At a Glance
- Tasks: Support a Social Worker in advocating for adults with disabilities, ensuring their needs are met.
- Company: Essex County Council, committed to inclusivity and support for vulnerable individuals.
- Benefits: Part-time hours, competitive salary, and the chance to make a real difference.
- Why this job: Join a meaningful role that empowers individuals and promotes accessibility in the community.
- Qualifications: Clean UK driving licence, fluent in English, and proficient in Microsoft Office.
- Other info: Flexible working environment with opportunities for personal growth and development.
The predicted salary is between 23152 - 25526 £ per year.
Location: Colchester. Working Style: Community-based worker. Closing Date: Sunday 19th April 2026 at 11.59pm. This is a Fixed Term Contract / Secondment until 31 March 2028 and part-time (33 hours per week). Pro rata salary range: £23,152 to £25,526 per annum. Interview Date: 28th April 2026.
The Opportunity
Within this role you will be supporting and facilitating a Social Worker employed through Adult Social Care to carry out their role in advocating for the adults they work with. The Social Worker you will be working with lives with a Severe Sight Impairment. The role ensures the Social Worker can complete their role in areas in which they cannot see or access otherwise. The Social Worker also has the assistance of a Working Guide Dog to aid with mobility. The role requires willingness to drive (in your own vehicle, with mileage claimed via expenses) and working with a guide dog. This role is specific to meet the access needs of an ECC officer with disabilities. The role is funded entirely by Access to Work and is accommodated by the organisation as a reasonable adjustment in line with the Equality Act 2010.
Accountabilities
- To drive to and from Office Locations and visits within the community.
- To support with the safety and orientation of the Social Worker when necessary.
- To risk assess and verbalise appropriately any risks noted to the Social Worker.
- To take clear and concise notes relating to the work the Social Worker is completing.
- If notes are written by hand, to ensure these are typed up in a timely fashion allowing the Social Worker to complete their report writing.
- To support with form filling and document reading when required.
- To support the Social Worker in attending training, meetings, and events (in person or virtually).
- When in person, this could be outside the North Essex Area.
- To ensure necessary tasks are completed for the Social Worker’s role using Microsoft and web-based systems.
- To proofread official documentation and reports ensuring accurate grammar and spelling.
- To follow instructions given by the Social Worker about support they may need.
Experience You Will Bring
Essential Criteria:
- Hold a clean UK Driving Licence.
- Be willing and able to support alongside a guide dog.
- Be fluent in English, verbally and written.
- Have experience and be proficient in Microsoft Word, Outlook, Teams, Excel, etc.
- Follow instructions and ask questions if unsure.
- Work well in a busy environment within a team.
- Have excellent time keeping skills.
- Understand the role and rules for a Working Guide Dog and respect this.
Desirable Criteria:
- Have experience in supporting an adult living with a Sight Impairment.
Legal and Accessibility Notes
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. We are Disability Confident Leaders and provide reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process. If you require any adjustments, please speak to our Recruiters. DBS update service information is available at: https://www.gov.uk/dbs-update-service. You will be responsible for maintaining this if required by the role.
Additional Information
The role requires mobility around a wider operational area including Essex and beyond, transporting service users and belongings, and operating in emergencies. A driving licence and car or alternative mobility means are essential.
Personal Facilitator in Colchester employer: Essex County Council
Contact Detail:
Essex County Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Personal Facilitator in Colchester
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company and its values! Before your interview, do a bit of research on Essex County Council and their commitment to supporting individuals with disabilities. This will help you connect your personal experiences to their mission.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice makes perfect! Run through common interview questions with a friend or in front of the mirror. Focus on how your skills align with the role of Personal Facilitator, especially your experience with Microsoft tools and working in busy environments.
✨Tip Number 3
Show your passion for advocacy! During the interview, share any relevant experiences where you've supported someone in need, particularly if it relates to assisting those with sight impairments. This will demonstrate your empathy and understanding of the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to ask questions! Prepare a few thoughtful questions about the role and the team dynamics. This shows you're genuinely interested and helps you gauge if it's the right fit for you. And remember, apply through our website for the best chance!
We think you need these skills to ace Personal Facilitator in Colchester
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 of Personal Facilitator. We want to see how you can support the Social Worker effectively, so don’t hold back on showcasing relevant experiences!
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, clarity is key! Use straightforward language and keep your sentences short. This will help us understand your qualifications quickly and easily, especially since you'll be taking notes and proofreading in the role.
Show Your Enthusiasm: Let your passion for supporting individuals with disabilities shine through in your application. We love seeing candidates who are genuinely excited about making a difference in the community, so don’t be shy about sharing your motivation!
Proofread Before Submitting: Before you hit that submit button, take a moment to proofread your application. We’re looking for attention to detail, so make sure there are no typos or grammatical errors. A polished application shows us you care about the role!
How to prepare for a job interview at Essex County Council
✨Know the Role Inside Out
Before your interview, make sure you thoroughly understand the responsibilities of a Personal Facilitator. Familiarise yourself with the specific needs of the Social Worker you'll be supporting, especially regarding their severe sight impairment and how you can assist them effectively.
✨Show Your Driving Skills
Since driving is a key part of this role, be prepared to discuss your driving experience. Bring up any relevant examples where you've navigated challenging environments or ensured safety while driving, especially in community settings.
✨Demonstrate Your Team Spirit
This position requires working closely with a Social Worker and respecting the presence of a guide dog. Be ready to share experiences where you've successfully collaborated with others, particularly in busy or dynamic environments, and how you’ve adapted to support someone with disabilities.
✨Be Ready for Practical Scenarios
Expect to be asked about how you would handle specific situations, such as risk assessing an environment or assisting with documentation. Think through potential scenarios beforehand and be prepared to articulate your thought process clearly during the interview.