At a Glance
- Tasks: Support children with disabilities and empower families in a community-based role.
- Company: Join Essex County Council, a leading local authority committed to transformational change.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, competitive salary, and support for unpaid carers.
- Other info: Dynamic team environment with opportunities for professional growth and development.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of children and young adults with disabilities.
- Qualifications: Degree in Social Work and registration with Social Work England required.
The predicted salary is between 38487 - 51834 £ per year.
Fixed Term, Full Time
38,487 to 51,834 per annum
Location: Chelmsford
Working Style: Community-based worker
Please note this vacancy is available as a fixed term contract or secondment opportunity for 6 to 9 months.
At Essex County Council, we value our colleagues' well-being and recognise the importance of flexibility in the demanding field of children's Social Care. That's why we're excited to introduce an innovative approach to work-life balance: the nine-day working fortnight, designed specifically for full-time frontline Social Workers within Children's services.
A Glimpse into Our World: Children with Disabilities (CWD)
CWD is part of the Children and Young People with Disabilities (CYPWD) service in Mid Essex. We work with children 0-16 with disabilities. We are a strong team with committed workers who continually strive to support the children we work with. Our Children and Young People with Disabilities Service is on a mission to empower children and young adults up to 25 years old who have special educational needs and/or disabilities, along with their families. The service operates from offices strategically located in Basildon, Chelmsford, Colchester, and Harlow, ensuring accessibility and convenience for all. Within these offices, our dedicated teams collaborate seamlessly to provide an integrated and holistic service.
Meet Our Dynamic Teams:
- 0 - 15 Social Care: Caring for the youngest members of our community.
- 16 - 25 Social Care: Supporting the transition into adulthood.
- Occupational Therapy (OT): Enhancing lives through tailored therapies.
- Preparing for Adulthood (PFA's): Guiding our youth on the path to independence.
But we're not stopping there. Our high-needs further education team is on a mission to break down barriers. They process applications for additional funding, making sure learners with learning difficulties and/or disabilities have the opportunity to access Post-16 college provision.
Your Journey Begins Here: What We're Looking For
If you're ready to embark on this rewarding journey with us, here's what we're seeking:
- Qualifications: A diploma or degree in Social Work, CQSW, CSS, or an equivalent qualification.
- Certification: Registration with Social Work England as a registered Social Worker.
- Professional Standards: A demonstrable capability to practice in line with current professional standards, such as the Professional Capability Framework (PCF) and Knowledge & Skills Statement (KSS).
- Documentation: Proficiency in case recording.
- Social Work Skills: The ability to apply social work knowledge, using emotional intelligence, analytical skills, and confidence in challenging social and family situations.
- Tech-Savvy: A strong working knowledge of information technology and related systems, including Word and SW case recording systems.
- Flexibility: Willingness to work flexibly, including evenings and weekends when necessary to make a positive impact on the lives of those we serve.
Ready to make a meaningful difference? Join us at Essex County Council, where we're transforming lives and creating a brighter future for our community. Your journey starts here!
Interviews are scheduled to take place on Thursday 11th June 2026 at County Hall, Chelmsford.
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.
As one of the largest and most dynamic UK local authorities, Essex offers a stimulating public service environment. Covering over 1,420 square miles and serving 1.8 million residents, we're committed to transformational change and delivering better quality at lower cost. Recognised in the top three of the latest IMPOWER index for productivity, we ensure everyone matters in Everyone's Essex. With flexible working options and a focus on innovation, whether you are looking to develop your career or contribute to the local community, Essex is the ideal place for you.
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. Please speak to our Recruiters if you require any reasonable adjustments during the process. We're also committed to interview all veterans and care leavers, who meet the minimum requirements of the role for which they are applying.
Once you've secured your role within Essex County Council you will receive many great employee benefits, including support for unpaid carers and flexible working arrangements to accommodate their needs.
At Essex County Council, we value integrity and ethical behaviour. We kindly ask that you embrace our code of conduct and the Nolan principles, including throughout the recruitment process. Your commitment to these standards helps us maintain a positive and respectful workplace for everyone.
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.
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.
If you have queries on this role or require anything further, please email.
Social Worker - Children with Disabilities Team, Mid Essex, Chelmsford employer: Essex County Council
Essex County Council is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and flexible work environment for Social Workers in the Children with Disabilities Team. With innovative initiatives like the nine-day working fortnight, employees can achieve a healthy work-life balance while making a meaningful impact on the lives of children and families in the community. The council is committed to professional development, providing numerous growth opportunities and a collaborative culture that values integrity and inclusivity.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Social Worker - Children with Disabilities Team, Mid Essex, Chelmsford
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees at Essex County Council on LinkedIn. A friendly chat can give you insider info and maybe even a referral, which can really boost your chances.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by researching the Children with Disabilities Team. Understand their mission and values, and think about how your skills align with their goals. This will show them you're genuinely interested in making a difference.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your responses to common social work interview questions. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers. This will help you articulate your experiences clearly and confidently.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after your interview! A quick thank-you email can leave a lasting impression and shows your enthusiasm for the role. Plus, it keeps you on their radar as they make their decision.
We think you need these skills to ace Social Worker - Children with Disabilities Team, Mid Essex, Chelmsford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your skills and experiences align with the role. We want to see how you can contribute to our Children with Disabilities Team, so don’t hold back on showcasing your relevant experience!
Showcase Your Passion:Let your enthusiasm for social work shine through! Share personal stories or experiences that demonstrate your commitment to supporting children with disabilities. We love to see candidates who are genuinely passionate about making a difference.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application clear and to the point. Use straightforward language and avoid jargon where possible. We appreciate well-structured applications that make it easy for us to see your qualifications and fit for the role.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way to ensure we receive all your details correctly. Plus, you’ll find more information about the role and our team there!
How to prepare for a job interview at Essex County Council
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you’re familiar with the key responsibilities of a Social Worker in the Children with Disabilities Team. Brush up on relevant legislation, frameworks, and best practices. This will show that you’re not just interested in the role but also committed to making a positive impact.
✨Showcase Your Skills
Prepare specific examples from your past experiences that demonstrate your social work skills, especially in challenging situations. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers and highlight your emotional intelligence and analytical abilities.
✨Be Ready for Scenario Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving skills and decision-making process. Think about how you would handle various situations involving children with disabilities and their families, and be prepared to discuss your thought process.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
At the end of the interview, have a few insightful questions ready to ask the interviewers. This could be about team dynamics, support for professional development, or how the team measures success. It shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you gauge if it’s the right fit for you.
