Senior Practitioner – Emergency Duty Service in Chelmsford

The Emergency Duty Service provides support outside of normal office hours, including evenings, nights, weekends and bank holidays. Our team is made up of experienced Managers and Practitioners who are qualified across all areas of social work. All team members are Approved Mental Health Professionals (AMHPs), enabling us to respond to urgent requests for assessments under the Mental Health Act.

We are supported by a dedicated team of advisors who handle incoming calls, gather key information, and provide initial advice or direct enquiries to the Social Work team as appropriate. Working on a 7‑day rota, we respond to emergency situations across Essex and deliver services to Southend Borough Council. A small daytime support team ensures smooth handovers to day services and maintains strong links with partner agencies.

This role is based at Chelmsford with travel required across the county to meet wherever you may be required. Flexibility is essential, as you will work on a 6‑week rolling rota that includes evenings, weekends, bank holidays, and key periods such as Christmas and New Year. This role will require working four weekends out of six. There is an additional 15% flat rate allowance based on the basic salary and a £2,400 AMHP payment with this role. We are happy to consider job‑share options with individuals.

The Experience You Will Bring:

• Social Work Degree or equivalent and Social Work England registration as a qualified Social Worker.
• Approved Mental Health Professional under the 1983 Mental Health Act (as amended).
• Experience of direct work with children and families and preferably child‑protective investigation work.
• Experience and knowledge of work with vulnerable adults.
• Experience working in a Duty Team.
• Ability to work under pressure and organise practice workload effectively.
• Effective written and oral communication skills appropriate to the context.
• Ability to empower children and their carers to enable their full participation in work undertaken.
• Knowledge of current Community Care practice and multi‑agency systems of Assessment and Care Management for older people and vulnerable adults.
• Knowledge and understanding of relevant policy and recent research findings across all client specialisms.
• Commitment to anti‑oppressive behaviour, practice and management.
• Willingness and ability to work openly as part of a team, sharing and working alongside staff in your own and other organisations while recognising own management responsibilities.
• Ability to approach your work and duties with a culture of flexibility.

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, Essex is an ideal place to develop your career or contribute to the local community.

Equal Opportunities and Employment Terms:

Essex County Council is proud to be a Disability Confident Leader. We’re committed to interviewing all disabled applicants who meet the minimum requirements of the job. Please speak to our recruiters if you require reasonable adjustments. We are also committed to interviewing veterans and care leavers who meet the minimum requirements.

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. As part of employment with Essex County Council, if your role requires a DBS check you will be required to register with the DBS update service. You will be responsible for keeping your DBS certificate up to date and for the associated annual subscription. 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.