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- Tasks: Join our Return to Practice Programme as a Social Worker, supporting Children and Families in Essex.
- Company: Essex County Council is a dynamic local authority committed to transformational change and community support.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working options, 26 days annual leave, and access to employee rewards and wellbeing services.
- Why this job: Make a meaningful impact while regaining your confidence and skills in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Must be a qualified Social Worker with previous registration and experience in the field.
- Other info: Roles available across various locations in Essex; driving licence required for mobility.
The predicted salary is between 27400 - 32400 £ per year.
Permanent, Full Time or Part Time
£32,408 rising to at least £36,101 post re-registration (pro-rata for part-time roles)
Location: Various locations across Essex
Working Style: Community-based worker
Closing Date: 9th February 2025
Building on the success of our previous Return to Practice programmes, Essex County Council (ECC) are excited to announce that applications are now open for our 2025 Return to Practice Programme. The programme is specifically tailored for qualified Social Workers aiming to return to practice within our Children and Families (C&F) function. Whether you’ve been out of practice or your registration has lapsed, this programme could be the perfect opportunity for you.
We are committed to fully supporting your return to Social Work, allowing you to tailor your work schedule to fit your current lifestyle, whether you prefer part-time or full-time hours. Your expertise, passion, and skills as an experienced Social Worker are immensely valued. There’s no better time than now to come back to the profession you love! The support you’ll receive will enable you to return to practice with confidence.
Roles available in various locations across Essex to suit you, whether you are looking for full-time or part-time. You will undertake a 6-month training and coaching programme, offered by our award-winning Essex Social Care Academy (ESCA) to gain your re-registration evidence. You will receive the support you need from work buddies, mentors and Practice Educators during the training period. You will have a guaranteed role within ECC upon successful completion of the training programme and probationary period. We will pay your restoration and registration fees with Social Work England. You will have access to our bespoke wellbeing service specifically designed for those working in Social Care. You will be in paid employment and enrolled into the Essex Pension scheme from your first day.
Our Return to Practice Programme is crafted to help qualified Social Workers regain their confidence, experience, and knowledge, enabling them to make a meaningful impact on the residents of Essex once again. You will receive operational work placements, comprehensive coaching, mentoring, and the support needed to rebuild your skills and return to work. As part of this programme, you’ll collaborate with skilled and dedicated colleagues who share your commitment to empowering people to achieve and maintain maximum choice and control over their lives.
With us you can:
- Make your career work for you with flexible working options.
- Access the support you need with employee support and wellbeing services.
- Access a wide range of learning and development opportunities.
- Enjoy 26 days annual leave + bank holidays (and the option to purchase extra!)
- Join the generous Local Government Pension Scheme.
- Join our Employee Support Networks.
- Make the most of our employee reward scheme with discounts for hundreds of well-known brands.
- Contribute to the Essex community and be proud of the impact of your work.
To be eligible for our Return to Practice Programme, you must:
- Be qualified and previously registered as a Social Worker, either with Social Work England (SWE) or their predecessor, the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC).
- Be an experienced Social Worker and have completed your Assessed and Support Year in Employment (ASYE).
- Not have been removed from the register due to one of the offences listed in SWE’s registration rules.
- Not have been subject to a removal order within the last five years - If you were removed from the register more than five years ago, you must not have made an unsuccessful attempt to re-register in the past 12 months.
- Meet the eligibility criteria as set by Social Work England.
The role requires you to be mobile throughout a wide 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 ability to meet the mobility requirements of the role through other means is essential.
We are a Disability Confident Leader: we are committed to interview all disabled applicants who choose to apply under our Job Interview Scheme if they meet the minimum requirements of the job. Please speak to our Recruiters if you require any reasonable adjustments during the process.
What to do next: To register your interest in our Return to Practice Programme, please click on the ‘Apply’ button to upload your CV. Once we have received your application, we will be in contact to discuss your requirements and answer any questions you may have. Alternatively, if you would like to find out further information or request a call, please contact Hayley Bincalar at work.placements@essex.gov.uk.
About Children and Families within ECC: To hear more about us, please visit: Children and Families.
Essex County Council (ECC) is one of the largest and most dynamic local authorities in the UK and we look after a large and diverse geographical region of the country. Essex covers over 1,420 square miles and has over 1.8 million residents in a range of coastal, rural and urban communities. ECC has a very successful track record of delivering transformational change in the public sector and has worked hard to deliver better quality at lower cost. We have an ambitious transformation agenda – one with the scope to reach every part of the council. We are changing the way we think, the way we work, and the ways in which we deliver our services to support our residents. We are committed to becoming a place where individuals, partners and communities feel proud to play their role and genuinely want to belong.
We’re immensely proud of our flexible working options. We’re also committed to interview all veterans and care leavers, who meet the minimum requirements of the role for which they are applying.
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. The DBS update service ensures all registered DBS certificates are kept up to date and allows authorised parties to view the status of your certificate. This is an annual subscription, and you will be responsible for ensuring this is maintained. For further information on the DBS update service please go to https://www.gov.uk/dbs-update-service.
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.
If you would like to be kept up to date on other relevant opportunities, blogs, news, events and industry related news at Essex County Council, please join The Essex Talent Community.
Return to Practice – Social Worker, Children and Families employer: Essex County Counci
Contact Detail:
Essex County Counci Recruiting Team
work.placements@essex.gov.uk
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Return to Practice – Social Worker, Children and Families
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the specific requirements of the Return to Practice Programme. Understanding the eligibility criteria and the support offered can help you articulate your motivations and readiness during any discussions or interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with other social workers who have successfully returned to practice. They can provide valuable insights and tips on how to navigate the process, as well as share their experiences with the training and support available.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your previous experience and how it aligns with the values and goals of Essex County Council. Highlighting your passion for working with children and families will demonstrate your commitment to the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Be proactive in reaching out to the recruitment team if you have any questions or need clarification about the programme. Showing initiative can set you apart and demonstrate your eagerness to return to practice.
We think you need these skills to ace Return to Practice – Social Worker, Children and Families
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your relevant experience as a Social Worker, especially any roles related to Children and Families. Emphasise your skills, qualifications, and any training that aligns with the requirements of the Return to Practice Programme.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that explains your motivation for returning to practice. Share your passion for social work and how your previous experiences have prepared you for this role. Be sure to mention your understanding of the challenges faced in Children and Families services.
Highlight Relevant Qualifications: Clearly state your qualifications and registration history. If you've been out of practice, explain any steps you've taken to stay updated on best practices in social work, such as attending workshops or completing online courses.
Follow Application Instructions: Carefully read the application instructions provided by Essex County Council. Ensure you submit all required documents, including your CV and cover letter, through the designated application portal on our website before the closing date.
How to prepare for a job interview at Essex County Counci
✨Brush Up on Your Social Work Knowledge
Before the interview, take some time to refresh your knowledge of social work principles, especially those related to children and families. Be prepared to discuss your previous experiences and how they relate to the role you're applying for.
✨Showcase Your Passion for Returning
Express your enthusiasm for returning to practice. Share what motivated you to come back and how you plan to contribute positively to the team and the community. This will demonstrate your commitment to the role.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving skills and decision-making abilities in real-life situations. Think of examples from your past experience where you successfully handled challenging cases.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
At the end of the interview, be ready to ask thoughtful questions about the role, the team, and the support available for returning social workers. This shows your genuine interest in the position and helps you gauge if it's the right fit for you.
