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- Tasks: Join a passionate team supporting independence and community resilience through expert social work.
- Company: West Essex Neighbourhood Team, known for its collaborative and supportive culture.
- Benefits: Flexible working, professional development, wellbeing support, and generous leave.
- Other info: Dynamic environment with opportunities for mentorship and leadership development.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while advancing your career in social work.
- Qualifications: Qualified social worker with 2+ years experience and knowledge of complex cases.
The predicted salary is between 37000 - 44000 £ per year.
About the Team
We're looking for a passionate and experienced Social Worker to join our West Essex Neighbourhood Team. The team primarily operate across Harlow, forming part of a Neighbourhood approach, linking closely with our partners in health, housing and the voluntary sector. They 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.
The team aim to support independence and maximise potential, focusing on early intervention and prevention. This includes developing relationships and working closely with partners and building networks and community resilience. 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.
We are proud to offer hybrid working options, with an expectation to be office based at Goodman House, Harlow around 2 to 3 days per week depending on business need for collaborative team working and training.
About the Role
- Provide Expert Guidance: As a highly skilled Social Worker you will foster a supportive environment and model best practice, offering specialist advice, and mentoring both newly qualified and experienced colleagues.
- Assess and Support: You will manage a diverse and complex caseload, undertaking comprehensive assessments and creating person-centred care plans.
- Ensure Compliance: You will support the people we work with to live full and fulfilling lives, within the framework of our statutory Care Act requirements, relevant legislation and organisational standards.
- Manage Caseloads: We look to our Senior Social Workers to provide expert social work practice in complex situations, upholding the highest standards of professional practice.
- Collaborate: The ability to collaborate and build strong relationships across the Council and with our partners helps shape solutions that are high-quality and promote independence.
- Represent Adult Social Care: Confident in chairing multi-agency meetings, you will proactively take the lead to ensure a social care perspective is actively represented.
About You
To apply, you should be a qualified social worker with current Social Work England registration and be post-qualified 2 years with an in-depth knowledge of complex cases and The Care Act. You will be AMHP, BIA or PE qualified, or have secured intention to complete these qualifications.
We require a proactive and passionate social worker who has a proven record of working complex cases and supporting other staff members. A worker who wants to develop and become part of the management Team.
You'll bring significant experience of social work, modelling good practice and providing advice and guidance in complex situations. We're also looking for your ability to mentor both newly-qualified and experienced team members. As a subject matter expert in relevant professional practice, you should have a comprehensive understanding of current legislation, regulations and guidance.
With experience of chairing meetings involving clients, family members, carers and other multi-agency professionals, we're looking for your ability to develop strong relationships with partner agencies and the local community to provide a supportive framework for the people we work with.
You'll also bring:
- Evidence of continuing professional development and capability of practice in accordance with current professional standards.
- An in-depth understanding of the financial implications of commissioned care packages.
- The ability to make clear decisions, to highlight and limit potential risks associated with intervention.
This role involves 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 Join Us?
In June 2025, the Care Quality Commission (CQC) rated our Adult Social Care services as "Good" with a score of 73%. "The local authority had a good structure and processes in place to enable people to be supported successfully, and support people to remain independent and live healthy lives. The workforce was passionate about supporting people to achieve these outcomes and the local authority had good knowledge of their area, the people living there and the demographics."
Our teams are busy but warm, friendly and supportive. Our fabulous team managers will help you manage your workload and develop your practice.
We take your career just as seriously as you do, and we have a continuing professional development offer that's second to none. We welcome diversity because it makes us grow and we're determined to become a fully inclusive and an anti-racist organisation.
What We Offer
We'll support you to be your best and will offer:
- Ongoing opportunities for continuing professional development
- Flexible working options
- Employee wellbeing and counselling
- Lease Car scheme
- Life assurance of three times annual salary
- Local Government Pension Scheme.
- Volunteering leave
- 27 days annual leave (plus)
Senior Social Worker - Neighbourhood Team, Harlow employer: Essex County Council
Contact Detail:
Essex County Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Social Worker - Neighbourhood Team, Harlow
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the social work field. Attend local events, join online forums, or even hit up LinkedIn. The more connections you make, the better your chances of hearing about job openings before they’re advertised.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, be ready to discuss your experience with complex cases and how you've supported others in your team. Use real examples to demonstrate your expertise and passion for social work.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t just apply anywhere—apply through our website! We want to see your application, and it’s the best way to ensure it gets noticed. Plus, you’ll find all the info you need about the role and our amazing team.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your knowledge of the Care Act and current legislation. Be ready to discuss how you would handle specific scenarios and demonstrate your ability to collaborate with partners. Confidence is key!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Social Worker - Neighbourhood Team, Harlow
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: When writing your application, let your passion for social work shine through! We want to see your enthusiasm for helping others and how you align with our values of independence and community support.
Tailor Your Experience: Make sure to highlight your relevant experience in social work, especially with complex cases. We’re looking for specific examples that demonstrate your skills in assessment, collaboration, and mentoring – so don’t hold back!
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application clear and to the point. Use straightforward language to describe your qualifications and experiences. We appreciate a well-structured application that makes it easy for us to see why you’d be a great fit!
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 this exciting opportunity. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Essex County Council
✨Know Your Legislation
Make sure you brush up on the Care Act 2014 and any relevant legislation. Being able to discuss how these laws impact your practice will show that you're not just knowledgeable but also passionate about compliance and best practices.
✨Showcase Your Mentoring Skills
Prepare examples of how you've supported or mentored colleagues in the past. This role requires you to guide others, so demonstrating your ability to foster a supportive environment will be key to impressing the interviewers.
✨Demonstrate Collaborative Spirit
Think of specific instances where you've successfully collaborated with other agencies or professionals. Highlighting your ability to build strong relationships will resonate well, as teamwork is crucial in this role.
✨Be Ready for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that put you in complex situations. Prepare to discuss how you'd manage diverse caseloads and make decisions under pressure. This will showcase your problem-solving skills and readiness for the challenges of the role.