At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead teams to support vulnerable children and families through impactful social work.
- Company: Essex County Council, a dynamic local authority committed to transformational change.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working, and support for unpaid carers.
- Other info: Join a supportive team with opportunities for professional growth and innovation.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of children and families in your community.
- Qualifications: Recognised social work qualification and significant experience in social care.
The predicted salary is between 69241 - 78950 £ per year.
Permanent, Full Time
£69,241 to £78,950 Per Annum
Location: Chelmsford
Working Style: Fixed-base worker
Closing Date: 7th October 2026
Please note that visa sponsorship is not available for this role. Applicants must have a current, unrestricted right to work in the UK.
We're serious about social work at Essex County Council. It's demanding, it's complex, but it's also hugely fulfilling. Here you'll have time to be the Service Manager you always wanted to be, achieving change for our most vulnerable children and families through direct relationship-based social work practice. You'll work collaboratively with other agencies and partners to ensure that we provide the right response at the right time to every child and family receiving services.
We are looking to build on the well-earned achievements of our teams, and the families they work with. In this role, you will harness that momentum and lead our teams as we seek to deliver better outcomes for our community. This is an opportunity to shape the direction of children’s social work in Essex. From the small details to the big picture, you will be a guiding force for staff and families alike.
The Family Support and Protection (FS&P) teams work with families on Child in Need and Child Protection plans to promote sustainable change. FS&P Social Workers are responsible for building positive relationships with families using systemic and strengths based social work approaches. The work is varied and involves working within Public Law Outline (PLO) and Court Proceedings, when necessary.
As FS&P Service Manager you will also have responsibility for the Mid Essex Family Centre which provides parenting assessments, educative and therapeutic social work interventions, and a Multi-Disciplinary Team which provides bespoke intensive support to families.
You will work closely with other operational service managers within a well-established leadership team, and with other Service Managers across Essex to drive innovation in practice.
Accountabilities
- Operational planning and performance review to maintain exceptional service delivery and ensures the political objectives and priorities of the council are met.
- Working collaboratively within and across functions and thinking commercially to support the delivery of best possible outcomes for our customers on a financially sustainable basis.
- Maintaining and nurturing collaborative relationships with other teams in the function and external organisations that support the delivery of annual plans.
- Implementing changes and continually evaluating service to improve the area of work, while maintaining the highest possible levels of service quality are continually delivered.
- Managing complex issues and resources to meet the needs of customers and deliver the best possible outcomes.
- Effective utilisation of digital technologies and innovation across the council and with stakeholders and partners.
- Ensuring equality and diversity is celebrated and considered as part of all decisions taken.
- Using professional expertise to translate goals and plans into ways of working that comply with relevant legislation and statutory requirements and manages a level of appropriate risk.
- Managing the delivery of exemplar customer interactions to individuals and communities which support the management of strong relationships and a reputation for achieving outcomes and resolving issues.
What you will need to join us
- A recognised social work qualification (i.e. Diploma, degree or master’s in social work, CQSW, CSS or equivalent) with current registration Social Work England.
- Ability to work collaboratively with internal and external partners and stakeholders, demonstrating breadth of thinking across social care, partners, the wider council and the system.
- Significant experience within a social care setting, with a deep understanding of current social care issues and implications for delivery at local level.
- A deep understanding of strengths-based and relational intervention approaches and a drive to support meaningful change for children.
- Strong leadership and behavioural skills with the ability to focus on results forging a highly performing and motivated team from diverse backgrounds to achieve objectives.
- Experience of successful delivery within a rapidly changing and ambiguous environment while managing conflicting priorities.
- Proven influencing skills with an ability to pro-actively lead and deliver cultural change to improve quality of service.
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.
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.
Service Manager Family Support and Protection – Mid Essex in Chelmsford employer: Essex County Counci
Braintree District Council is an exceptional employer that fosters a supportive and innovative work environment, prioritising employee engagement and professional development. With a commitment to making a positive impact in the community, employees enjoy flexible working arrangements and the opportunity to contribute meaningfully to housing solutions in the Braintree area. Join us to be part of a dedicated team that values collaboration and strives for excellence in public service.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Service Manager Family Support and Protection – Mid 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 Service Manager Family Support and Protection – Mid 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.
