Social Worker – Family Solutions (9‑Month Fixed Term)

Essex County Counci; Witham; On-site; GBP 38,000 - 52,000; Full time

Job summary

Essex County Council is recruiting a Social Worker (Family Worker) to join the Family Solutions team in Mid Essex. The role involves handling a varied caseload, safeguarding assessments, and joint work with multi-disciplinary colleagues to support families with complex needs.

You will work in a supportive team environment with supervision, carry out home and community visits, and contribute to early help for families; visa sponsorship is not available. Closing date 20 September 2026.

Qualifications

• Qualified Social Worker, registered with Social Work England, and post-ASYE.
• Recent frontline children’s services experience, with CIN/CP assessment.
• At least two years’ experience post qualifying.
• Willing to work towards Practice Educator Qualification.
• A strong commitment to uphold the standards and values of the social work profession.
• Evidence of continuing professional development with good knowledge in relevant area and commitment to evidence-based practice.
• Significant practical experience of working with families with multiple and complex needs.
• Effective communication skills, good problem solving and assessment skills with a demonstrable track record of building and sustaining positive professional relationships with individuals and families with multiple and complex needs.
• Experience of applying a solution focused approach and providing practical advice and support to families to enable them to achieve positive and sustainable outcomes.
• Ability to work in partnership with others to maximise outcomes for families in line with the Family Solutions operating principles.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team and to use supervision appropriately.

Responsibilities

• Join a highly experienced team of practitioners from a range of professional backgrounds, bringing valuable expertise to support families with complex needs.
• Contribute specialist social work expertise alongside colleagues, including joint visits and collaboration on complex cases.
• Manage your own caseload and assess safeguarding risks.
• Review referrals with the Team Manager or Practice Supervisor to support effective decision-making and build strong relationships with families.
• Facilitate complex family meetings and coordinate additional support services.
• Offer emotional and practical support in homes and community settings.
• Work closely with your manager through regular supervision.
• Support integration of Family Solutions with Children Social Care under the Family First Partnership Programme.

Skills

Frontline children’s services

CIN/CP assessment experience

Caseload management

Safeguarding risk assessment

Partnership working

Supervision and reflective practice

Solution-focused approach

Evidence-based practice

Communication skills

Problem solving

Independence and teamwork

Education

Registered Social Worker (Social Work England)

Job description

Essex County Council is recruiting a Social Worker (Family Worker) to join the Family Solutions team in Mid Essex. The role involves handling a varied caseload, safeguarding assessments, and joint work with multi-disciplinary colleagues to support families with complex needs.

You will work in a supportive team environment with supervision, carry out home and community visits, and contribute to early help for families; visa sponsorship is not available. Closing date 20 September 2026.