Social Worker – Young People with Disabilities, West

Social Worker - Young People with Disabilities, West Essex

Permanent,Full Time

£36,124 to £51,834 per annum

Location:

Harlow

Working Style:
Community-based worker

Closing Date: 16th August 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).

Essex County Council understand how important flexibility and wellbeing is for our colleagues working across children's Social Care and that we need to think differently. We have therefore developed a nine-day working fortnight for full time frontline Social Workers within Children's services.

Join our dynamic team at Children and Families, where social work is not just a job, but a passion for making a positive impact in the lives of children, young people, and their families. Our service is built on a foundation of collaboration, integrity, and compassion, creating an environment where professionals thrive while promoting the development and well-being of those we serve.

Imagine a role where you play a crucial part in the journey of young people with disabilities, guiding them toward a brighter future. As a Social Worker in the Young People with Disabilities Team, you'll be at the forefront of managing a caseload of extraordinary individuals aged 16 to 25, providing assessments, advice, and support. This isn't just a job; it's an opportunity to shape care plans and support packages that truly make a difference.

Our team specialises in using systematic and strengths-based social work approaches. We believe in building lasting relationships with young people and their families as they transition from Children's services into adulthood. This includes navigating the complexities of Education, Health, and Care Plans, assisting in accommodation transitions, supporting independence, and facilitating work experience and supported employment opportunities.

The work is diverse, involving the application of key legislations such as the Children Act 1989 and 2004, Children and Families Act 2014, Care Act 2014, Mental Capacity Act 2005, and others relevant to social care. You'll be conducting Transitions Pathway Assessments, Mental Capacity Assessments, Community Care assessments, and actively participating in the implementation and review of support packages/plans.

As part of the Children and Young People with Disabilities Service, you'll collaborate with various teams, including Child and Family Support, Preparation for Adulthood Advisors, Occupational Therapy, and the core Children and Young People with Disabilities team (0-16yr olds). This is an exciting phase as we enhance our services and embrace SEND reforms.

We value your qualifications and experience, including a diploma or degree in social work, registration with Social Work England, and a demonstrable capability to practice in line with professional standards. Your ability to apply social work knowledge with emotional intelligence and analytical skills will set you apart. Experience in Adults Social Care is particularly desirable for this role.

If you're ready for a fulfilling role where your skills and passion for social work will shine, join us on this exciting journey of improving services for children, young people, and their families. Embrace the challenge, make a difference, and look forward to a rewarding career with us.

To read more about our business area, please visit:
Children & Families

Please take a look at our 'No Magic' Children & Families video

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…