At a Glance
- Tasks: Support children with disabilities and help them thrive in their communities.
- Company: Essex County Council, a leader in social care and community support.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working hours, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Join a supportive team dedicated to safeguarding and promoting welfare.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of children and their families.
- Qualifications: Degree in Social Work and registration with Social Work England required.
The predicted salary is between 51834 - 51834 £ per year.
Fixed Term, Full Time contract (6 to 9 months) – £38,487 to £51,834 per annum – Location: Chelmsford
Working style: Community-based worker (required)
The role requires you to be mobile throughout a wider operational area including traveling around the county of Essex and beyond, transporting service users and their belongings, and to have a valid driving licence or other means to meet mobility requirements.
Teams & Services
- 0 – 15 Social Care: Caring for the youngest members of our community.
- 16 – 25 Social Care: Supporting the transition into adulthood.
- Occupational Therapy (OT): Enhancing lives through tailored therapies.
- Preparing for Adulthood (PFA’s): Guiding our youth on the path to independence.
- High-needs further education team processes applications for additional funding for learners with learning difficulties and/or disabilities, ensuring access to post-16 college provision.
Qualifications & Skills
- A diploma or degree in Social Work, CQSW, CSS, or an equivalent qualification.
- Registration with Social Work England as a registered Social Worker.
- Demonstrable capability to practice in line with current professional standards such as the Professional Capability Framework (PCF) and Knowledge & Skills Statement (KSS).
- Proficiency in case recording.
- Application of social work knowledge, using emotional intelligence, analytical skills, and confidence in challenging social and family situations.
- Strong working knowledge of information technology and related systems, including Word and SW case recording systems.
- Willingness to work flexibly, including evenings and weekends when necessary.
Interview
Interviews are scheduled to take place on Thursday 11th June 2026 at County Hall, Chelmsford.
Equal Opportunities
Essex County Council is proud to be a Disability Confident Leader. We’re committed to interviewing all disabled applicants who choose to apply under our Job Interview Scheme if they meet the minimum requirements of the job. We also commit to interview all veterans and care leavers who meet the minimum requirements of the role.
Safeguarding
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.
DBS
As part of employment with Essex County Council, you may be required to register with the DBS update service. The DBS update service is an annual subscription that allows authorised parties to view the status of your certificate. You will be responsible for ensuring this is maintained.
Social Worker – Children with Disabilities Team, Mid Essex in Chelmsford employer: Essex County Counci
Essex County Council is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and inclusive work environment for Social Workers in the Children with Disabilities Team. With a strong commitment to employee development, flexible working arrangements, and a focus on safeguarding vulnerable individuals, you will find meaningful opportunities to make a real difference in the lives of children and families in Chelmsford and beyond. Join us to be part of a dedicated team that values your contributions and fosters professional growth.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Social Worker – Children with Disabilities Team, Mid Essex 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 Social Worker – Children with Disabilities Team, Mid Essex 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 Social Worker – Children with Disabilities Team, Mid Essex 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.
