Social Worker- Family Support & Protection, Mid

About The Role

Social Worker
- Family Support & Protection, Mid Essex

Permanent, Full Time

£36,124 to £51,834 per annum

Location:

Chelmsford

Working Style:
Fixed-base worker

Closing Date: 13th August 2026

Are you a Newly Qualified Social Worker about to begin your Assessed and Supported Year in Employment (ASYE)? Would you like to start your social work career in a team purpose-built to support your development, confidence and wellbeing as you transition from student social worker to qualified practitioner? This is a rare and exciting opportunity to join a unique Family Support & Protection team in Mid Essex, created specifically to support NQSWs through a bespoke, nurturing and high-quality ASYE journey.

The Family Support and Protection Service works with children, young people and their families where there are concerns about the safety, wellbeing and development of children under the age of 18. The service supports families at times of crisis, aiming to reduce risk, build resilience and help children remain safely within their families wherever possible. Members of the teams undertake statutory social work with children who are in need, subject to child protection plans, or involved in pre proceedings and court work.

Practitioners complete assessments, develop and review child-focused plans, and work collaboratively with families and partner agencies to undertake targeted intervention to achieve sustained positive change for children and their family. The service uses a strengths-based, trauma informed and relationship focused approach, balancing support with appropriate challenge. Practitioners work directly with children, parents and extended family networks, ensuring that children’s voices are heard and that decisions are informed by a clear understanding of risk, need and family dynamics.

The Family Support and Protection Service plays a vital role in Essex Children’s Services, ensuring that children are supported and given the best possible opportunities to thrive. The role is varied and rewarding, involving work under the Public Law Outline (PLO), court proceedings (including Section 7 reports), and when necessary, initiating care proceedings. You may also be involved in Special Guardianship Order (SGO) assessments.

We believe in supporting our social workers just as much as the families we serve. That’s why you’ll benefit from regular reflective supervision and access to ongoing CPD and training through the Essex Social Care Academy—a BASW-accredited CPD provider. You’ll be encouraged to be creative and innovative in your direct work, helping families gain the insight, tools, and confidence they need to make lasting changes.

When we say goodbye to families, it’s because they’re ready equipped with the tools to thrive independently.

Please read more about our business area, Children & Families. Please take a look at our 'No Magic' Children & Families video.

This team has been designed from the ground up with learning, reflection and development at its heart, alongside high-quality casework. You will join in September as part of a new cohort of NQSWs within the team, all starting your ASYE at the same time - everyone in the team will understand what it’s like to be newly qualified because you’ll be surrounded by others who feel the same.

You will learn, reflect, grow and build confidence together, creating strong professional bonds from day one – there will be early prioritisation of building team relationships and expanding your support network within the service. This model ensures you feel held, supported and never isolated, while still being challenged to grow into a confident, capable social worker. This team places equal value on:
Developing high-quality, relationship-based practice, Learning and reflection, Peer support and bonding, Building confidence and professional identity.

• Developing high-quality, relationship-based practice
• Learning and reflection
• Peer support and bonding
• Building confidence and professional identity

You will be supported to become a multi-skilled, confident Family Support…