At a Glance
- Tasks: Support children and families by assessing needs and developing tailored support plans.
- Company: Join Essex County Council, a leader in community care and social work.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive pay, a supportive environment, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Mobile role requiring travel across Essex; driving licence essential.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in the lives of children and families while working collaboratively.
- Qualifications: Must have a recognised social work qualification and at least 2 years of experience.
The predicted salary is between 28000 - 42000 £ per year.
Temporary (3 Months), Full Time
Rate: £35 p/h
Location: Chelmsford
Working Style: Community-based worker
Closing Date: 3rd January 2025
Children and Families is recognised as a service in which social work can develop and prosper, with a culture of collaboration, integrity and compassion; promoting development and wellbeing of children, young people and their families; protecting them from neglect and abuse. We are looking for a Locum Social Worker to join our Family Support and Protection team on a temporary basis for an initial period of 3 months. The successful candidate will be an experienced registered social worker, educated to degree level, with the ability to demonstrate practice in accordance with current professional standards.
Accountabilities
- Assess complex social care needs and provide support to children and families.
- Develop support plans that gain commitment to solutions that enable the child, young person and family to build resilience.
- Accountable for working within the statutory legal framework, policy and guidance.
- Work collaboratively, building effective relationships with internal and external partnerships and stakeholders.
- Conduct assessments and plan responses to safeguard a child or young person and promote their welfare.
- Develop a child centred approach which enables early intervention and prevention.
- Pro-actively influence in inter-agency planning and decision making.
- Communicate assessments and professional judgements clearly and succinctly.
- Work with families, communities and individuals to help people get the best start in life.
- Define specific individual and shared targets and objectives annually.
The Experience You Will Bring
- A recognised social work qualification (Diploma, degree or Masters in social work, CQSW, CSS or equivalent) with current registration with Social Work England.
- A minimum of 2 years’ experience.
- Experience within a social work setting with evidence of challenging social and family situations.
- Strong communication skills and ability to engage with diverse groups.
- Developing strong relationships with partners and the local community.
The role requires you to be mobile throughout a wider operational area including travelling around the county of Essex and beyond. Driving licence and car or the ability to meet the mobility requirements of the role is essential.
Why Essex?
Essex County Council has a location to be proud of. Our 1,300 square miles stretch from Constable Country to the Thames Estuary. It means real choice and makes Essex the ideal place for your career.
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.
What you should do next
If you are interested in finding out more about this role, we would love to hear from you. Please apply via the Working for Essex website.
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. For further information on the DBS update service please go to here.
If you would like to be kept up to date on other relevant opportunities, please join The Essex Talent Community here.
If you have queries on this role or require anything further, please email courtney.jode@essex.gov.uk.
Locum Social Worker in Chelmsford employer: Essex County Counci
Essex County Council is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and collaborative work culture that prioritises the development and wellbeing of children and families. With a commitment to integrity and compassion, employees benefit from meaningful work, opportunities for professional growth, and the chance to make a real difference in the community. Located in the picturesque Essex region, staff enjoy a vibrant environment that fosters both personal and professional fulfilment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Locum Social Worker 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 Locum Social Worker 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 Locum Social Worker 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.
