Social Worker – Kindship Assessment Team, Mid Essex
Permanent, Full Time
£38,487 to £51,834 Per Annum
Location: Chelmsford
Working Style: Community-based worker
Closing Date: 22nd June 2026
Here in Essex, we continue to raise the bar about practice and our investment in our workforce is second to none. It’s an exciting time to join us having received our 2nd Outstanding Ofsted rating in a row.
This vacancy can accommodate a newly qualified social worker.
Interviews will be held Monday 6th July, in person at County Hall Chelmsford.
The Role
We are looking for a social worker to join the Kinship Assessment Team. The team completes viability and full kinship foster carer and special guardianship assessments, and you will have the opportunity to undertake both, initially focusing on completing viability assessments for prospective CP/SG families.
The Opportunity
The Kinship Assessment Team was created in 2019 and has expanded to meet the demand across the County. We are seeking an experienced, resilient, self‑motivated, and creative Social Worker to join the team. In this fast‑paced role you will assess and support potential SGO/kinship carers who have come forward through the Public Law process, or by the Private Law route, and want to offer long‑term care for children who are connected to them. The team aims to undertake robust, analytical, and evidence‑based assessments focused on the trauma children suffered and how the proposed carer/special guardian will provide long‑term care. These assessments are prepared for the court or fostering panel, and you may need to give evidence in court or present your assessment to the fostering panel.
From speaking to Special Guardians/Carers, we know that it is essential for them to be fully prepared and informed to make the right decisions. As a result, we provide preparation training days regularly.
The Social work role within the team brings the following
* An exciting opportunity to use your assessment skills, knowledge of attachment and trauma and develop new skills.
* Hold a manageable caseload.
* Ensure ongoing development and training.
* Links with Coram BAAF and national development of National Kinship Strategy.
* Monthly supervision and team meetings.
* Working flexibly and manage your own diary.
* Being involved in the continuous development of the service within Essex.
* Take part in training delivery.
* Supportive and helpful colleagues who are there for each other and encourage joint working.
We are looking for a social worker with
* Experience and a good understanding of work within Children and Families and Fostering service, preferably but not essential.
* Commitment to children remaining with their extended family when possible.
* Analytical assessment writing skills and record keeping are essential.
* Ability to undertake succinct, timely and thorough assessments in complex situations and to tight timescales.
* Experience of attending Court, fostering panel and producing good quality reports is beneficial.
* Understanding of the impact for carers of neglect/abuse and trauma on children and providing support through the assessment.
* Excellent communication skills are essential as you will work closely with families, other ECC services, including but limited to Fostering, Children in Care, FS&P and Legal Services, and alongside external agencies.
* Commitment to flexible working as some assessments will be out of county and/or with families who have huge demands on their time.
* Part of the duty system rota.
Benefits
• Mobile travel across Essex and beyond is required.
• Driving licence and car or alternative mobility arrangements are essential.
• DBS update service responsibility is mandatory if required.
• Support for unpaid carers and flexible working arrangements.
• Safeguarding for children and vulnerable adults.
EEO and Equal Opportunity
Essex County Council is proud to be a Disability Confident Leader. We are committed to recruiting disabled applicants under the Job Interview Scheme if they meet the minimum requirements. We also invite veterans and care leavers.
All applicants are considered in accordance with Equality Act 2010, Title 6 of the Human Rights Act 1998 and the Mandatory Immigration Status and Employers Act 2014.
Contact and Application
If you have queries on this role, please email resourcing.team@essex.gov.uk.
The closing date is 22nd June 2026.
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