At a Glance
- Tasks: Support children and families through assessments and interventions to create positive change.
- Company: Essex County Council, an Outstanding social work employer with a focus on wellbeing.
- Benefits: Flexible working hours, competitive pay, and support for career development.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of children and families while growing your social work skills.
- Qualifications: Degree in social work and registration with Social Work England required.
- Other info: Join a dynamic team committed to innovation and community impact.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
This is a fixed term contract or secondment opportunity for 6 months. Here in Essex, we continue to raise the bar about practice and our investment in our workforce is second to none. It’s an exciting time to join us. Not only have we been named Outstanding by Ofsted, we are delighted and at the same time humbled to have been crowned Social Work Employer of the Year for the second time in the last three years!
Essex County Council understands how important flexibility and wellbeing is for our colleagues working across children’s Social Care and that we need to think differently. We have therefore developed a nine-day working fortnight for full time frontline Social Workers within Children’s services.
Children and Families is recognised as a service in which social work can develop and prosper, with a culture of collaboration, integrity and compassion; promoting development and wellbeing of children, young people and their families; protecting them from neglect and abuse. Working together with partners delivering a range of early help, family support and effective social work interventions which build resilience, remove barriers and enable children and young people to look forward to a brighter future.
Assessment and Intervention (A&I) 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 a child’s 18th birthday. They focus on children in need (CIN) and their families, offering three months’ intervention. They also deal with S47 child protection enquiries and work jointly with the police and other partners in assessing immediate risk for children that come to our attention. A&I primarily transfer cases into Family Support and Protection Teams should families require longer-term intervention, or if the children become subject to a child protection plan or come into care of the local authority. If following an assessment and brief intervention the family do not require a social work service, they could be stepped down to Family Solutions as part of our Early Help Offer.
Managing a defined caseload, the social worker is responsible for working effectively with children, young people and families/carers to achieve positive change and improved outcomes. This includes enquiry, assessment, purposeful intervention through direct work and review in relation to Child Protection, Child in Need and Children Looked After, achieving permanency through care for Children in Care.
What you will need:
- Diploma or degree in social work, CQSW, CSS or equivalent and registration with Social Work England as a registered Social Worker.
- Demonstrable capability of practice in accordance with current professional standards e.g. Professional Capability Framework (PCF), Knowledge & Skills Statement (KSS).
- Demonstrate an ability in the application of social work knowledge, using emotional intelligence, analytical skills and act with confidence in challenging social and family situations.
- A good working knowledge and ability to use information technology and related systems e.g. Word, social work case recording systems.
- Required to work flexibly as required, very occasionally including evenings and weekends.
- The role requires you to be mobile throughout a wider operational area including travelling 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.
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.
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.
Social Worker - Assessment & Intervention, West Essex, Harlow employer: Essex County Council
Contact Detail:
Essex County Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Social Worker - Assessment & Intervention, West Essex, Harlow
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees at Essex County Council on LinkedIn. Ask them about their experiences and any tips they might have for the interview process. Personal connections can give you insights that you won't find anywhere else.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for your interview by practising common social work scenarios. Think about how you'd handle challenging situations with children and families. This will show your potential employers that you're ready to tackle real-life challenges head-on.
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your passion for social work! During interviews, share personal stories or experiences that highlight your commitment to helping children and families. This will help you stand out as someone who truly cares about making a difference.
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! It's the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, you'll find all the latest opportunities and updates about working with us at Essex County Council.
We think you need these skills to ace Social Worker - Assessment & Intervention, West Essex, Harlow
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to reflect the specific requirements of the Social Worker role. Highlight your relevant experience and skills that align with the job description, especially your ability to work with children and families.
Showcase Your Passion: Let your enthusiasm for social work shine through! Share personal anecdotes or experiences that demonstrate your commitment to making a positive impact in the lives of children and families. We love seeing genuine passion!
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language and avoid jargon where possible. This helps us quickly understand your qualifications and how you can contribute to our team.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our official website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands and allows us to keep track of all applicants efficiently.
How to prepare for a job interview at Essex County Council
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you’re familiar with the key responsibilities of a Social Worker in Assessment & Intervention. Brush up on your knowledge of child protection, the Professional Capability Framework (PCF), and the Knowledge & Skills Statement (KSS). This will help you demonstrate your expertise and confidence during the interview.
✨Showcase Your Emotional Intelligence
In social work, emotional intelligence is crucial. Prepare examples from your past experiences where you've successfully navigated challenging family situations or made a positive impact on a child's life. This will show that you can handle the emotional complexities of the role.
✨Be Ready to Discuss Flexibility
Since the role requires flexibility, be prepared to discuss how you manage your time and adapt to changing circumstances. Share any experiences where you’ve had to work outside of standard hours or adjust your approach to meet the needs of families.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
At the end of the interview, don’t forget to ask questions! Inquire about the team culture, support for professional development, or how they measure success in their interventions. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you assess if it’s the right fit for you.
