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- Tasks: Support adults with learning disabilities and autism to achieve independence and fulfilment.
- Company: Essex County Council, a supportive and inclusive workplace.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working, professional development, and generous leave.
- Other info: Join a passionate team committed to diversity and community support.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while growing your social work career.
- Qualifications: Registered Social Worker with experience in adult care and relationship-based practice.
The predicted salary is between 36124 - 38487 £ per year.
This advert is open to Experienced and Newly Qualified Social Workers (NQSW). The starting salary for a NQSW is £36,124 per annum, rising to £38,487 per annum upon successful completion of the ASYE programme. Interviews will be held on 28th May 2026.
The team works alongside adults with a complexity of needs related to their Learning Disability/Autism, Mental or Physical Health or a combination of all the above. The successful candidate will have a real interest in relationship-based social work, with a focus on building independence through a positive approach to risk and the strengths-based model.
You will work closely with adults placed in supported living accommodation and residential care, alongside providers, family members, and advocates to undertake Care Act reviews with a focus on helping to develop independence and progression. This role sits within our Countywide team supporting adults living within all areas of Essex and out of county. The role will be community-based across Essex, with home working and the flexibility of working from any of our Essex offices for administrative purposes.
We're an adult social care service that wants to see citizens of Essex have as much choice and control over the way they live their lives as possible. We think everyone should have the chance to live a full and fulfilling life with people they love and care about, doing things that matter to them and living in a place they can call home. We're determined that with the right support, everyone can maintain or achieve some independence and we're proud to be working to make these ambitions a reality.
Our Social Workers work alongside people and their families and carers to help them think through what might help them get on with their lives in the way that works best for them. We do this within the framework of our statutory Care Act requirements. This means many of our conversations are framed as 'assessments', 'reviews', 'support planning' and 'safeguarding'. But our aim is always to listen and understand what matters to the person and then to work with them to think through how this might be achieved.
If you share our vision, enjoy meeting people and hearing their stories you might be interested to find out more about what we do. If you're also a Social Worker and registered with Social Work England with that winning combination of creative thought, reliability and practical ability to get things done, we'd really love to hear from you!
Ideally, you will have experience of working with Adults with a learning disability and/or autism and a real passion for relationship-based social work. You'll have a broad understanding of our statutory responsibilities and a commitment to meeting these in a person-centred way. You may have experience of chairing meetings, and you'll have an ability to develop strong relationships with partner agencies and the local community to provide a supportive framework.
Our Social Worker roles involve travelling around Essex. A driving licence and car - or the ability to meet the mobility requirements of the role through other means - is essential.
In June 2025, the Care Quality Commission (CQC) rated our Adult Social Care services as 'Good' with a score of 73%. 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.
We'll support you to be your best and will 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 (plus bank holidays), rising with service, Employee Assistance Programme (EAP), and payment of your Social Work England registration fees.
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. We're also committed to interview all veterans and care leavers, who meet the minimum requirements of the role for which they are applying.
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.
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.
Adults Social Worker - Enhanced Support for LD & Autism in Colchester employer: Essex County Council
Contact Detail:
Essex County Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Adults Social Worker - Enhanced Support for LD & Autism in Colchester
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the team and the role! Before your interview, check out our website and social media to understand what we do. This will help you connect with us during the interview and show that you're genuinely interested.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice makes perfect! Run through common interview questions with a friend or in front of the mirror. Focus on how your experience aligns with our values and the specific needs of adults with learning disabilities and autism.
✨Tip Number 3
Show your passion for relationship-based social work! During the interview, share stories that highlight your ability to build strong relationships with clients, families, and partner agencies. We want to see your commitment to helping others achieve independence.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to ask questions! Prepare thoughtful questions about the role and the team. This shows us that you’re engaged and eager to learn more about how you can contribute to our mission at Essex County Council.
We think you need these skills to ace Adults Social Worker - Enhanced Support for LD & Autism in Colchester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: When writing your application, let your passion for social work shine through! Share specific experiences that highlight your interest in working with adults with learning disabilities and autism. We want to see how you connect with the values we hold dear at StudySmarter.
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to tailor your application to the job description. Highlight your relevant skills and experiences that align with the role of an Adults Social Worker. This shows us that you've done your homework and are genuinely interested in joining our team.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application clear and to the point. Use straightforward language and avoid jargon where possible. We appreciate a well-structured application that makes it easy for us to see your qualifications and enthusiasm for the role.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, you’ll find all the information you need about the application process right there.
How to prepare for a job interview at Essex County Council
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you understand the key responsibilities of an Adults Social Worker, especially around relationship-based social work and the strengths-based model. Brush up on the Care Act requirements and be ready to discuss how you would apply these in real-life scenarios.
✨Show Your Passion
During the interview, let your enthusiasm for working with adults with learning disabilities and autism shine through. Share personal stories or experiences that highlight your commitment to helping others achieve independence and a fulfilling life.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect to face scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving skills and ability to build relationships. Think about past experiences where you've successfully navigated complex situations and be ready to explain your thought process.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
At the end of the interview, don’t forget to ask insightful questions about the team dynamics, support structures, and professional development opportunities. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you gauge if it's the right fit for you.