At a Glance
- Tasks: Support children in care, prepare court reports, and develop permanency plans.
- Company: Essex County Council, committed to safeguarding and supporting vulnerable individuals.
- Benefits: Competitive pay, top-notch training, and unwavering managerial support.
- Other info: Flexible working hours and opportunities for career growth.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of children and young people.
- Qualifications: Degree in social work, 3 years experience, and registration with Social Work England.
The predicted salary is between 37000 - 46000 £ per year.
This temporary role (3 months, full time) supports our Children in Care team in Mid Essex. We’re looking for someone with experience in Court Work, including preparing Court Reports, Care Planning, and occasionally supporting the adoption process.
Ideal candidates possess the following qualities:
- A strong communicator – able to build relationships and clearly present information.
- Analytical and insightful – confident in assessing situations and identifying risks of significant harm.
- Organised and deadline-driven – able to manage competing priorities and deliver high-quality work on time.
- Decisive and responsible – understands safeguarding and takes appropriate action when needed.
What Sets Us Apart:
- Unwavering Support: Our experienced managers provide top-notch supervision and daily ad-hoc support to enable you to excel.
- A Systemic Approach: We work in a systemic perspective, addressing the broader challenges our children and young people face.
- Strengths and Trauma-Informed Practice: We empower social workers to make a genuine difference through strengths-based, relationship-based, and trauma-informed practice.
- Top-Notch Training: The Essex Social Care Academy (ESCA) provides outstanding training and development opportunities.
What You’ll Do:
Work with children and young people up to 18 who need support. Visit them in placement, develop permanency plans (including Special Guardianship Orders and adoption), and use life-story work to help them understand their care journey. For some, your support may help them return home to their birth family.
Requirements:
- You’ll need a diploma or degree in social work and at least 3 years of post-qualifying experience.
- You must be registered with Social Work England as a Social Worker.
- You should demonstrate capability in practice, following the Professional Capability Framework (PCF) and Knowledge & Skills Statement (KSS).
- You should excel in case recording and manage complex social and family situations.
- Proficiency with Word and social work case recording systems is required.
- Flexibility is key – you may need to work evenings and weekends when necessary.
The role requires you to be mobile throughout a wider operational area, including travelling around the county of Essex and beyond, and to transport service users and their belongings in emergencies. A driving licence and access to a car or alternative transport means is essential.
Essex County Council is proud to be a Disability Confident Leader. We’ll interview all disabled applicants who meet the minimum requirements and may provide reasonable adjustments. We’re also committed to interview all veterans and care leavers, who meet the minimum requirements of the role for which they are applying.
Essex County Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults, and expects all employees and volunteers to share this commitment.
Off-payroll working rules apply to this assignment. Where a worker elects to provide services through an intermediary, income tax and primary national insurance contributions will be deducted at source.
As part of employment with Essex County Council, if your role requires a DBS check you’ll be required to register with the DBS update service. We rely on the annual subscription to keep certificates up-to-date.
For further information, see https://www.gov.uk/dbs-update-service. For queries about this role or to obtain further information, email essexsharedservices@essex.gov.uk.
Locum CFS Social Worker, CIC Mid in Chelmsford employer: Essex County Counci
Essex County Council is an exceptional employer, offering unwavering support and top-notch training through the Essex Social Care Academy, ensuring that our social workers are equipped to make a meaningful impact in the lives of children and young people. With a strong focus on systemic, strengths-based, and trauma-informed practice, we foster a collaborative work culture that values communication and professional growth, making Chelmsford an ideal location for those seeking a rewarding career in social work.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Locum CFS Social Worker, CIC Mid in Chelmsford
✨Get Involved in Local Community Projects
One of the best ways to land a temporary role in social work is to dive headfirst into local community projects. Volunteer your time or skills at local charities or community centres to not only gain experience but also to connect with professionals in the field. They might just have some insider knowledge on temporary positions that pop up!
✨Engage with Social Work Networks
Join online forums and social media groups specifically for social workers. Platforms like Facebook or LinkedIn have dedicated groups where professionals share temporary job opportunities. Being an active member can help you stay in the loop and even get recommendations from those already in the field.
✨Attend Workshops and Seminars
Keep an eye out for workshops, seminars, or conferences related to social work in your area. These events aren't just great for learning; they're also hotbeds for networking! You never know who might be hiring or can point you towards a temporary position while you're soaking up new skills.
✨Apply Directly Through Our Website!
When you spot a role that piques your interest, especially for a temporary position, make sure to apply directly through our website! This not only shows your commitment to Essex County Counci, but also gives you an edge by putting your application right in front of the hiring team. Let’s get you moving on that path to your next opportunity!
We think you need these skills to ace Locum CFS Social Worker, CIC Mid in Chelmsford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Social Work:In your cover letter, let's highlight why you're passionate about social work and how your values align with those of Essex County Counci. Share specific experiences where you made a difference, as this field thrives on genuine motivation and connection.
Demonstrate Relevant Experience:When listing your experience, focus on any internships, volunteer roles, or temporary positions you've had in social work or related fields. Those skills are gold! Think about situations where you helped individuals or communities, and don't forget to mention any relevant certifications, like safeguarding or mental health first aid.
Keep It Concise and Relevant:Remember, for a temporary role, hiring managers want to see how you fit in and can hit the ground running. Keep your CV clear and to the point, showcasing only the experience that really matters for the role at Essex County Counci. We recommend a two-page limit – make every word count!
Emphasise Flexibility and Adaptability:Considering this is a temporary position, it's vital to show you can adapt to new environments quickly. In your application, highlight any past experiences where you had to adjust to different teams or roles smoothly. This shows you understand the nature of temporary work and are ready for the challenge!
How to prepare for a job interview at Essex County Counci
✨Sharpen Your Empathy Skills
In social work, it's all about understanding and connecting with people from diverse backgrounds. Make sure to prepare some examples from your experience where you've demonstrated empathy and resilience. Practising active listening techniques can help you articulate your approach during the interview with Essex County Counci.
✨Know Your Frameworks
Familiarise yourself with key social work theories and frameworks, like the ecological systems theory or person-centred approaches. These concepts might pop up during your interview for the temporary Locum CFS Social Worker, CIC Mid role at Essex County Counci, so it's good to have a couple of insights ready to share.
✨Highlight Flexibility and Adaptability
Since this is a temporary position, showcasing your flexibility is key. Be prepared to discuss past experiences where you quickly adapted to new environments or changing client needs, which is crucial in the dynamic world of social work.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect some scenario-based questions that test your decision-making skills and ethical judgement. Think about how you would handle specific challenges you might face in the field. Having a clear structure for your answers will show Essex County Counci that you can think critically and act effectively under pressure.
