Social Worker – Kinship Assessment Team

Social Worker - Kinship Assessment Team

Permanent, Full Time

Salary: £37,185 to £50,081 per annum

Working Style: Community-based worker

Essex County Council has been named an Outstanding authority by Ofsted and has won the Social Work Employer of the Year award twice in three years. We are committed to high standards of practice and workforce development.

The Role

We are seeking a social worker to join our Kinship Assessment Team (SGO & Connected Person). The team conducts Viability and full Kinship Assessments, including assessments of prospective Care Proceedings / Special Guardianship families.

The Opportunity

Established in 2019, our Kinship Assessment Team has expanded to meet county demand. We seek an experienced, resilient, and self-motivated social worker to assess and support potential SGO/Connected Persons carers, focusing on trauma-informed, evidence-based assessments for court or panel submissions. You will also participate in court proceedings and provide assessments for court and fostering panels. We offer training to prepare carers and support their decision-making.

What We Offer

• Use your assessment skills and develop expertise in attachment and trauma
• Manage a manageable caseload
• Ongoing training and development opportunities
• Links with national kinship care initiatives
• Monthly supervision and team meetings
• Flexible working arrangements
• Involvement in service development
• Participation in training delivery
• Supportive colleagues and joint working culture

Candidate Requirements

• Diploma or degree in Social Work, CQSW, CSS, or equivalent
• Registration with Social Work England
• Experience in Children and Families or Fostering services (preferred)
• Strong assessment, record-keeping, and court report writing skills
• Understanding of trauma and neglect impacts on children
• Excellent communication skills for working with families and agencies
• Flexibility to work out of county and participate in duty rotas
• Mobility and a valid driving license, or ability to meet mobility needs

Additional Information

This role involves countywide travel and transporting service users. Essex offers a vibrant environment with flexible working options, committed to innovation and community impact.

We are an equal opportunities employer, committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults. We encourage applications from disabled persons, veterans, and care leavers, and provide reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process.

For more information, visit our Children & Families page or watch our 'No Magic' video.

To apply or for queries, please contact [emailprotected].