At a Glance
- Tasks: Support children and families through adoption processes and provide essential guidance.
- Company: Essex County Council, dedicated to making a difference in the community.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development, and a chance to impact lives positively.
- Other info: Mobile role with opportunities for career growth and community engagement.
- Why this job: Join a passionate team and help shape brighter futures for children and families.
- Qualifications: Recognised social work qualification and experience in challenging family situations.
The predicted salary is between 36124 - 51834 £ per year.
Permanent, Full Time
£36,124 to £51,834 per annum
Location: Basildon
Working Style: Community-based worker
Fixed-term Contract or secondment opportunity for up to 2 years available.
Overview
Are you passionate about making a real difference in the lives of children and families? An exciting opportunity awaits you in our dynamic Children and Families service, where we foster a culture of collaboration, integrity, and compassion. We are looking for Social Workers to join our Family Finding teams in Basildon, Harlow and Colchester.
What You'll Do
- Assess complex social care needs, offering crucial support to children and families.
- Provide and deliver comprehensive plans for direct work with children to prepare them for a move to an adoptive placement.
- Work closely with birth families to provide support and guidance in relation to adoption.
- Attend adoption craft and profiling events, some of which will happen at weekends, to support with family finding for children.
- Work closely with our partners within the Adopt East Alliance.
- Engage directly with young children, facilitating a deep understanding of their care plans.
- Develop adoption support plans that empower families and build resilience.
- Navigate the statutory legal framework, ensuring timely intervention when needed.
- Collaborate with internal and external partners, stakeholders, and the voluntary sector to provide comprehensive support.
- Conduct assessments and plan responses to safeguard children and promote their welfare.
- Champion a child-centred approach, emphasising early intervention and prevention.
- Influence inter-agency planning and decision-making to proactively shape positive outcomes.
- Communicate assessments and professional judgments clearly, both orally and in writing.
- Work with families, communities, and individuals to support strategic aims and promote well-being.
- Manage individual and shared targets within the performance management framework.
Your Experience
- A recognised social work qualification and current registration with Social Work England.
- Continued professional development aligned with relevant competency frameworks.
- Experience in challenging social and family situations within a social work setting.
- Strong communication skills with adults and children, building rapport with diverse groups.
- Direct work experience with children, showcasing your ability to connect on a personal level.
- Proven ability to manage competing demands, meeting required deadlines.
- Establishing strong relationships with partners, agencies, and the local community.
- Understanding the value-for-money delivery of interventions balanced against need.
- Clear decision-making skills to highlight and mitigate potential risks associated with intervention.
Additional Requirements
The role requires you to be mobile throughout a wider operational area including traveling around the county of Essex and beyond, transporting service users and their belongings and to be able to do so in an emergency. Driving licence and car or the ability to meet the mobility requirements of the role through other means is essential.
Equality and Inclusion
Essex County Council is proud to be a Disability Confident Leader. We are committed to interviewing all disabled applicants who meet the minimum requirements of the job. We also interview all veterans and care leavers who meet the minimum requirements of the role.
Background Checks
As part of employment with Essex County Council, you may be required to register with the DBS update service for annual DBS check compliance.
Apply Now
If you are ready to contribute to creating a brighter future for children and families, apply now.
Social Worker - Family Finding, Adoption in Essex employer: Essex County Council
Essex County Council is an exceptional employer dedicated to making a meaningful impact in the lives of children and families. With a strong emphasis on collaboration, integrity, and compassion, we offer a supportive work culture that prioritises professional development and employee well-being. Located in Basildon, our Family Finding teams benefit from a community-based approach, providing unique opportunities to engage directly with families and children while fostering resilience and positive outcomes.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Social Worker - Family Finding, Adoption in Essex
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the social work field, attend local events, and join relevant online groups. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by practising common questions and scenarios specific to social work. Think about your experiences with family finding and adoption, and be ready to share how you've made a difference in children's lives.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your passion! When you get the chance to meet potential employers, whether at events or interviews, let your enthusiasm for supporting children and families shine through. It’s all about making that personal connection.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! We’ve got loads of opportunities waiting for you, and applying directly helps us keep track of your application. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team!
We think you need these skills to ace Social Worker - Family Finding, Adoption in Essex
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:When writing your application, let your passion for making a difference shine through. We want to see how much you care about supporting children and families, so share your experiences that highlight this commitment.
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to reflect the specific requirements of the Social Worker role. Use keywords from the job description to demonstrate that you understand what we’re looking for and how you fit the bill.
Be Clear and Concise:We appreciate clarity! Keep your writing straightforward and to the point. Avoid jargon and ensure your assessments and professional judgments are communicated clearly, as this is crucial in our line of work.
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, it’s super easy to navigate!
How to prepare for a job interview at Essex County Council
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you’re well-versed in the key responsibilities of a Social Worker in Family Finding and Adoption. Brush up on your knowledge of the statutory legal framework and be ready to discuss how you would navigate complex social care needs.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare specific examples from your past work that demonstrate your ability to manage challenging family situations and build rapport with children and families. Highlight any direct work experience with children, as this will be crucial in showcasing your skills.
✨Communicate Clearly
Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and concisely. You’ll need to communicate assessments and professional judgments effectively, so consider doing mock interviews with friends or colleagues to refine your delivery.
✨Emphasise Collaboration
Since the role involves working closely with various partners and stakeholders, be prepared to discuss how you’ve successfully collaborated in the past. Share examples of how you’ve influenced inter-agency planning and decision-making to achieve positive outcomes.
