At a Glance
- Tasks: Support foster carer recruitment and transform lives through assessments and training.
- Company: Essex County Council, committed to safeguarding and community support.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working, and support for unpaid carers.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for evening and weekend work.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while developing your social work career.
- Qualifications: Recognised social work qualification and registration with Social Work England.
The predicted salary is between 38487 - 51834 £ per year.
About The Role
Permanent, Full Time. Salary: £38,487 to £51,834 per annum. Location: Essex. Working Style: Community-based worker. Closing Date: 12th July 2026. Interview Date: 20th July 2026.
The Role
As a social worker in this countywide team the role covers all aspects of foster carer recruitment. It primarily involves responding to initial enquiries from prospective foster carers, undertaking initial home visits, and completing Fostering Assessments through to panel. There are opportunities to deliver pre‑approval training and to conduct creative recruitment activity including face‑to‑face information events with the public. The role may include supporting Special Guardianship Orders and Kinship assessments. Due to the nature of the role evening and weekend work is required as well as occasional duty work. The team is flexible to reflect the needs of service users and team members.
What you’ll need to join our Social Work teams
You may be an experienced Social Worker looking to take the next step in your career or a Senior Practitioner open to change and innovation. To play a key part in transforming the lives of children and families, you’ll be a DIPSW, CQSW, CSS or equivalent graduate. You should inspire high standards, shape practice standards, and be a team player who works well under pressure.
- Excellent assessment and analytical report‑writing skills for understanding and dealing with complex cases.
- Ability to respond to all duty calls and initial home visits efficiently, professionally, and in detail.
- Capability to present applicants to the Fostering Panel with clear recommendations and supporting evidence.
- Experience in supporting and participating in Recruitment activities.
- Involvement in the development of a Service area related to Recruitment of foster carers or linking with one of the Quadrant Fostering Teams to establish up‑to‑date needs and developments.
Knowledge, Skills and Experience
- A recognised social work qualification (Diploma, degree or master’s in social work, CQSW, CSS or equivalent) and current registration with Social Work England as a registered social worker.
- Demonstrable capability to practice in accordance with current professional standards (PCF, KSS, case recording).
- Ability to apply SW knowledge, emotional intelligence, and analytical skills to act confidently in challenging social and family situations.
- Working knowledge of and ability to use information technology and related systems (e.g., Word, SW case recording systems).
- Mobile availability throughout a wide operational area, including travelling within the County of Essex and beyond.
- Driving licence and car or alternative mobility methods are essential.
- Willingness to work flexibly, including evenings and weekends as required.
Benefits
As part of employment with Essex County Council you will receive benefits including support for unpaid carers and flexible working arrangements to accommodate their needs.
EEO and Commitment to Safeguarding
Essex County Council is proud to be a Disability Confident Leader and is committed to interview all disabled applicants, veterans, and care leavers who meet the minimum requirements. We also safeguard and promote the welfare of children and vulnerable adults and expect all employees to share this commitment. Please speak to recruiters if you require reasonable adjustments.
DBS Check
As part of employment if a DBS check is required, you will need to register with the DBS update service and ensure it is kept up to date. You will be responsible for maintaining the annual subscription.
