Senior Practitioner – Assessment & Intervention, West Essex in Harlow

Senior Practitioner – Assessment & Intervention, West Essex

Permanent, Full Time

About the role

Salary: £46,574 to £56,027 per annum. Location: Harlow. Working style: Community based worker. Closing date: 30th November 2025.

Assessment and Intervention (A&I)

These teams are the gateway through which children, young people, parents/carers and other agencies gain access to Children and Families services. A&I undertakes incoming assessments and short‑term intervention work with families, working with children from pre‑birth up to 18 years old. The focus is on children in need (CIN) and families, offering a three‑month intervention. They also deal with S47 child protection enquiries and work jointly with the police and other partners to assess immediate risk. Cases are transferred into Family Support and Protection Teams if longer‑term support is required, or into Child Protection Plans or care of the local authority. Families who do not require a social work service after a brief intervention may be stepped down to Family Solutions as part of our Early Help Offer.

The role

As a Senior Practitioner you will provide leadership in the team, offering support and mentoring to newly qualified or less experienced staff and deputising for the Team Manager when needed. You will oversee the review of some child in need plans, particularly prior to closure, and will lead in a practice area. Opportunities for professional development and contribution to team and service development are available.

Required experience and qualifications

• A recognised social work qualification (Diploma, degree or master’s in social work, CQSW, CSS or equivalent) with current registration with Social Work England as a registered social worker.
• A practice educator qualification or on course to achieve one, and experience supporting and mentoring ASYE\’s through their first year in practice.
• Evidence of continuing professional development.
• Recent practice at an experienced social worker level, supported by comprehensive working knowledge and experience in Children’s Services.
• Preferably experience of Child Protection work including Section 47 investigations and assessments since the implementation of the Children’s Act 1989, and recent experience of communicating with children of all ages and working in partnership with parents/carers.
• Experience in planning activities and programmes for children, young people and parents.
• Experience of court work in relation to Child Care matters and an understanding of the legal process.
• Detailed knowledge of current legislation pertinent to Child Protection (e.g. CA1989, CJA1991), Guidance and Regulations.
• Knowledge and understanding of child development, relating theory and practice.

Contact and additional information

If you would like to discuss the opportunities further please contact Alice.Vieler-Porter@essex.gov.uk for more information.

To read more about our business area, please visit: Children & Families.

We encourage applicants to view the ‘No Magic’ Children & Families video.

Why Essex

As one of the largest and most dynamic UK local authorities, Essex offers a stimulating public service environment. We are committed to transformational change and delivering better quality at lower cost, and we provide flexible working options and a focus on innovation.

Equality, diversity and inclusion

Essex County Council is proud to be a Disability Confident Leader. We are committed to interview all disabled applicants who choose to apply under the Job Interview Scheme if they meet the minimum requirements of the job. We also interview all veterans and care leavers, who meet the minimum requirements of the role. If you require reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process, please speak to our recruiters.

Other Employment Information

The role requires mobility across Essex and beyond; a valid driving licence and access to a car or alternative transport is essential. If a DBS check is required, you will be required to register with the DBS update service. You will be responsible for maintaining this record.