Locum Social Worker, Cic West

Essex County Council; Harlow; On-site; GBP 42,000 - 53,000; Full time

Job summary

Essex County Council is seeking a Locum Social Worker to support the Children in Care West team in Harlow. The role is temporary (3 months), full-time, with emphasis on Court Work, Court Reports, and Care Planning, including involvement in the adoption process.

You will work with children and young people up to 18, visiting placements, creating permanency plans, and delivering life-story work. Flexibility for evenings/weekends may be required.

Qualifications

• Diploma or degree in social work, CQSW, CSS, or an equivalent qualification.
• Registered with Social Work England and minimum 3 years post-qualifying experience.
• Demonstrate capability with PCF and Knowledge & Skills Statement (KSS).
• Proficient in Word and social work case recording systems.

Responsibilities

• Work with children in care up to age 18, in foster care or residential settings.
• Visit placements, develop permanency plans including SGOs and adoption.
• Life-story work to help young people understand their care journey.
• May assist in returning a child to their birth family when appropriate.

Skills

Strong communicator

Analytical

Organised

Decisive

Education

Social Work degree / CQSW / CSS

Tools

Word

Case recording systems

Job description

Locum Social Worker, CIC West

Temporary (3 months), Full Time

£225 PAYE/£288 Umbrella

Location: Harlow

Working Style:

Closing Date: Wednesday 4th November 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. Not only have we been named Outstanding by Ofsted, we are delighted and at the same time humbled to have been crowned Social Work Employer of the Year for the second time in the last three years!

Are you ready to be part of an incredible social work team that's all about support, creativity, and making a real impact on young lives? Look no further! Our Children in Care team in West Essex is not your average workplace - it's a place where every member looks out for each other and where innovation thrives. We currently have a permanent opportunity.

We’re looking for someone with experience in Court Work, including preparing Court Reports, Care Planning, and occasionally supporting the adoption process.

This role is ideal for someone who is:

• A strong communicator – able to build relationships and clearly present information.
• Analytical and insightful – confident in assessing situations and identifying risks of significant harm.
• Organised and deadline-driven – able to manage competing priorities and deliver high-quality work on time.
• Decisive and responsible – understands safeguarding and takes appropriate action when needed.

What You'll Do:

As part of our Children in Care team, you'll be working with children and young people up to the age of 18 who need our help. Whether they're with foster carers or in residential homes, your goal is to ensure their experience in care is a positive one.

You’ll visit children and young people in placement, develop permanency plans (including Special Guardianship Orders and adoption), and even help them understand the reasons behind being in care through life-story work.

And for some, your support could be the key to them returning home to their birth family.

Requirements:

You’ll need a diploma or degree in social work, CQSW, CSS, or an equivalent qualification.

You should be registered with Social Work England as a registered Social Worker, plus have a minimum of 3 years post qualifying experience.

You’ll need to demonstrate your capability in practice, following current professional standards like the Professional Capability Framework (PCF) and Knowledge & Skills Statement (KSS). You’ll excel in case recording and confidently handle complex social and family situations.

Proficiency in using tools like Word and social work case recording systems is a must.

Flexibility is key – you might need to work evenings and weekends when necessary, ensuring that children’s needs are always met.

Ready to embark on this exciting journey with us? Join our team and be a part of something truly meaningful. Let’s make a difference together!

Please look at our

The role requires you to be mobile throughout a wider operational area including travelling around the county of Essex and beyond, transporting service users and their belongings and to be able to do so in an emergency. Driving licence and car or the ability to meet the mobility requirements of the role through other means is essential.

Why Essex?

As one of the largest and most dynamic UK local authorities, Essex offers a stimulating public service environment. Covering over 1,420 square miles and serving 1.8 million residents, we’re committed to transformational change and delivering better quality at lower cost. Recognised in the top three of the latest IMPOWER index for productivity, we ensure everyone matters in . With flexible working options and a focus on innovation, whether you are looking to develop your career or contribute to the local community, Essex is the ideal place for you.

In February 2025, Greater Essex was accepted onto the Government’s devolution priority programme, which will see local authorities in Essex work towards establishing a Mayoral Combined County Authority by May 2026. You can read more about

Essex County Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults, and expects all employees and volunteers to share this commitment.

If you would like to be kept up to date on other relevant opportunities, blogs, news, events and industry related news at Essex County Council, please join .

If you have queries on this role or require anything further, please