At a Glance
- Tasks: Support young people with disabilities, guiding them towards independence and a brighter future.
- Company: Essex County Council, a dynamic local authority committed to positive change.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working, and support for career development.
- Other info: Join a collaborative team focused on innovation and community impact.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of young people while growing your social work skills.
- Qualifications: Degree in social work and registration with Social Work England required.
The predicted salary is between 51834 - 51834 £ per year.
Permanent, Full Time £36,124 to £51,834 per annum Location: Harlow Working Style: Community-based worker Closing Date: 16th August 2026
This position is open to Newly Qualified Social Workers (NQSWs) and Experienced Social Workers. The starting salary for a NQSW is £36,124 per annum and this will rise to £38,487 per annum on successful completion of the ASYE programme.
Essex County Council understand 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.
Join our dynamic team at Children and Families, where social work is not just a job, but a passion for making a positive impact in the lives of children, young people, and their families. Our service is built on a foundation of collaboration, integrity, and compassion, creating an environment where professionals thrive while promoting the development and well-being of those we serve.
Young People with Disabilities – YPWD Team:
Imagine a role where you play a crucial part in the journey of young people with disabilities, guiding them toward a brighter future. As a Social Worker in the Young People with Disabilities Team, you'll be at the forefront of managing a caseload of extraordinary individuals aged 16 to 25, providing assessments, advice, and support. This isn't just a job; it's an opportunity to shape care plans and support packages that truly make a difference.
What Sets Us Apart:
Our team specialises in using systematic and strengths-based social work approaches. We believe in building lasting relationships with young people and their families as they transition from Children's services into adulthood. This includes navigating the complexities of Education, Health, and Care Plans, assisting in accommodation transitions, supporting independence, and facilitating work experience and supported employment opportunities.
Variety in Action:
The work is diverse, involving the application of key legislations such as the Children Act 1989 and 2004, Children and Families Act 2014, Care Act 2014, Mental Capacity Act 2005, and others relevant to social care. You'll be conducting Transitions Pathway Assessments, Mental Capacity Assessments, Community Care assessments, and actively participating in the implementation and review of support packages/plans.
Team Collaboration:
As part of the Children and Young People with Disabilities Service, you'll collaborate with various teams, including Child and Family Support, Preparation for Adulthood Advisors, Occupational Therapy, and the core Children and Young People with Disabilities team (0-16yr olds). This is an exciting phase as we enhance our services and embrace SEND reforms.
Qualifications and More:
We value your qualifications and experience, including a diploma or degree in social work, registration with Social Work England, and a demonstrable capability to practice in line with professional standards. Your ability to apply social work knowledge with emotional intelligence and analytical skills will set you apart. Experience in Adults Social Care is particularly desirable for this role.
Join Us:
If you're ready for a fulfilling role where your skills and passion for social work will shine, join us on this exciting journey of improving services for children, young people, and their families. Embrace the challenge, make a difference, and look forward to a rewarding career with us.
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.
Why Essex?
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.
As part of employment with Essex County Council (ECC) should your role require a DBS check you will be required to register with the DBS update service. The DBS update service ensures all registered DBS certificates are kept up to date and allows authorised parties to view the status of your certificate. This is an annual subscription, and you will be responsible for ensuring this is maintained.
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.
If you would like to be kept up to date on other relevant opportunities, blogs, news, events and industry related news at Essex County Council, please join The Essex Talent Community.
If you have queries on this role or require anything further, please email resourcing.team@essex.gov.uk.
Social Worker - Young People with Disabilities, West Essex in Harlow employer: Essex County Council
Essex County Council is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive work culture that prioritises the well-being of its employees while making a meaningful impact in the lives of children and young people. With flexible working arrangements and opportunities for professional development, staff are encouraged to grow within their roles, all while contributing to a vital service in the heart of Chelmsford.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Social Worker - Young People with Disabilities, West Essex in Harlow
✨Dive into Local Community Groups
Social work thrives on community connections, so get involved in local groups or forums specific to your interests. Whether it’s volunteering at local shelters or joining community action boards, these are great ways to boost your visibility and make direct contacts that could lead to opportunities like the one at Essex County Council.
✨Attend Social Work Events and Workshops
Keep an eye out for workshops, seminars, or conferences in social work. These events are fantastic for meeting professionals in the field, learning about emerging trends, and spotting job openings. Plus, you might just bump into someone from Essex County Council!
✨Showcase Your Passion and Expertise
Use platforms like Instagram or LinkedIn to share your journey and insights into the social work sector. Whether it’s writing about your experiences or sharing relevant articles, this helps to establish you as an engaged professional. Potential employers, like Essex County Council, will notice your enthusiasm!
✨Leverage Your Network
Don’t hesitate to reach out to professors, mentors, or even past colleagues who are in social work. They might have inside knowledge about openings at Essex County Council or be able to connect you with someone who’s hiring. Networking is key, especially in a full-time role where relationships matter.
We think you need these skills to ace Social Worker - Young People with Disabilities, West Essex in Harlow
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Social Work:In your cover letter, let us see your passion for social work shine through! Talk about the experiences that made you want to pursue this career—whether it’s volunteering, personal experiences, or academic projects. We want to know why this field matters to you.
Emphasise Relevant Qualifications:Make sure your CV highlights any relevant qualifications, like degrees in social work or certifications like a DBS check. If you've done any workshops or training, don’t forget to include those as well. We're keen to see your commitment to your professional development!
Detail Your Experience with Clients:Since this is a hands-on field, detailing any direct experience you have with clients is crucial. Whether it's internships, volunteer roles, or previous jobs, highlight those experiences in your CV to show us you've got the practical skills necessary for the job!
Tailor Your Application to Essex County Council:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Essex County Council! Research our mission and values, and refer to them in your cover letter. This shows us that you understand our work and are genuinely interested in being a part of our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Essex County Council
✨Understanding the Role of Empathy
In social work, understanding and demonstrating empathy is key. Be prepared to share personal experiences or scenarios where you effectively showed compassion and support. This helps show that you genuinely care about the well-being of others, which is crucial in social work.
✨Demonstrating Knowledge of Frameworks
Familiarise yourself with the frameworks and models used in social work, such as the Strengths-Based Approach or the Ecological Perspective. Be ready to discuss how these frameworks apply to your work, especially if you can tie them into real-world examples or case studies you've encountered.
✨Showcasing Your Multi-Disciplinary Skills
In a full-time social work role, you'll often collaborate with healthcare professionals, educators, and law enforcement. Be prepared to describe your teamwork experiences and how you've effectively communicated with other disciplines to achieve the best outcomes for clients.
✨Preparing for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that put you in hypothetical social work situations, such as dealing with a crisis or managing a complex case. Think through your thought process for these scenarios beforehand, considering how you'd assess the situation and what steps you'd take, as this demonstrates your critical thinking and problem-solving abilities.
