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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Support adults and young people with complex needs in a community-based role.
- Company: Join a passionate team in a supportive local authority environment.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working, professional development, and generous leave.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while advancing your social work career.
- Qualifications: Qualified social worker with experience in complex cases and current registration.
- Other info: Dynamic team culture focused on inclusivity and continuous growth.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 48000 £ per year.
About The Role
This is a fixed term contract or secondment opportunity to 31st March 2027.
About The Team
We currently have an exciting opportunity for an experienced Social Worker to join our Countywide Enhanced Support Inreach Team. The team works alongside adults and young people with a complexity of needs related to their Learning Disability, Autism, Mental or Physical Health or a combination of these. In this role, your focus will be on people aged 16 and over, either in hospital, detained under the Mental Health Act or on the dynamic support register (i.e. at risk of that detention or hospital admission to an assessment and treatment unit).
This role requires your skills in assessment, using the relevant legal frameworks, including the Care Act, Mental Capacity Act and Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards legislation and will utilise your skills in carrying out detailed assessment of need, working closely with the person, their families, health and other relevant partners to ensure the person is supported to transition smoothly from hospital to a suitable care and support arrangement in the community. This role will work closely with health partners in both inpatient and community settings to prevent admission or placement breakdown, or to follow a defined discharge pathway.
We are looking for someone with a real interest in relationship-based work, with a focus on building independence through a positive approach to risk and the strengths-based model. It is a great opportunity for either an experienced social worker looking for career progression or an existing Senior Social Worker wishing to broaden their experience outside of the quadrant-based work.
Responsibilities
- Managing your own complex caseload, as well as supporting colleagues with theirs, you’ll be a source of specialist advice around working with people with a significant complexity of need, including mental health, autism and learning disability, to enable the mitigation of high levels of risk.
- Working collaboratively across the Council, with partners and statutory and voluntary agencies, including education, to ensure a joined‑up approach.
- Care Act assessment with associated care and support planning.
- Compiling information for Mental Health Act tribunals, including preparation of Social Circumstances Reports.
- Working with colleagues in Education and health around the Education, Health and Care plans (EHCP).
- Taking part in a range of case conferences, court attendance, meetings, and statutory reviews, pro‑actively taking the lead when a social care perspective is required, including s117 after‑care planning and presentation to relevant forums, i.e., S117 panel and Adult Social Care forums.
- Developing a high level of expertise in particular areas of practice, and leading on those areas.
About You
You should be a qualified social worker with current Social Work England registration and will be AMHP, BIA or PE qualified. You will be post‑qualified at least 2 years with an in‑depth knowledge of complex cases and The Care Act. A sound knowledge of the Children’s Act would also be beneficial.
There would be an expectation of a significant knowledge base around autism or neurodiversity, though there is scope for additional focussed training for the right applicant.
We require a proactive and passionate worker who has a proven record of working complex cases. You’ll bring significant experience of social work, modelling good practice and providing advice and guidance in complex situations with the ability to mentor both newly‑qualified and experienced team members.
As a subject matter expert in relevant professional practice, you should have a comprehensive understanding of current legislation, regulations and guidance. You’ll have experience of chairing meetings involving clients, family members, carers and other multi‑agency professionals, and we’re looking for your ability to develop strong relationships with partner agencies and the local community to provide a supportive framework for the people we work with.
What You’ll Also Bring
- Evidence of continuing professional development and capability of practice in accordance with current professional standards.
- An in‑depth understanding of the financial implications of commissioned care packages.
- The ability to make clear decisions, to highlight and limit potential risks associated with intervention.
- This role involves travelling around Essex. A driving licence and car – or the ability to meet the mobility requirements of the role through other means – is essential.
Why Join Us?
In June 2025, the Care Quality Commission (CQC) rated our Adult Social Care services as “Good” with a score of 73%. “The local authority had a good structure and processes in place to enable people to be supported successfully, and support people to remain independent and live healthy lives. The workforce was passionate about supporting people to achieve these outcomes and the local authority had good knowledge of their area, the people living there and the demographics.”
Our teams are busy but warm, friendly and supportive. Our fabulous team managers will help you manage your workload and develop your practice.
We take your career just as seriously as you do, and we have a continuing professional development offer that’s second to none.
We welcome diversity because it makes us grow and we’re determined to become a fully inclusive and an anti‑racist organisation.
What We Offer
- Ongoing opportunities for continuing professional development.
- Flexible working options.
- Employee wellbeing and counselling.
- Lease Car scheme.
- Life assurance of three times annual salary.
- Local Government Pension Scheme.
- Volunteering leave.
- 27 days annual leave.
Senior Social Worker – Enhanced Support Countywide Inreach in Basildon employer: Essex County Council
Contact Detail:
Essex County Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Social Worker – Enhanced Support Countywide Inreach in Basildon
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the social work field, attend local events, and join relevant online groups. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills in interviews! Prepare examples of how you've handled complex cases and worked collaboratively with other professionals. This is your chance to demonstrate your expertise and passion for social work.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t just apply anywhere—focus on organisations that align with your values. Research potential employers and tailor your approach to show why you’re a perfect fit for their team. We recommend applying through our website for the best chance!
✨Tip Number 4
Follow up after interviews! A quick thank-you email can go a long way in keeping you top of mind. It shows your enthusiasm and professionalism, which are key traits in social work.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Social Worker – Enhanced Support Countywide Inreach in Basildon
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Senior Social Worker role. Highlight your experience with complex cases and your knowledge of relevant legislation like the Care Act and Mental Health Act. We want to see how your skills align with what we're looking for!
Showcase Your Passion: Let your enthusiasm for relationship-based work shine through in your application. Share examples of how you've built independence for clients and tackled challenges in your previous roles. We love seeing candidates who are genuinely passionate about making a difference!
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it clear and to the point. Use bullet points where possible to make your achievements stand out. We appreciate straightforward communication, so don’t be afraid to show us what you can do without fluff!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us quickly and efficiently. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need about the role and our team there!
How to prepare for a job interview at Essex County Council
✨Know Your Legislation
Make sure you brush up on the Care Act, Mental Capacity Act, and Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards. Being able to discuss these frameworks confidently will show that you’re well-prepared and knowledgeable about the legal aspects of the role.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare specific examples from your past work that highlight your experience with complex cases, especially those involving mental health, autism, or learning disabilities. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses clearly.
✨Demonstrate Relationship-Building Skills
Since this role focuses on collaboration, be ready to discuss how you've built strong relationships with clients, families, and partner agencies. Share instances where your relationship-based approach made a positive impact on a case.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions about the team dynamics, ongoing training opportunities, and how they measure success in this role. This shows your genuine interest in the position and helps you assess if it’s the right fit for you.
