At a Glance
- Tasks: Support children in care, develop permanency plans, and ensure positive experiences for young people.
- Company: Join Essex County Council's innovative Children in Care team.
- Benefits: Competitive pay, community-based work, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Flexible working hours and commitment to diversity and inclusion.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of vulnerable children and young people.
- Qualifications: Diploma or degree in social work with 3 years post-qualifying experience required.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
Temporary, Full Time £225 PAYE / £288 Umbrella
Location: Chelmsford
Working Style: Community based worker
Closing Date: 16th July 2026
Are you ready to be part of an incredible social work team that's all about support, creativity, and making a real impact on young lives? Look no further! Our Children in Care team in Mid Essex is not your average workplace – it's a place where every member looks out for each other and where innovation thrives.
Requirements
- Experience in Court Work, including preparing Court Reports, Care Planning, and occasionally supporting the adoption process.
- 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 You’ll Do
As part of our Children in Care team, you’ll be working with children and young people up to the age of 18 who need our help. Whether they are with foster carers or in residential homes, your goal is to ensure their experience in care is a positive one. You will visit children and young people in placement, develop permanency plans (including Special Guardianship Orders and adoption), and even help them understand the reasons behind being in care through life‑story work. And for some, your support could be the key to them returning home to their birth family.
Qualifications
- You will need a diploma or degree in social work and have 3 years post‑qualifying experience.
- You should be registered with Social Work England as a registered Social Worker.
- You will need to demonstrate your capability in practice, following current professional standards like the Professional Capability Framework (PCF) and Knowledge & Skills Statement (KSS).
- You’ll excel in case recording and confidently handle complex social and family situations.
- Proficiency in using tools such as Word and social work case recording systems is a must.
- Flexibility is key – you might need to work evenings and weekends when necessary, ensuring that children’s needs are always met.
Other Requirements
The role requires you to be mobile throughout a wider operational area including travelling around the county of Essex and beyond, transporting service users and their belongings and to be able to do so in an emergency. A driving licence and car or the ability to meet the mobility requirements of the role through other means is essential.
Equal Opportunity & Disability Confidence
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. Please speak to our recruiters if you require any reasonable adjustments during the process. We’re also committed to interview veterans and care leavers who meet the minimum requirements of the role for which they are applying.
Legal & Administrative Notes
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. As part of employment with Essex County Council, should your role require a DBS check, you will be required to register with the DBS update service. The DBS update service ensures all registered DBS certificates are kept up to date and allows authorised parties to view the status of your certificate. This is an annual subscription, and you will be responsible for ensuring this is maintained.
We hope to be kept up to date on other relevant opportunities and news – join the Essex Talent Community. If you have queries on this role or require anything further, please email essexsharedservices@essex.gov.uk
Locum Social Worker – Children in Care, Mid in Chelmsford employer: Essex County Counci
Essex County Council is an exceptional employer for Adults Social Workers, offering a community-focused work environment in the diverse areas of Colchester and Tendring. With a commitment to employee wellbeing, ongoing professional development, and flexible working options, we empower our staff to make a meaningful impact while enjoying a supportive culture that values collaboration and innovation. Join us to be part of a passionate team dedicated to helping individuals achieve independence and live fulfilling lives.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Locum Social Worker – Children in Care, 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 Social Worker – Children in Care, 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 Social Worker – Children in Care, 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.
