Social Worker – Children in Care

Position: Social Worker – Children in Care (Contract)
Essex County Council | Locum | £36 per hour | Hybrid Working

Essex County Council is seeking an experienced Social Worker to join their Children in Care Team. This role focuses on supporting children and young people in care, ensuring they receive stable placements, effective care planning, and positive long-term outcomes.

You will work closely with children, carers, families, and partner agencies to promote stability, permanency, and wellbeing for looked after children.

In this role, you will:

Manage a caseload of Looked After Children

Undertake statutory visits and ensure compliance with care planning requirements

Develop and progress permanence plans including reunification, long-term fostering, SGO, or adoption

Prepare reports for LAC reviews, court, and permanency planning meetings

Work closely with foster carers, residential settings, and partner agencies

Support children and young people to achieve positive outcomes in education, health, and wellbeing

Maintain accurate and analytical case recordings

What You’ll Need:

Social Work England Registration

Social Work Qualification

At least 3 years’ post-qualified experience in children’s social care

Experience working within a Children in Care / Looked After Children team

Strong understanding of care planning and permanency processes

Excellent assessment, analytical, and report-writing skills

Why Sheldon Phillips?

Because we actually listen to what you need. We’re not just here to fill roles—we’re here to find you the right fit in a supportive and rewarding team. That’s why social workers trust us to help them take the next step in their careers.

If you want to know more about this Social Worker – Children in Care role in Essex, give Ellis Russell a call on (phone number removed) – let’s have a chat!

And don’t forget – if you refer a friend and we place them, you’ll get £300 as a thank you! (Terms and conditions apply)