Social Worker - Children Looked After

Ackerman Pierce Ltd; Leigh on Sea; On-site; GBP 39,000 - 46,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading social work recruitment agency is seeking a Social Worker in Southend on Sea. The role involves assessing family needs, ensuring children's rights, and providing support based on best practices. Candidates must have a degree in Social Work, experience within the UK, and SWE registration. The position offers competitive pay, flexible hours, and opportunities for professional development.

Benefits

Free on‑site parking

Role progression and training opportunities

Competitive pay rate

Supportive team culture

Flexible working hours

Contribution to systemic improvements

Qualifications

• Minimum of 1 year experience within the UK.
• Enhanced DBS/CRB certificate required.
• Must have eligibility to work in the UK.
• Registered with the SWE.
• Full UK driving license and own vehicle essential.
• Evidence of continuing professional development is necessary.

Responsibilities

• Undertake assessments and analysis of need and risk with families.
• Ensure children and carers understand their rights.
• Provide evidence-based support and intervention.
• Negotiate access to necessary services.
• Chair formal meetings related to service users.
• Maintain professional knowledge and skills through development.

Skills

Experience within the UK

Enhanced DBS/CRB

Eligibility to work in the UK

SWE registration

Degree in Social Work

Full UK driving license

Evidence of continuing professional development

Education

Degree in Social Work

Job description

Job Title

Social Worker

Location

Southend on Sea

Salary

£39,152-£45,091 P/Annum (plus a one‑off £7,500 payment after 3 years and 1 day of employment)

Responsibilities

• Undertake timely assessments and analysis of need and risk, working with families and professional networks to create and deliver outcome‑focused plans.
• Ensure children, young people and carers understand their rights and are enabled to participate meaningfully in planning and decision‑making, including through independent advocates if required.
• Provide support and intervention based on best evidence to meet individual child and family needs.
• Secure access to services, negotiating and challenging other professionals and organisations to provide the help required.
• Provide effective direct work with individual children and families or foster/adoptive carers as part of an agreed plan.
• Chair professional and formal meetings in relation to service users, such as Child in Need meetings and core group meetings, where appropriate.
• Use supervision to enhance and reflect on practice, seek advice on individual cases, develop personal resilience and promote continuous professional development.
• Contribute to team and unit duty rosters, ensuring service users, professionals and the public are dealt with appropriately and promptly.
• Attend and participate in team meetings to promote effective professional working relationships, keep up‑to‑date with organisational requirements and share good practice.
• Participate in specific service development projects as agreed with the Team Manager, including developing working relationships with internal and external partners and stakeholders.
• Maintain and extend professional knowledge and skills via continuous professional development, reflective practice, team events, relevant training and formal post‑qualifying learning opportunities where appropriate.
• Maintain knowledge of relevant research, government guidance, legislation and best practice in child care and the specialist service area.
• Current caseload is between 16‑18 cases.

Minimum Requirements

• 1 year experience within the UK.
• Enhanced DBS/CRB (obtainable).
• Eligibility to work in the UK.
• SWE registration.
• Degree in Social Work.
• Full UK driving license and access to your own vehicle.
• Evidence of continuing professional development.

Benefits

• Free on‑site parking.
• Role progression and training opportunities for both permanent and temporary staff.
• Competitive pay rate exceeding most surrounding areas.
• OFSTED rating 2024 – GOOD.
• Supportive team culture with flexible working hours, regular supervision and a fast‑paced environment.
• Opportunity to work within Southend-on-Sea Council, contributing to systemic improvements focused on reducing caseloads and improving outcomes for families.

Why Choose Ackerman Pierce?

Ackerman Pierce has over 15 years of experience recruiting directly into the Social Work sector, offering a personalised consultancy approach, DBS and compliance services, and a quick registration process.

Application

To discuss the vacancy further or explore other opportunities in Essex, please contact Dan Mulvey or email your CV to us today.