At a Glance
- Tasks: Triage safeguarding concerns and support adults at risk in the community.
- Company: Essex County Council, a dynamic local authority committed to public service.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working, and support for career development.
- Other info: Join a supportive team focused on innovation and community impact.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while gaining valuable experience.
- Qualifications: Experience in social care or safeguarding, with relevant qualifications.
The predicted salary is between 33256 - 33256 £ per year.
Community Support Worker - Centralised Safeguarding Triage
Fixed Term, Full Time £26,284 to £33,256 Per Annum
Location: Chelmsford
Working Style: Anywhere worker
Closing Date: Monday 27th July 2026 at 11.59pm.
Please note that this is a Fixed Term Contract / Secondment opportunity till the 31st of March 2027. You will be expected to attend the office at County Hall, Chelmsford once a week on a Wednesday.
Interview Date: W/C Monday 10th August.
Join us as a Community Support Worker - Essex County Council.
Essex County Council Adult Social Care is committed to a strengths-based, preventative approach that places safeguarding at the heart of its work. Our model is built on four key principles: prevention, early intervention, enablement, and safeguarding. This role is pivotal in our safeguarding pathway, focusing on the triage and management of low-risk safeguarding concerns. You will be the first point of contact for new safeguarding referrals, applying professional curiosity and sound judgement to assess risk, determine proportional responses, and ensure timely and appropriate action.
Working alongside qualified Social Workers and other professionals, you will contribute to safeguarding adults at risk of abuse or neglect, ensuring that concerns are addressed early and effectively, and that individuals are supported to live safely and independently.
Accountabilities:
- Triage incoming safeguarding concerns, responding to low-risk cases and determining appropriate next steps in line with the Care Act 2014 and Making Safeguarding Personal.
- Apply a strengths-based approach to assess risk, gather relevant information, and make proportionate decisions about safeguarding responses.
- Liaise with internal teams and external agencies (e.g. health, housing, police) to gather information and ensure coordinated safeguarding activity.
- Support the development and implementation of safeguarding plans, ensuring timely interventions and clear outcomes.
- Maintain accurate records and contribute to safeguarding documentation, including Section 42 decision-making and case notes.
- Provide advice and guidance to professionals, families, and individuals on safeguarding processes and available support.
- Attend safeguarding meetings and contribute to multi-agency discussions where appropriate.
- Promote a culture of early intervention and prevention, identifying opportunities to reduce risk and improve outcomes for adults at risk.
The Experience You Will Bring:
Essential:
- Experience working in a social care or safeguarding setting, ideally with adults at risk.
- NVQ/BTEC Level 3 or equivalent qualification.
- Understanding of safeguarding legislation and guidance, including the Care Act 2014, Mental Capacity Act 2005, and local safeguarding procedures.
- Ability to assess risk and apply professional judgement in triaging safeguarding concerns.
Desirable:
- Experience of working collaboratively with multi-agency partners to support adults at risk.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build trust and rapport with individuals in distress.
- A certificate in First Aid and/or knowledge of Sign Language is desirable.
Why Essex?
As one of the largest and most dynamic UK local authorities, Essex offers a stimulating public service environment. Covering over 1,420 square miles and serving 1.8 million residents, we’re committed to transformational change and delivering better quality at lower cost. Recognised in the top three of the latest IMPOWER index for productivity, we ensure everyone matters in Everyone's Essex. With flexible working options and a focus on innovation, whether you are looking to develop your career or contribute to the local community, Essex is the ideal place for you.
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 all veterans and care leavers, who meet the minimum requirements of the role for which they are applying.
Once you’ve secured your role within Essex County Council you will receive many great employee benefits, including support for unpaid carers and flexible working arrangements to accommodate their needs. At Essex County Council, we value integrity and ethical behaviour. We kindly ask that you embrace our code of conduct and the Nolan principles, including throughout the recruitment process. Your commitment to these standards helps us maintain a positive and respectful workplace for everyone.
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. Driving licence and car or the ability to meet the mobility requirements of the role through other means is essential.
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. 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.
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.
Safeguarding Triage Practitioner – Community Support (Essex) 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 Safeguarding Triage Practitioner – Community Support (Essex) in Chelmsford
✨Dive into Local Community Groups
Social work thrives on community connections, so get involved in local groups or forums specific to your interests. Whether it’s volunteering at local shelters or joining community action boards, these are great ways to boost your visibility and make direct contacts that could lead to opportunities like the one at Essex County Counci.
✨Attend Social Work Events and Workshops
Keep an eye out for workshops, seminars, or conferences in social work. These events are fantastic for meeting professionals in the field, learning about emerging trends, and spotting job openings. Plus, you might just bump into someone from Essex County Counci!
✨Showcase Your Passion and Expertise
Use platforms like Instagram or LinkedIn to share your journey and insights into the social work sector. Whether it’s writing about your experiences or sharing relevant articles, this helps to establish you as an engaged professional. Potential employers, like Essex County Counci, will notice your enthusiasm!
✨Leverage Your Network
Don’t hesitate to reach out to professors, mentors, or even past colleagues who are in social work. They might have inside knowledge about openings at Essex County Counci or be able to connect you with someone who’s hiring. Networking is key, especially in a full-time role where relationships matter.
We think you need these skills to ace Safeguarding Triage Practitioner – Community Support (Essex) in Chelmsford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Social Work:In your cover letter, let us see your passion for social work shine through! Talk about the experiences that made you want to pursue this career—whether it’s volunteering, personal experiences, or academic projects. We want to know why this field matters to you.
Emphasise Relevant Qualifications:Make sure your CV highlights any relevant qualifications, like degrees in social work or certifications like a DBS check. If you've done any workshops or training, don’t forget to include those as well. We're keen to see your commitment to your professional development!
Detail Your Experience with Clients:Since this is a hands-on field, detailing any direct experience you have with clients is crucial. Whether it's internships, volunteer roles, or previous jobs, highlight those experiences in your CV to show us you've got the practical skills necessary for the job!
Tailor Your Application to Essex County Counci:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Essex County Counci! Research our mission and values, and refer to them in your cover letter. This shows us that you understand our work and are genuinely interested in being a part of our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Essex County Counci
✨Understanding the Role of Empathy
In social work, understanding and demonstrating empathy is key. Be prepared to share personal experiences or scenarios where you effectively showed compassion and support. This helps show that you genuinely care about the well-being of others, which is crucial in social work.
✨Demonstrating Knowledge of Frameworks
Familiarise yourself with the frameworks and models used in social work, such as the Strengths-Based Approach or the Ecological Perspective. Be ready to discuss how these frameworks apply to your work, especially if you can tie them into real-world examples or case studies you've encountered.
✨Showcasing Your Multi-Disciplinary Skills
In a full-time social work role, you'll often collaborate with healthcare professionals, educators, and law enforcement. Be prepared to describe your teamwork experiences and how you've effectively communicated with other disciplines to achieve the best outcomes for clients.
✨Preparing for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that put you in hypothetical social work situations, such as dealing with a crisis or managing a complex case. Think through your thought process for these scenarios beforehand, considering how you'd assess the situation and what steps you'd take, as this demonstrates your critical thinking and problem-solving abilities.
