At a Glance
- Tasks: Support young people in care and help them transition to independence.
- Company: Join Essex County Council, a leading local authority with a commitment to community welfare.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Dynamic work environment with a focus on innovation and community impact.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of young people and contribute to their brighter futures.
- Qualifications: NVQ level 3 or equivalent experience; passion for youth support and collaboration.
The predicted salary is between 37698 - 37698 £ per year.
Fixed Term, Full Time
£33,049 to £37,698 per annum
Location: Basildon
Working Style: Anywhere worker
Closing Date: 31st August 2026
Please note that visa sponsorship is not available for this role. Applicants must have a current, unrestricted right to work in the UK.
This is a fixed term contract / secondment opportunity for a period of 11 months.
Here in Essex, we continue to raise the bar about practice and our investment in our workforce is second to none. It's an exciting time to join us having received our 2nd Outstanding Ofsted rating in a row. 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 the development and wellbeing of children, young people and their families; protecting them from neglect and abuse.
Working together with partners delivering a range of early help, family support and effective social work interventions which build resilience, remove barriers and enable children and young people to look forward to a brighter future.
The main focus of work will be, alongside Social Workers, to support young people who are 'Looked After' (in care) and due to leave care, and to hold a caseload of young people who have left care up to the age of 25 years old. To consider all the important component parts that make up their individual lives to maximize their life opportunities and reach their full potential.
To carry out agreed plans to support young people both directly and indirectly, to act on behalf of the Social Care Directorate in fulfilling statutory responsibilities under the Children Act 1989, the Children Leaving Care Act 2000, and The Children and Social Work Act 2018.
Accountabilities
- To give practical, personal and emotional support to young people to meet assessed need; to maintain and promote their health, physical, emotional development and well-being. This may include domestic tasks and transporting where necessary.
- To facilitate, directly and indirectly the assessment of need, engaging with the ongoing monitoring and reassessment of need over time.
- To hold a caseload of care leavers and undertake direct work where required.
- To enable and empower young people to make decisions in their lives and to self-advocate and to advocate on behalf of young people who do not have the skills to do this.
- To facilitate the construction of a Pathway Plan, from the assessment which establishes a viable response to established need over time.
- To work alongside colleagues both within Social Care and from other agencies, in a variety of ways, for example in groups, running 'Drop ins' in addition to undertaking direct work with young people and to engage with significant people in the young person's life (members of the family, community etc).
- To build up effective interagency networks to understand voluntary and statutory agencies and an awareness of opportunities within the Local Community.
- To maintain records and write reports as required in accordance with Directorate policy and procedures.
The Experience You Will Bring
- Educated to NVQ level 3 or equivalent by experience.
- Evidence of continuing professional development and expert knowledge in relevant professional area, e.g., Housing, Employment, and training Issues for young People.
- Experience in working creatively with various ways young people including young parents.
- Experience in collaborating with other professionals and agencies for the benefit of the client.
- A commitment to working relationships which promote and support the clients' developing independence.
- Be able to work as part of a team and be flexible with an ability to work some evenings and weekends.
- Full driving licence and the use of a car or access to a driver and vehicle for work purposes.
- Familiarity with the principles of the Children's Act 1989 and the Children Leaving Care Act 2000 and Children and Social Work Act 2018.
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.
Personal Advisor, Basildon employer: Essex County Council
Essex County Council is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive work culture that prioritises the well-being of its employees while making a meaningful impact in the lives of children and young people. With flexible working arrangements and opportunities for professional development, staff are encouraged to grow within their roles, all while contributing to a vital service in the heart of Chelmsford.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Personal Advisor, Basildon
✨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 Council.
✨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 Council!
✨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 Council, 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 Council 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 Personal Advisor, Basildon
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 Council:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Essex County Council! 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 Council
✨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.
