-Friday with flexible hours and hybrid working arrangements to meet service demands.
Key Roles, Skills, and Responsibilities
* Developing strong relationships with partners, agencies, and the voluntary sector.
* Assessing complex social care needs and supporting vulnerable adults to live independently.
* Developing support plans and working within statutory frameworks.
* Conducting assessments, safeguarding responses, and developing client-centred approaches.
* Engaging with families, communities, and individuals to promote aging well.
* Meeting performance targets and demonstrating strong communication skills.
* Understanding financial implications of care packages.
* Supporting mental health consultations and inter-agency planning.
* Supervising unqualified staff when required.
* Promoting independence, self-help, and community resources.
* Establishing therapeutic relationships and supporting positive risk-taking.
* Working in accordance with legislation like the Mental Health Act, Mental Capacity Act, and others.
* Utilizing health and social care services effectively and collaborating with healthcare professionals.
* Preparing assessments, maintaining records, and supporting decision-making.
* Flexibility to work across areas and teams, completing mandatory training.
* Using digital solutions to meet needs sustainably.
* Continuing professional development and demonstrating current practice standards.
* Experience in social care, handling challenging situations, and chairing multi-agency meetings.
Applicants should be qualified social workers with current registration, experience in mental health, and evidence of professional development. The role requires mobility across Essex, so a driving license or alternative mobility means is essential.
Essex County Council is part of the Government's devolution programme, aiming to establish a Mayoral Combined County Authority by May 2026. We are committed to diversity, inclusion, and safeguarding, offering support and adjustments for applicants as needed.
Benefits include ongoing professional development, flexible working, wellbeing support, pension scheme, generous leave, and other employee benefits. Join us to develop your social work career in a supportive environment.
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