Social Worker Children & Families

Tripod Partners; Essex; On-site; GBP 37,000 - 51,000; Full time

Job summary

A local authority in Essex is seeking a qualified Social Worker to join their Children in Care Team in Harlow. The role involves providing child-centred care, managing cases, advocating for children's voices, and collaborating with various stakeholders to ensure the best outcomes for vulnerable children. The ideal candidate should possess a degree in social work and a strong understanding of relevant legislation. A supportive environment with opportunities for continuous professional development is offered.

Benefits

Continuous professional development

Manageable caseloads

Nine-day working fortnight

Qualifications

• Qualified Social Worker registered with Social Work England.
• Strong understanding of relevant legislation (Children Act 1989, Care Act 2014).
• Ability to manage complex cases.

Responsibilities

• Provide high-quality, child-centred care to looked-after children.
• Manage a caseload including assessments and care plans.
• Advocate for children's needs and ensure their voices are heard.
• Collaborate with various stakeholders to deliver a holistic service.
• Maintain accurate records and prepare reports for meetings.

Skills

Child-centred care

Case management

Advocacy

Collaboration

Communication

Analytical skills

Education

Degree in social work or equivalent

Job description

Social Worker - Children in Care Team, Harlow

37,185 to 50,081 per annum

Are you a qualified and passionate Social Worker dedicated to making a lasting, positive impact on the lives of children and young people? Essex County Council is seeking a motivated professional to join our Children in Care (CIC) Team in Harlow.

The Role

As a Social Worker in our CIC team, you will be responsible for providing high-quality, child-centred care and support to children and young people who are "looked after." You will be part of a supportive and collaborative team committed to ensuring the best outcomes for our most vulnerable residents.

Key responsibilities include:

• Case Management: Managing an allocated caseload, undertaking assessments, developing and implementing care plans, and ensuring all statutory requirements are met.
• Advocacy and Support: Advocating for children's needs and wishes, ensuring their voices are heard in all decisions, and providing emotional and practical support.
• Collaboration: Working effectively with foster carers, health professionals, schools, and other agencies to deliver a coordinated, holistic service.
• Permanence: Striving to achieve permanence for children, whether through reunification with family, long-term foster care, or adoption.
• Record Keeping: Maintaining accurate, up-to-date, and evidence-based records, and preparing reports for statutory reviews, court hearings, and other meetings.

About You

You will be a qualified Social Worker with a degree in social work or an equivalent qualification, and be registered with Social Work England. You should have a strong understanding of relevant legislation, including the Children Act 1989 and the Care Act 2014, and be confident in your ability to manage complex cases. We are looking for a resilient and compassionate individual with excellent communication and analytical skills who is committed to relationship-based practice.

Essex County Council has been rated "Outstanding" by Ofsted for our Children's Services and was named "Social Work Employer of the Year" twice in the last three years. We offer a supportive environment for our social workers, with a commitment to continuous professional development, manageable caseloads, and a nine-day working fortnight for full-time frontline social workers.

If you are ready to join a top-performing council and help us create brighter futures for children, we encourage you to apply.