At a Glance
- Tasks: Conduct assessments for Kinship Foster Carers and Special Guardianship, supporting families in need.
- Company: Join Essex County Council, a leader in community support and development.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, manageable caseload, ongoing training, and flexible working options.
- Other info: Opportunity for career growth and involvement in continuous service development.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while developing your skills in a supportive team.
- Qualifications: Experience in children and family services preferred; strong communication and assessment skills required.
The predicted salary is between 38487 - 51834 £ per year.
Permanent, Full Time
Salary: £38,487 to £51,834 per annum
Location: Chelmsford
Working Style: Community-based worker
Closing Date: 22nd June 2026
About the Role
We are looking for a social worker to join the Kinship Assessment Team, responsible for conducting Viability and full Kinship Foster Carer and Special Guardianship assessments. Initial focus will be on completing Viability assessments for prospective CP/SG families, with opportunities to undertake both. Assessments are prepared for court or fostering panel; you may be required to give evidence.
Opportunity
- As part of a team established in 2019 and expanded to meet demand across Essex, this fast‑paced role allows you to assess and support potential SGO/Kinship carers, provide trauma‑focused assessments, and contribute to the development of the service.
- You will have a manageable caseload, ongoing training, and flexible diary management.
Benefits and Development
- Manageable caseload
- Ongoing development and training
- Links with Coram BAAF and national Kinship Strategy
- Monthly supervision and team meetings
- Flexible working and diary management
- Part of continuous service development in Essex
- Opportunity to deliver training
- Supportive and collaborative team culture
Requirements
- Experience or strong understanding of Children, Families and Fostering services preferred, but not essential
- Commitment to children remaining with extended family when possible
- Analytical assessment writing and record‑keeping skills
- Ability to deliver concise, timely and thorough assessments under tight timescales
- Experience attending court, fostering panel and producing quality reports is beneficial
- Understanding of the impact of neglect/abuse and trauma on children and ability to support through assessment
- Excellent communication skills; work closely with families, internal ECC services and external agencies
- Commitment to flexible working; assessments may be out‑of‑county
- Ability to participate in duty system rota
Additional Information
- Drive licence and ability to travel across Essex and beyond is essential.
- A DBS check may be required; you will need to register with the DBS update service.
Equality and Diversity
Essex County Council is a Disability Confident Leader and commits to interviewing disabled applicants, veterans and care leavers who meet the minimum requirements of the role. Reasonable adjustments are available during the application process.
Safeguarding
All employees are expected to share a commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults.
Social Worker – Kinship Assessment Team, Mid Essex in Chelmsford employer: Essex County Council
Join Essex County Council as a Social Worker in the Kinship Assessment Team, where you will be part of a supportive and collaborative culture dedicated to making a meaningful impact on children's lives. With a manageable caseload, ongoing training opportunities, and flexible working arrangements, this role not only allows for professional growth but also contributes to the continuous development of vital services across Essex. Experience the rewarding nature of community-based work in Chelmsford, where your expertise will help families stay connected and thrive.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Social Worker – Kinship Assessment Team, Mid Essex in Chelmsford
✨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 Social Worker – Kinship Assessment Team, Mid Essex in Chelmsford
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.
