Adults Social Worker - Learning Disability & Autism

Please note that visa sponsorship is not available for this role. Applicants must have a current, unrestricted right to work in the UK.

We're an adult social care service that wants to see citizens of Essex have as much choice and control over the way they live their lives as possible. We think everyone should have the chance to live a full and fulfilling life with people they love and care about, doing things that matter to them and living in a place they can call home.

We're determined that with the right support, everyone can maintain or achieve some independence and we're proud to be working to make these ambitions a reality.

Our Social Workers work alongside people and their families and carers to help them think through what might help them get on with their lives in the way that works best for them. We do this within the framework of our statutory Care Act requirements. This means many of our conversations are framed as 'assessments', 'reviews', 'support planning' and 'safeguarding'. But our aim is always to listen and understand what matters to the person and then to work with them to think through how this might be achieved.

Take a look at our short video here to get a glimpse into the role and what it's like to be a Social Worker at Essex County Council.

About the Team

Our busy, high performing focus Learning Disability & Autism team work with community groups, family and carers to ensure advocacy for people with a learning disability and/or autism. The team 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.

The team are friendly and dynamic and look to creative community solutions and early help alongside complex interventions and safeguarding adults to bring positive outcomes and ideas to life. The achievements within the team truly make a difference to the lives of the people we work with and take a step towards changing the opportunities and outcomes for adults in our local community.

Our teams are proud to offer hybrid working, with an expectation to be office based at our office in Basildon around 2 to 3 days per week depending on business need for collaborative team working and training.

About You

We are looking for someone who:

• Is a qualified Social Worker (post ASYE) with current Social Work England registration.
• Has a sound understanding of the Care Act 2014, Mental Capacity Act, and safeguarding practice.
• Demonstrates strong assessment, risk management, and decision making skills
• Is confident working autonomously while contributing positively to a supportive team culture.
• Is committed to reflective practice, learning, and continuous professional development.
• Has experience of chairing meetings.
• Is able to develop strong relationships with partner agencies and the local community.
• Ideally has experience working with adults with a learning disability.

Our Social Worker roles involve travelling around Essex. A driving licence and car - or the ability to meet the mobility requirements of the role through other means - is essential.

Sorry - we are unable to consider Newly Qualified Social Worker's for this role however you can register your interest for future NQSW opportunities in South Essex here .

Why Join Us?

In June 2025, the Care Quality Commission (CQC) rated our Adult Social Care services as "Good" with a score of 73%

"The local authority had a good structure and processes in place to enable people to be supported successfully, and support people to remain independent and live healthy lives. The workforce was passionate about supporting people to achieve these outcomes and the local authority had good knowledge of their area, the people living there and the demographics."

You can read the full report on the CQC website here .

Our teams are busy but warm, friendly and supportive. Our fabulous team managers will help you manage your workload and develop your practice.

We take your career just as seriously as you do, and we have a continuing professional development offer that's…