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- Tasks: Support children and families by assessing needs and developing tailored support plans.
- Company: Join Essex County Council, a leader in community care and social work.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive pay, a supportive environment, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in the lives of children and families while working collaboratively.
- Qualifications: Must have a recognised social work qualification and at least 2 years of experience.
- Other info: Mobile role requiring travel across Essex; driving licence essential.
The predicted salary is between 28000 - 42000 £ per year.
Temporary (3 Months), Full Time
Rate: £35 p/h
Location: Chelmsford
Working Style: Community-based worker
Closing Date: 3rd January 2025
Children and Families is recognised as a service in which social work can develop and prosper, with a culture of collaboration, integrity and compassion; promoting development and wellbeing of children, young people and their families; protecting them from neglect and abuse. We are looking for a Locum Social Worker to join our Family Support and Protection team on a temporary basis for an initial period of 3 months. The successful candidate will be an experienced registered social worker, educated to degree level, with the ability to demonstrate practice in accordance with current professional standards.
Accountabilities
- Assess complex social care needs and provide support to children and families.
- Develop support plans that gain commitment to solutions that enable the child, young person and family to build resilience.
- Accountable for working within the statutory legal framework, policy and guidance.
- Work collaboratively, building effective relationships with internal and external partnerships and stakeholders.
- Conduct assessments and plan responses to safeguard a child or young person and promote their welfare.
- Develop a child centred approach which enables early intervention and prevention.
- Pro-actively influence in inter-agency planning and decision making.
- Communicate assessments and professional judgements clearly and succinctly.
- Work with families, communities and individuals to help people get the best start in life.
- Define specific individual and shared targets and objectives annually.
The Experience You Will Bring
- A recognised social work qualification (Diploma, degree or Masters in social work, CQSW, CSS or equivalent) with current registration with Social Work England.
- A minimum of 2 years’ experience.
- Experience within a social work setting with evidence of challenging social and family situations.
- Strong communication skills and ability to engage with diverse groups.
- Developing strong relationships with partners and the local community.
The role requires you to be mobile throughout a wider operational area including travelling around the county of Essex and beyond. Driving licence and car or the ability to meet the mobility requirements of the role is essential.
Why Essex?
Essex County Council has a location to be proud of. Our 1,300 square miles stretch from Constable Country to the Thames Estuary. It means real choice and makes Essex the ideal place for your career.
Essex County Council is proud to be a Disability Confident Leader. We’re committed to interview all disabled applicants who choose to apply under our Job Interview Scheme if they meet the minimum requirements of the job.
What you should do next
If you are interested in finding out more about this role, we would love to hear from you. Please apply via the Working for Essex website.
As part of employment with Essex County Council (ECC) should your role require a DBS check you will be required to register with the DBS update service. For further information on the DBS update service please go to here.
If you would like to be kept up to date on other relevant opportunities, please join The Essex Talent Community here.
If you have queries on this role or require anything further, please email courtney.jode@essex.gov.uk.
Locum Social Worker employer: Essex County Counci
Contact Detail:
Essex County Counci Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Locum Social Worker
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the specific needs and challenges faced by children and families in Essex. Understanding local issues will help you demonstrate your commitment to the community during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with current or former social workers in the Children & Families sector. They can provide insights into the role and may even refer you, which can significantly boost your chances of landing the job.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your experience with complex cases and how you've successfully navigated challenging family situations. Be ready to share specific examples that highlight your skills and approach.
✨Tip Number 4
Showcase your ability to work collaboratively by highlighting any previous inter-agency work. Emphasising your communication skills and teamwork will resonate well with the hiring team.
We think you need these skills to ace Locum Social Worker
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Before applying, make sure you fully understand the responsibilities and requirements of the Locum Social Worker position. Familiarise yourself with the key accountabilities such as assessing social care needs and developing support plans.
Tailor Your CV: Customise your CV to highlight relevant experience in social work, particularly in children and families. Emphasise your qualifications, registration with Social Work England, and any specific achievements that demonstrate your ability to handle challenging situations.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for social work and your commitment to supporting children and families. Use specific examples from your experience to illustrate how you meet the job requirements and align with the values of collaboration and compassion.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting your application, carefully proofread all documents for spelling and grammatical errors. A polished application reflects your attention to detail and professionalism, which are crucial in the field of social work.
How to prepare for a job interview at Essex County Counci
✨Understand the Role
Make sure you thoroughly understand the responsibilities of a Locum Social Worker in the Children & Families sector. Familiarise yourself with the key accountabilities mentioned in the job description, such as assessing complex social care needs and developing support plans.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare to discuss your previous experience in social work, particularly in challenging situations. Be ready to provide specific examples that demonstrate your ability to engage with diverse groups and build strong relationships with families and partners.
✨Demonstrate Communication Skills
Effective communication is crucial in this role. Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and succinctly, especially when discussing assessments and professional judgements. Consider how you can convey complex information in an understandable way.
✨Highlight Your Mobility and Flexibility
Since the role requires mobility across Essex, be prepared to discuss your driving licence and car availability. Emphasise your willingness to travel and adapt to different community settings, showcasing your commitment to meeting the needs of children and families.
