At a Glance
- Tasks: Support children and families through assessments and interventions to create positive change.
- Company: Essex County Council, a leader in social work with a commitment to integrity and compassion.
- Benefits: Generous salary, relocation package, flexible working, and employee wellbeing support.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for professional growth and a supportive work environment.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of children and families while developing your social work career.
- Qualifications: Degree in social work and registration with Social Work England required.
The predicted salary is between 51834 - 51834 £ per year.
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. For an experienced Social Worker, the basic salary is between £38,487 per annum and £51,834 per annum with 9 entry points across the range.
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 (Professional Capability Framework, Knowledge & Skills Statement).
- 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.
- Good working knowledge and ability to use information technology and related systems – Word, social work case recording systems.
- Required to work flexibly as required, very occasionally including evenings and weekends.
Mobility requirement:
Mobile throughout a wide 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. A driving licence and car or other means to meet the mobility requirements of the role are essential.
Flexibility requirement:
Work out of normal office hours when required to best meet the needs of the family.
Benefits:
- Up to £8,000 relocation package (subject to terms and conditions).
- Employee wellbeing and counselling.
- Generous holiday and special leave allowances (including the option to purchase extra holiday).
- Family Friendly flexible working.
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.
Equal opportunity statement:
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.
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. At Essex County Council, we value integrity and ethical behaviour. We kindly ask that you embrace our code of conduct and the consultant's code throughout the recruitment process. Your commitment to these standards helps us maintain a positive and respectful workplace for everyone.
Social Worker – Assessment & Intervention, South Essex 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 – Assessment & Intervention, South Essex
✨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 – Assessment & Intervention, South Essex
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.
