At a Glance
- Tasks: Support adults in achieving independence and a fulfilling life through assessments and planning.
- Company: Essex County Council, a dynamic local authority committed to community welfare.
- Benefits: Flexible working, professional development, and support for unpaid carers.
- Other info: Hybrid working model with opportunities for collaboration across diverse teams.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while growing your career in social work.
- Qualifications: Qualified Social Worker with understanding of Care Act and safeguarding practices.
The predicted salary is between 31500 - 38500 £ per year.
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.
About the Teams
Mid Essex is at the centre of our county covering the Chelmsford, Braintree, Maldon and surrounding areas. It is a diverse locality to work in, bordering all other areas of the county and you will have the opportunity to work closely with colleagues across Essex County Council. This is also one of our most connected areas of the county, with excellent travel links including direct trains to London.
We currently have several Social Worker opportunities across different teams within Mid Essex, this currently includes opportunities in the following teams:
- Physical & Sensory Impairments Team
The Mid Essex Physical & Sensory Impairments team support people from eighteen years old with a wide range of conditions and difficulties including, Acquired Brain Injury, Multiple Sclerosis, Stroke (CVA), Huntingdon's Disease and Fibromyalgia. In our team share you will work as part of a multi-disciplinary team. We aim to support adults, and their families, who have complex social care and support needs and are more vulnerable as a result of disability, exclusion, or diminished capacity. We aim to safeguard and protect the adults that we work with balancing independence, control and being able to live as independent and a fulfilling life as possible.
- Neighbourhood Teams
We are seeking a passionate and experienced Social Workers to join our Mid Essex Neighbourhood Teams. These are exciting opportunities to be part of a locality based, strengths focused service that supports adults to remain independent, safe, and connected within their communities. The teams work with people aged 18 and above across all specialisms, undertaking a wide range of duties under the Care Act 2014 from assessment, reviews, mental capacity assessments and adult safeguarding.
As a Social Worker in our Neighbourhood Team, you will:
- Undertake Care Act‑compliant assessments, reviews, and support planning.
- Work with adults with a range of needs, including older people, physical disabilities, learning disabilities, mental health needs, and safeguarding concerns.
- Apply strengths‑based and person‑centred approaches to promote independence and wellbeing.
- Participate in safeguarding enquiries in line with Section 42 of the Care Act.
- Work collaboratively with health colleagues, voluntary sector partners, and wider MDTs.
- Manage a varied caseload while maintaining professional standards and high‑quality practice.
Team preference can be discussed at interview. Our teams are proud to offer hybrid working, with an expectation to be office based at our office in Chelmsford around 2 to 3 days per week depending on business need for collaborative team working and training.
About You
We are looking for someone who:
- Is a qualified Social Worker (post ASYE) with current Social Work England registration.
- Has a sound understanding of the Care Act 2014, Mental Capacity Act, and safeguarding practice.
- Demonstrates strong assessment, risk management, and decision‑making skills.
- Is confident working autonomously while contributing positively to a supportive team culture.
- Is committed to reflective practice, learning, and continuous professional development.
- Has experience of chairing meetings.
- Is able to develop strong relationships with partner agencies and the local community.
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.
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. 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 have queries on this role or require anything further, please email Abbie.Mollison@essex.gov.uk.
Adults Social Worker - Mid Essex (Various Teams) employer: Essex County Council
Essex County Council is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive work culture that prioritises the well-being of its employees while making a meaningful impact in the lives of children and young people. With flexible working arrangements and opportunities for professional development, staff are encouraged to grow within their roles, all while contributing to a vital service in the heart of Chelmsford.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Adults Social Worker - Mid Essex (Various Teams)
✨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 Adults Social Worker - Mid Essex (Various Teams)
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.
