Social Worker – Adoption Mid Essex in Chelmsford

Permanent, Full Time

£36,124.00 to £51,834.00 Per Annum

Location: Countywide

Working Style: Community-based worker

Closing Date: 28th July 2026

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 having received our 2nd Outstanding Ofsted rating in a row. This vacancy can accommodate a newly qualified social worker.

The Team

This is an exciting opportunity to join an established team of social workers who co-ordinate, undertake and support assessment of suitable adoptive households and seek to identify suitable adoptive placement for children whose care plans are one of adoption. The team is based in Chelmsford however the adoption agency covers the county and therefore we support colleagues in our neighbouring quadrant teams when required.

The Role

• To act as a role model and source of professional expertise in relation to current best practice in adoption.
• To uphold statutory requirements of both adoption and children’s legislation, plus any Departmental requirements.
• To participate in team meetings and to attend any other meetings as required, including wider agency/departmental meetings.
• To attend relevant children’s reviews and adoption planning meetings when required by the team manager (with the exception of Recruitment and Post Adoption).
• To lead and contribute to training courses when required.
• To ensure both the safety and best interests of children are paramount and that child protection procedures are followed.
• To be accountable for working cases and to undertake direct work with children as requested by the team manager to include assessments of children, and any siblings.
• To undertake the assessment of prospective adopters (with the exception of Recruitment Team and Post Adoption), support approved adopters through introductions and the placement of a child through to the making of an adoption order.
• To maintain an up to date record of activity on case files in line with the department case recording policy, produce reports, attend court and give verbal presentations to the Adoption Panel as required.
• To participate in case discussions, Strategy Meetings, Legal Case discussions, Child Protection Conferences and Statutory Reviews.
• To work effectively with other child care social workers to ensure that children are placed for adoption with the minimum of delay.
• To promote and comply with Safeguarding procedures.
• Record details of assessments on the system; collate cohort and trend data, monitor outcomes and respond to data requests.

The Experience You Will Bring

• Degree in Social Work (Diploma), CQSW, CSS or equivalent.
• Registration with the Health & Care Professions Council (HCPC) as Registered Social Worker.
• Demonstrable capability of practice in accordance with current professional standards e.g. Professional Capability Framework (PCF), Knowledge & Skills Statement (KSS).
• Experience of leading a team in a Social Care environment.
• Experience or a good understanding of working within Children and Family/Fostering services.
• Open to change and ready to innovate, you will be keen to join an environment where you can stretch yourself professionally, make an impact individually and deliver positive outcomes collaboratively.
• Court experience preferable.
• Analytical report writing skills are essential.
• Understanding impact of neglect/abuse on children and trauma in children important.
• Flexible working is required with occasional out of county work.
• Writing in-depth analytical reports.

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?

Essex offers a stimulating public service environment, covering a large area and serving a diverse population, and is committed to transformational change and delivering better quality at lower cost. Our focus on innovation and flexible working options supports career development and community contribution.

Equal Opportunities & Diversity

Essex County Council is a Disability Confident Leader and commits to interview all disabled applicants who meet the minimum requirements of the job under our Job Interview Scheme. We also interview all veterans and care leavers who meet the minimum requirements. All applicants are considered regardless of gender, ethnicity, religion, age, disability, sexual orientation, or any other protected characteristic.

DBS Checks

If the role requires a DBS check, you will be required to register with the DBS update service, ensuring your certificate remains current. This is an annual subscription that must be maintained by the employee.

Code of Conduct

We value integrity and ethical behaviour. All employees are expected to embrace our code of conduct and Nolan principles throughout the recruitment process and their work.

Contact

For more information or queries about this role, please contact resourcing.team@essex.gov.uk

Company: Essex County Council

Location: Chelmsford, Essex

Sector: Health and Social Care, Social Care