Social Worker – Family Support & Protection, West

Social Worker – Family Support & Protection, West Essex

Accepting applications for a Permanent, Full Time role within the Family Support & Protection team at Essex County Council. Salary: £34,902 to £50,081 per annum (start at £34,902 for Newly Qualified Social Workers, rising to £37,185 upon completion of the ASYE programme).

Location:

Harlow. Working style:
Fixed‑base worker.

This position is open to Newly Qualified Social Workers (NQSWs) and Experienced Social Workers. The team works with families on Child in Need & Child Protection plans, building positive relationships using systemic and strengths‑based approaches. The role involves Public Law Outline, court work including S.7 reports, special guardianship order assessments, and proactive intervention with regular reflective supervision and CPD from the Essex Social Care Academy.

Key responsibilities

• Build and maintain constructive relationships with families to promote sustainable change.
• Deliver PLO work, court and S.7 reporting, and Supervision interventions.
• Conduct Special Guardianship Order assessments when required.
• Work within set timescales and deliver interventions in a value‑for‑money, risk‑aware manner.

Knowledge, skills and experience

• Recognised social work qualification (Diploma, degree or master’s, CQSW, CSS or equivalent) and current registration with Social Work England.
• Evidence of continuing professional development aligned to relevant competency frameworks.
• Experience in a social work setting addressing challenging social and family situations.
• Strong communication skills, able to develop rapport with diverse individuals.
• Ability to build relationships with partners, agencies and the local community.
• Understanding of value‑for‑money delivery balanced against need.
• Clear decision‑making to identify and mitigate risks.

Essential: mobile across Essex, driving licence or comparable mobility provision, DBS check as part of employment.

We are a Disability Confident Leader and welcome veterans, care leavers and disabled applicants who meet the minimum requirements. We provide flexible working arrangements and support for unpaid carers. The role requires ethical conduct and adherence to our code of conduct and Nolan principles.