Senior Social Worker – Countywide Enhanced Support Inreach

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

This is a part time opportunity for 18.5 hours per week, with flexibility on working pattern. The pro rata’d salary range is £24,102.50 to £28,994 per annum.

The Countywide Enhanced Support Inreach Team is a multidisciplinary team that works with adults and young people with a complexity of needs related to their Learning Disability, Autism, Mental or Physical Health, or a combination of these.

This role will have a focus on the complex care provision for this group and will involve a mix case holding alongside advising other practitioners on care and support models/options.

Working in partnership with providers, commissioning and procurement colleagues to promote least restrictive, outcome-focused and best-value approaches to care, the postholder will work across a complex care market and will need the ability to foster productive working relationships with providers, have a good understanding of staffing models and the ability to balance positive risk-taking with complex needs.

We are looking for an experienced practitioner with the ability to work autonomously where required. To succeed in this role, you will also need a strong track record of working with this complex group along with a solid understanding of the provider market and current pressures.

Provide Expert Guidance:
As a highly skilled Social Worker you will foster a supportive environment and model best practice, offering specialist advice, and mentoring both newly qualified and experienced colleagues.

Assess and Support:
You will manage a diverse and complex caseload, undertaking comprehensive assessments and creating person-centred care plans.

Ensure Compliance:
You will support the people we work with to live full and fulfilling lives, within the framework of our statutory Care Act requirements, relevant legislation and organisational standards.

Manage Caseloads:
We look to our Senior Social Workers to provide expert social work practice in complex situations, upholding the highest standards of professional practice.

Collaborate:
The ability to collaborate and build strong relationships across the Council and with our partners helps shape solutions that are high-quality and promote independence.

Represent Adult Social Care:
Confident in chairing multi-agency meetings, you will proactively take the lead to ensure a social care perspective is actively represented.

• Qualified Social Worker with current Social Work England registration
• AMHP, BIA or Practice Educator qualified.
• Significant Adult Social Care experience with a comprehensive understanding of current legislation, regulations and guidance along with an understanding of staffing models.
• Proactive and passionate Social Worker who has a proven record of working complex cases in relation to adults and young people with a complexity of needs.
• Understanding of the complex care and provider market and their current pressures.
• Ability to make clear decisions and to balance positive risk-taking.
• Ability to foster productive working relationships with providers.
• Experience of mentoring both newly-qualified and experienced team members and able to confidently provide advice and guidance in complex situations.
• Evidence of continuing professional development and capability of practice in accordance with current professional standards.
• An in-depth understanding of the financial implications of commissioned care packages.
• Experience of chairing meetings involving clients, family members, carers and other multi-agency professionals

This role involves travelling around Essex, in areas that are often rural and not well served by public transport. Therefore, a driving licence and car – or the ability to meet the mobility requirements of the role through other means such Access to Work – is essential.

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…