Social Worker – Children Looked After (CLA) Team
Location: Southend-on-Sea, Essex
Salary: £40,444 – £46,579 per annum
Contract: Permanent
Working Hours: 37 hours per week
About the Role Service Care Solutions is recruiting an experienced and committed Social Worker to join the Children Looked After (CLA) Team at Southend-on-Sea City Council . This is an excellent permanent opportunity for a Children's Social Worker who is passionate about achieving positive, long-term outcomes for children and young people in care. The Children Looked After Team plays an important role in supporting children who are unable to live with their birth families, ensuring they receive safe, stable and nurturing care while working towards appropriate permanence arrangements. You will have the opportunity to build meaningful relationships with children and young people, advocate for their wishes and feelings, and support them throughout important stages of their lives.
Key Responsibilities
- Manage a caseload of children and young people who are looked after by the local authority.
- Undertake statutory visits, assessments and care planning in accordance with relevant legislation.
- Develop, implement and regularly review care and permanence plans.
- Work closely with foster carers, residential providers, birth families and partner professionals.
- Support placement stability and identify appropriate long-term care arrangements.
- Ensure children's wishes, feelings and individual needs are reflected in care planning and decision-making.
- Prepare reports and contribute to Looked After Children reviews and relevant court proceedings.
- Support children and young people with education, health, emotional wellbeing and preparation for independence.
- Maintain accurate records and ensure compliance with statutory responsibilities.
Essential Requirements
- Recognised Social Work qualification.
- Current registration with Social Work England.
- Experience across Child Protection (CP), Looked After Children (LAC) and Assessment & Intervention (A&I).
- Strong knowledge of the Children Act 1989, care planning regulations and permanence processes.
- Experience working with children and young people who have experienced trauma, family breakdown or safeguarding concerns.
- Excellent relationship-building, assessment and report-writing skills.
- Ability to manage a statutory caseload effectively.
- Full UK driving licence and ability to drive as part of the role.
Why Consider This Opportunity?
- Permanent salary of £40,444 – £46,579.
- Opportunity to build meaningful, long-term relationships with children in care.
- Make a direct contribution to placement stability and permanence planning.
- Work collaboratively with foster carers, families and partner agencies.
- Develop specialist expertise within Children's Social Care.
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Social Worker – Children Looked After (CLA) Team in Southend-on-Sea employer: Service Care
Service Care Solutions is an excellent employer for Multi Traders, offering a supportive work culture that prioritises employee growth and development. With a focus on responsive repairs in the community of Rugby, employees benefit from a company van, optional on-call payments, and comprehensive in-house training, ensuring they have the tools and skills needed to excel in their roles. Join a team that values professionalism and respect while providing meaningful service to local residents.
