Social Worker – Fostering Team, South Essex (Part time)
Essex County Council – Basildon – 4 days per week (Tue – Fri). Salary £37,185 – £50,081 per annum (pro rata). Working style: Anywhere worker.
Overview
Join our fostering team to support children in care, safeguard well‑being and promote positive futures.
Responsibilities
* Support, monitor and develop local authority foster carers to safeguard children in care.
* Co‑lead training events for foster carers and undertake updated assessments when circumstances change.
* Provide regular home visits, telephone contact and at least one unannounced visit every year.
* Ensure foster carers conduct safe, healthy and nurturing environments and comply with Fostering National Minimum Standards.
* Follow Fostering Panel processes, complete annual household reviews and support complaints and child protection procedures.
* Participate in matching processes and ensure best matches, offering support for any gaps.
* Ensure foster carers keep confidential records securely and provide statutory support documentation.
* Work with foster carers to encourage contact for children in accordance with care plans and support heard in reviews, planning and complaints.
Qualifications & Experience
* Recognised social work qualification (Diploma, degree, master’s, CQSW, CSS or equivalent) and current registration with Social Work England.
* Evidence of continuing professional development aligned to relevant competency frameworks.
* Significant experience of social work, understanding legislation, regulation and guidance, especially related to homelessness.
* Experience chairing multi‑agency meetings and developing strong relationships with partners and community.
* Proven track record of decision‑making and risk‑management in interventions.
* Mobile throughout Essex, driving licence and ability to meet mobility requirements.
Benefits & Working Flexibility
Flexible working options, support for unpaid carers and a disruptive culture of continuous improvement.
EEO & Diversity Statement
Essex County Council is a Disability Confident Leader, committed to interview all disabled applicants, veterans and care leavers. We value integrity and ethical behaviour.
Closing Date
Applications close 23rd November 2025 (23:59).
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