Supervising Social Worker, Mid Fostering Team in Chelmsford

Fixed Term, Full Time £38,487 to £51,834 per annum

Working Style:

Closing Date: 28th July 2026

This is a 2 year Fixed Term Contract or Secondment Opportunity.

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.

The role of Supervising Social Worker within Fostering involves:

• Supporting, monitoring and developing local authority foster carers in accordance with the 2011 National Minimum Standards for Fostering and Fostering Service regulations to safeguard the wellbeing of Children in Care.
• Co-leading training events for foster carers and undertaking updated assessments of carers when circumstances change.
• Supporting foster carers through regular home visits and telephone contact, including at least one unannounced visit every year.
• Monitoring and reviewing the care provided by foster carers to ensure a safe, healthy and nurturing environment for children and young people.
• Ensuring that foster carer’s annual household reviews are completed within timescales and follow Fostering Panel processes.
• Participating in the matching process when children and young people are placed with foster carers.
• Ensuring that foster carers receive all appropriate documentation regarding each child or young person placed.
• Working with foster carers to encourage and support contact for children and young people in accordance with their care plans.
• Assisting the foster carer in ensuring that children and young people are heard in reviews, planning and in pursuing any complaints.
• Working flexibly as required, including evenings and weekends when necessary.

Skills and Knowledge:

• A recognised social work qualification – diploma, degree or master’s in social work, CQSW, CSS or equivalent, with current registration with Social Work England as a registered social worker.
• Evidence of continuing professional development aligned to any relevant Professional Competency/Capability frameworks or Knowledge and Skills Statements.
• Significant experience of social work, demonstrating a comprehensive and up-to-date understanding of all relevant legislation, regulation and guidance.
• Experience of chairing meetings involving clients, family members and/or carers and other multi-agency professionals.
• Developing strong relationships with partners, other agencies and the local community.
• In-depth understanding of the delivery of value for money interventions balanced against need.
• Proven track record of clear decision-making to highlight and limit potential risks associated with intervention.

Why Essex?

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.

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.

The role requires you to be mobile throughout a wider operational area, including travelling around the county of Essex and beyond. A driving licence and a 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.