Community Social Worker - Family Solutions (West Essex)

Essex County Council; Harlow; On-site; GBP 38,000 - 52,000; Full time

Job summary

Essex County Council is recruiting a Social Worker (Link Family Worker) for West Essex. The role offers a Fixed Term, full-time position based in Harlow, delivering early help and safeguarding across CIN and targeted pathways.

You will join a high-performing Family Solutions team described as exceptional by Ofsted, with opportunities to contribute to the Family Help model from spring 2027. You will work with families facing complex needs, provide support in homes and in the community, and engage

Qualifications

• Qualified Social Worker, registered with Social Work England, and post-ASYE.
• Recent experience in frontline children’s services with CIN/CP cases.
• At least two years’ experience post qualifying.
• Willing to work towards Practice Educator Qualification.
• Strong commitment to standards and values of social work.
• Evidence of continuing professional development in relevant area.
• Experience with families with multiple and complex needs.
• Effective communication and problem-solving skills with positive relationships.

Responsibilities

• Act as a source of advice and support for colleagues on complex cases.
• Build positive working relationships with colleagues in statutory children’s services.
• Manage your own caseload and assess safeguarding risks.
• Review referrals and support threshold decisions with the Team Manager.
• Build strong relationships with families to promote positive change.
• Provide practical and specialist advice and support to families at home and in the community.
• Facilitate complex family meetings and coordinate additional services.
• Offer emotional and practical support in homes and community settings.
• Participate in regular supervision to review work and interventions.
• Support integration of Family Solutions with Children’s Social Care under Family First Partnership.

Skills

Communication skills

Problem solving

Assessment skills

Team working

Solution-focused approach

Education

Social Work Degree

Job description

Essex County Council is recruiting a Social Worker (Link Family Worker) for West Essex. The role offers a Fixed Term, full-time position based in Harlow, delivering early help and safeguarding across CIN and targeted pathways.

You will join a high-performing Family Solutions team described as exceptional by Ofsted, with opportunities to contribute to the Family Help model from spring 2027. You will work with families facing complex needs, provide support in homes and in the community, and engage