Social Worker – Children with Disabilities, West

Social Worker - Children with Disabilities, West Essex

Permanent, Full Time

£36,124 to £51,834 per annum

Location:

Harlow

Working Style:
Community-based worker

Closing Date: 29th July 2026

This position is open to Newly Qualified Social Workers (NQSWs) and Experienced Social Workers. (The starting salary for a NQSW is £36,124 per annum and this will rise to £38,487 per annum on successful completion of the ASYE programme).

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

At Essex County Council, we value our colleagues' well-being and recognise the importance of flexibility in the demanding field of children's Social Care. That's why we're excited to introduce an innovative approach to work-life balance: the nine-day working fortnight, designed specifically for full-time frontline Social Workers within Children's services.

CWD is part of the Children and Young People with Disabilities (CYPWD) service in West Essex. We work with children 0-16 with disabilities. We are a strong team with committed workers who continually strive to support the children we work with.

Our Children and Young People with Disabilities Service is on a mission to empower children and young adults up to 25 years old who have special educational needs and/or disabilities, along with their families. The service operates from offices strategically located in Basildon, Chelmsford, Colchester, and Harlow, ensuring accessibility and convenience for all. Within these offices, our dedicated teams collaborate seamlessly to provide an integrated and holistic service.

• 0 - 15 Social Care:
  Caring for the youngest members of our community.
• 16 - 25 Social Care:
  Supporting the transition into adulthood.
• Occupational Therapy (OT):
  Enhancing lives through tailored therapies.
• Preparing for Adulthood (PFA's):
  Guiding our youth on the path to independence.

But we're not stopping there. Our high-needs further education team is on a mission to break down barriers. They process applications for additional funding, making sure learners with learning difficulties and/or disabilities have the opportunity to access post-16 college provision.

• Qualifications:
  
  A diploma or degree in Social Work, CQSW, CSS, or an equivalent qualification.
• Certification:
  Registration with Social Work England as a registered Social Worker.
• Professional Standards: A demonstrable capability to practice in line with current professional standards, such as the Professional Capability Framework (PCF) and Knowledge & Skills Statement (KSS).
• Documentation:
  Proficiency in case recording.
• Social Work
  
  Skills:
  
  The ability to apply social work knowledge, using emotional intelligence, analytical skills, and confidence in challenging social and family situations.
• Tech-Savvy: A strong working knowledge of information technology and related systems, including Word and SW case recording systems.
• Flexibility:
  Willingness to work flexibly, including evenings and weekends when necessary to make a positive impact on the lives of those we serve.

The role requires you to be mobile throughout a wider operational area including travelling around the county of Essex and beyond, transporting service users and their belongings and to be able to do so in an emergency. Driving licence and car or the ability to meet the mobility requirements of the role through other means is essential.

As one of the largest and most dynamic UK local authorities, Essex offers a stimulating public service environment. Covering over 1,420 square miles and serving 1.8 million residents, we're committed to transformational change and delivering better quality at lower cost. Recognised in the top three of the latest IMPOWER index for productivity, we ensure everyone matters in Everyone's Essex. With flexible working options and a focus on innovation, whether you are looking to develop your career or contribute to the local community, Essex is the ideal place for you.

In February 2025,…