Locum CFS Social Worker in Chelmsford

We're looking for someone with experience in Court Work, including preparing Court Reports, Care Planning, and supporting the adoption process.

What You’ll Do

• As part of the Children in Care team, you will work with children and young people up to 18 who need our help.
• You will visit children in placement, develop permanency plans—including Special Guardianship Orders and adoption—and support life‑story work to help them understand why they are in care.
• Your goal is to ensure a positive care experience and to assist in the transition back to the child’s birth family when appropriate.
• The role requires you to be mobile across a wider operational area, travelling through Essex and beyond, and you must be able to transport service users and their belongings, meeting emergency mobility requirements.
• A driving licence, a car, or a suitable alternative means of transport are essential.

Key Responsibilities

• Prepare comprehensive court reports for cases involving children under the Children Act.
• Create and review care plans and permanency arrangements for children in care.
• Support the adoption process and facilitate placement pathways.
• Conduct life‑story work and help children understand their care journey.
• Ensure children’s experiences in foster care or residential homes are positive.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to meet children’s complex needs.
• Record all casework accurately using the social work case‑recording system.

Key Requirements

• Diploma or degree in social work with at least 3 years post‑qualifying experience.
• Registered as a Social Worker with Social Work England.
• Demonstrated capability in practice, following the Professional Capability Framework (PCF) and Knowledge & Skills Statement (KSS).
• Strong case‑recording skills and the ability to handle complex social and family situations.
• Proficient in Microsoft Word and existing social work case‑recording systems.
• Mobile across Essex; driving licence plus a car or other approved mobility solution.
• Flexibility to work evenings and weekends when necessary.

Support & Development

Our experienced managers provide proactive supervision and daily ad‑hoc support to help you excel. We take a systemic, strengths‑based, and trauma‑informed approach to social work, empowering you to make a real difference to young lives. You will have access to outstanding training and development through the Essex Social Care Academy (ESCA).

Equality and Inclusion

We are proud to be a Disability Confident Leader and are committed to interviewing all disabled applicants who meet the minimum requirements of the role. We also commit to interview all veterans and care leavers who meet the minimum requirements. We are an equal opportunity employer and safeguard the welfare of children and vulnerable adults.