Essex County Council (ECC) is one of the largest and most dynamic local authorities in the UK, serving a population of 2 million residents, and has a very successful track record of delivering transformational change. ECC anticipated change was needed in the public sector and has worked to deliver better quality at lower cost. We have an ambitious transformation agenda - one with the scope to reach every part of the council. We are changing the way we think, the way we work, and the ways in which we deliver our services. We are committed to becoming a place where individuals, partners and communities feel proud to play their role and genuinely want to belong. We're immensely proud of our flexible working options.

The purpose of this role is to work within frontline teams to support the delivery of effective Children's Social Work. Child and Family Support Workers will work in conjunction with Qualified Social Workers to deliver bespoke pieces of targeted intervention work with the child/young person and family. This work will normally be time limited, with measurable impact and always be in accordance with the care plan, as agreed by the case holding Social Worker.

The postholder will undertake a range of activity directly with children, young people and families providing practical, personal and emotional support that meets the assessed needs and promotes improved health, physical, mental and social development and well-being.

The role will work across any frontline service, including Assessment & Intervention; Family Support & Protection (including Supervised Contact); Children In Care; and Children & Young People with Disabilities. The work can be complex, demanding and emotionally challenging and the postholder is required to work with dedication and resilience.

Role Specific Accountabilities

• Undertake activity & interventions as agreed by the case holding social worker, which support the plan for the child, young person & family, including supervised contact activity.
• Build strong, effective relationships with the child, young person and family which support relationship and strengths based social work practice. Maintain high standards of professionalism which contribute to the level of confidence in ECC Children's Social Care Services.
• Liaise and work collaboratively with internal and external professional partner agencies as relevant to the case (e.g. Occupational Therapy, Schools, Health, Mental Health), to gather accurate information that informs assessment and decisions about the plan for the child.
• Provide information and advice in relation to involvement/accessing of third-party agencies relevant to the needs of the child, young person & family (e.g. benefits agencies, immigration, housing), where necessary acting as an advocate
• Be a source of practical advice and support, enabling the child, young person & family to build their capability to sustain change and function effectively within the community.
• Attend meetings, reviews, case conferences and court hearings (as directed by the case holding social worker) to provide information, insight and evidence which builds a comprehensive and rounded understanding of the child's needs.
• Record work and activity in accordance with Family Operations policies & procedures, including case records on Mosaic.
• Work collaboratively with other Child & Family Support Workers, Social Workers and Managers to contribute to the overall work and success of the team, and to ensure improved outcomes for children.

Knowledge, Skills and Experience

• NVQ/BTEC Level 3 or equivalent.
• Experience of building strong, effective relationships with children, young people and families in times of challenge and crisis.
• Experience of undertaking direct, activity-based work with children, young people and families.
• Knowledge and understanding of the issues impacting children, young people and families, and that led to them requiring support.
• Knowledge of Children Act 1989 and 2004 and other legislative and policy guidance applicable within Children's Social Care.
• Desirable - First Aid Certificate/ Ability to Sign Language.
• The role requires you to be mobile throughout a wide 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 ability to meet the mobility requirements of the role through other means is essential.

Qualification certificates should be brought to interview.

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 part of employment with Essex County Council (ECC) should your role require a DBS check you will be required to register with the DBS update service. The DBS update service ensures all registered DBS certificates are kept up to date and allows authorised parties to view the status of your certificate. This is an annual subscription and you will be responsible for ensuring this is maintained.

Essex County Council is proud to offer an excellent benefits package to all its employees.

Essex County Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults, and expects all employees and volunteers to share this commitment.

We seek the best talent from the widest pool of people as diversity is key to our success.