Senior Social Worker – Learning Disability & Autism in Harlow

About the Team

This is an exciting opportunity for a passionate and experienced Social Worker to join an innovative Learning Disability and Autism Team covering West Essex.

The team strives to improve outcomes for people with learning disabilities and/or autism through the work we do.

Working with community groups, family and carers you will ensure advocacy for people with learning disability and/or autism.

We take a person-centred approach to practice and support adults with achieving their goals and ambitions, while also meeting their social care needs.

This is achieved through direct work, multi-disciplinary approaches, collaboration and building local community links.

Most notably the team hosted the learning disability festival, focusing on bringing visibility to individuals with learning disabilities, showcasing our commitment to partnership working and being creative in our roles.

Joining a Learning Disability & Autism team at Essex means you will be working in a supportive and innovative environment enabling you to develop your own ideas to make meaningful changes to the Adult’s lives.

The achievements with the team truly make a difference in the adults lives we work with and take a step towards changing the opportunities and outcomes for adults in our local community.

About the Role

As a Senior Social Worker in the team you will

• Provide Expert Guidance: Foster a supportive environment, model best practice, offer specialist advice, and mentor both newly qualified and experienced colleagues.
• Assess and Support: Manage a diverse and complex caseload, undertake comprehensive assessments, and create person-centred care plans.
• Ensure Compliance: Support people to live full and fulfilling lives within the framework of statutory Care Act requirements, relevant legislation and organisational standards.
• Manage Caseloads: Provide expert social work practice in complex situations, upholding high professional standards.
• Collaborate: Build strong relationships across the Council and with partners to shape high-quality, independent solutions.
• Represent Adult Social Care: Chair multi-agency meetings and lead to ensure a social care perspective is actively represented.

About You

• Qualified Social Worker with current Social Work England registration
• AMHP, BIA or Practice Educator qualified
• Proactive and passionate Social Worker with a proven record of handling complex cases and supporting other staff
• Ability to mentor both newly-qualified and experienced team members and provide guidance in complex situations
• Significant Adult Social Care experience with comprehensive understanding of current legislation, regulations and guidance
• Experience supporting adults with a Learning Disability and Autism
• Evidence of continuing professional development and capability of practice in line with professional standards
• Understanding of the financial implications of commissioned care packages
• Ability to make clear decisions, highlight and manage potential risks
• Experience chairing meetings involving clients, families, carers and other multi-agency professionals
• A willingness to develop and become part of the management team

Please note that the job role requires mobility throughout the operational area.

A driving licence and access to a vehicle, or the ability to meet mobility requirements through other means, is needed.

What We 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 (LGPS)
• Volunteering leave
• 27 days annual leave (plus bank holidays), rising with service
• Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) with confidential support
• Employee Networks to support and influence change
• Payment of your Social Work England registration fees
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