Social Worker - Kinship Assessment Team
Permanent, Full Time
£37,185 to £50,081 per annum
Location: Chelmsford
Working Style: Community-based worker
Here in Essex, we continue to raise the bar on practice, and our investment in our workforce is second to none. It’s an exciting time to join us. Not only have we been named Outstanding by Ofsted, but we are also delighted and humbled to have been crowned Social Work Employer of the Year for the second time in three years!
The Role
We are looking for a social worker to join the Kinship Assessment Team (SGO & Connected Person) on a permanent basis. The team conducts Viability and full Kinship Assessments, and you will have the opportunity to undertake both assessments on prospective CP/SG families.
The Opportunity
The Kinship Assessment Team was established in 2019 and has expanded to meet the demand across the County. We seek an experienced, resilient, self-motivated, and creative Social Worker to join this fast-paced team. You will assess and support potential SGO/Connected Persons carers who come forward through the Public Law process or via the Private Law route, aiming to provide long-term care for children connected to them. The team focuses on robust, analytical, and evidence-based assessments, considering the trauma children have suffered and how the proposed carers will provide long-term care. These assessments are prepared for court and fostering panels, and you may be required to give evidence in court or present assessments to panels.
We recognize from speaking to Kinship Carers that it is essential they are fully prepared and informed to make the right decisions. To support this, we provide regular training days for learning and questions.
The Social Worker role involves:
* Utilizing assessment skills, knowledge of attachment and trauma, and developing new skills.
* Managing a manageable caseload.
* Ensuring ongoing development and training.
* Connecting with Coram BAAF and national Kinship Care development initiatives.
* Participating in monthly supervision and team meetings.
* Working flexibly and managing your own diary.
* Contributing to the continuous development of Essex’s services.
* Involvement in training delivery.
* Collaborating with supportive colleagues and engaging in joint working when needed.
Our aim is to become a centre of excellence, with ongoing service development. The work is fast-paced, challenging, and rewarding. Although there are two teams, we work as one service, and this vacancy is in Team 2. As a county-wide service, we operate across all quadrants—North, West, Mid, and South—so location is flexible. Join us on this journey!
We are looking for a social worker with:
* Diploma or degree in Social Work, CQSW, CSS, or equivalent.
* Registration with Social Work England as a registered Social Worker.
* Experience and good understanding of work within Children and Families and Fostering services (preferable but not essential).
* Commitment to children remaining with their extended family where possible.
* Strong assessment writing skills and record-keeping.
* Ability to undertake succinct, timely, and thorough assessments in complex situations within tight timescales.
* Experience attending court, fostering panels, and producing quality reports (beneficial).
* Understanding of the impact of neglect, abuse, and trauma on children, and providing support through assessments.
* Excellent communication skills for working closely with families, ECC services, and external agencies.
* Flexibility to work out of county assessments and with demanding families.
* Participation in the duty system rota.
For more information about us, visit: Children & Families
Watch our ‘No Magic’ Children & Families video
The role requires mobility across Essex and beyond, including travel and transport of service users and belongings. A driving license and access to a car, or alternative mobility means, are essential.
Why Essex?
Essex is one of the largest UK local authorities, 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, recognized in the top three of the IMPOWER index for productivity. We offer flexible working options and focus on innovation. Whether developing your career or contributing to the community, Essex is an ideal place.
In February 2025, Greater Essex joined the Government’s devolution priority programme, aiming for a Mayoral Combined County Authority by May 2026. More details are available on our careers site.
Essex County Council is proud to be a Disability Confident Leader, committed to interviewing all disabled applicants who meet the minimum job requirements under our Job Interview Scheme. Please contact our Recruiters for reasonable adjustments. We also prioritize veterans and care leavers in our recruitment process.
Once employed, you will receive employee benefits, including support for unpaid carers and flexible working arrangements.
We uphold integrity and ethical standards, embracing our code of conduct and the Nolan principles throughout the recruitment process. Your adherence helps maintain a positive and respectful workplace.
If your role requires a DBS check, you will need to register with the DBS update service, which is an annual subscription. For more information, visit: https://www.gov.uk/dbs-update-service
We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults. All employees and volunteers are expected to share this commitment.
To stay updated on opportunities and news, join The Essex Talent Community
For queries or further information, email resourcing.team@essex.gov.uk
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