Overview
Senior Social Worker – Neighbourhood Team. Permanent, Full Time. Location: Harlow & Uttlesford. Working Style: Community-based worker.
About The Role – Senior Social Worker in the Neighbourhood Team will provide expert guidance, assess and support, ensure compliance, manage caseloads, collaborate with partners, and represent Adult Social Care in multi-agency forums.
The Team
We’re an adult social care team serving citizens of Essex, aiming to maximise choice and control over how people live their lives. The team operates across the Uttlesford area as part of a Neighbourhood approach, linking with partners in health, housing and voluntary sectors. We work with people aged 18 and above across all specialisms, undertaking duties under the Care Act 2014 including assessment, reviews, mental capacity assessments and adult safeguarding. Hybrid working is offered with an expectation to be office-based at Fairycroft in Saffron Walden around 2 days per week based on business need for collaboration and training.
Responsibilities
* Provide Expert Guidance: Foster a supportive environment, model best practice, offer specialist advice, and mentor both newly qualified and experienced colleagues.
* Assess and Support: Manage a diverse and complex caseload, undertake comprehensive assessments, and create person-centred care plans.
* Ensure Compliance: Support people to live fulfilling lives within the framework of the Care Act, relevant legislation and organisational standards.
* Manage Caseloads: Provide expert social work practice in complex situations, upholding high professional standards.
* Collaborate: Build strong relationships across the Council and with partners to shape high-quality solutions that promote independence.
* Represent Adult Social Care: Chair multi-agency meetings and lead to ensure a social care perspective is represented.
About You
To apply, you should be a qualified social worker with current Social Work England registration and at least 2 years post-qualifying experience with in-depth knowledge of complex cases and the Care Act. AMHP, BIA or PE qualifications are desirable, or you should have secured the intention to complete these qualifications.
You should be proactive and passionate, with a proven record of handling complex cases and supporting other staff. You should be interested in developing towards a management role and mentoring colleagues.
You’ll bring significant experience in social work, modelling good practice, and providing guidance in complex situations. You should have an understanding of current legislation, regulations and guidance, and the ability to chair meetings involving clients, family members, carers and multi-agency professionals. You should be able to develop strong relationships with partner agencies and the local community.
* Evidence of continuing professional development and capability of practice in line with current professional standards.
* In-depth understanding of the financial implications of commissioned care packages.
* Ability to make clear decisions and identify and manage risks associated with intervention.
This role involves travel around Essex, including rural areas. A driving licence and car, or alternative mobility arrangements, are essential.
What We Offer
* Ongoing opportunities for continuing professional development
* Flexible working options
* Employee wellbeing and counselling
* Lease Car scheme
* Life assurance of three times annual salary
* Local Government Pension Scheme
* Volunteering leave
* 27 days annual leave (plus bank holidays), increasing with service
* Employee Assistance Programme (EAP)
* Employee Networks – communities to support you and connect with colleagues
* Payment of your Social Work England registration fees
Essex County Council is an equal opportunities employer.
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