Overview
Duty Senior Practitioner - Assessment & Intervention, North Essex
Contract: Permanent, Part time (3 days per week, 22.2 hours)
Salary: £48,205 to £57,988 per annum (Full Time Equivalent) or £28,923 to £34,792 per annum (actual salary based on 22.2 hours per week)
Location: Colchester
Working Style: Community-based worker
Closing Date: 26 July 2026
Visas: Please note that visa sponsorship is not available for this role. Applicants must have a current, unrestricted right to work in the UK.
Note: This position is part time 3 days per week (Monday, Wednesday and Friday).
Context: Essex is investing in practice and workforce development; this role contributes to our ongoing Ofsted-rated excellence and relationship-based practice with service users and staff.
The Role
As a Senior Practitioner you will provide leadership in the team, offering support and mentoring to newly qualified or less experienced staff and deputising for the Team Manager when needed. You will oversee the review of some child in need plans prior to closure and lead in a practice area. There are opportunities for your own professional development and for contributing to service development within a relationship-based approach.
Responsibilities
- Provide leadership and mentorship within the team; support and supervise less experienced staff.
- Deputise for the Team Manager when required.
- Oversee reviews of child in need plans prior to closure and lead in specified practice areas.
- Support development of practice and contribute to service improvement.
- Foster an openness to new ideas and a relationship-based approach with service users and colleagues.
The Experience You Will Bring
- A recognised social work qualification (Diploma/degree/master’s in social work, CQSW, CSS or equivalent) with current registration with Social Work England as a registered social worker.
- Practice Educator qualification or on course to achieve one; experience in supporting and mentoring ASYE (Assessed and Supported Year of Employment) through their first year in practice.
- Evidence of continuing professional development; recent practice at an experienced social worker level in Children Services.
- Experience in Child Protection work including Section 47 investigations and assessments since the Children’s Act 1989; strong communication with children and collaboration with parents/carers.
- Experience in planning activities and programmes for children, young people and parents.
- Experience of court work in relation to Child Care matters and understanding of the legal process.
- Knowledge of current legislation related to Child Protection (e.g., CA1989, CJA1991), guidance and regulations.
- Knowledge of child development and the ability to relate theory to practice.
The role requires mobility across a wider operational area including travel around Essex and beyond, transporting service users and their belongings. A driving licence and access to a car, or the ability to meet mobility requirements by other means, is essential.
Additional Information
Further information about our business area is available by reading the Children & Families information; no external links included in this refined description.
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.
Duty Senior Practitioner – Assessment & Intervention, North Essex in Colchester 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.
