Social Worker - Children in Care

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

Job summary

A local government authority in Harlow is looking for a qualified Social Worker to join their Children in Care Team. You will provide child-centered care and support to looked after children and work collaboratively with various stakeholders. The ideal candidate should have a social work degree, excellent communication skills, and a commitment to delivering positive outcomes for children. This role offers a supportive working environment with manageable caseloads and opportunities for professional development.

Benefits

Continuous professional development

Manageable caseloads

Nine-day working fortnight

Qualifications

• Qualified Social Worker registered with Social Work England.
• Strong understanding of legislation like Children Act 1989 and Care Act 2014.
• Resilient and compassionate individual with proven skills.

Responsibilities

• Manage caseloads and undertake assessments while developing care plans.
• Advocate for children's needs and wishes.
• Collaborate with foster carers and agencies for holistic service.
• Strive for permanence for children in care.
• Maintain accurate records and prepare reports.

Skills

Communication skills

Analytical skills

Case management

Advocacy

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 Ofstedfor 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.