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.

In ECC we are "Serious about Social Work". Having recently won the Best Social Work Employer of the Year Award 2018 and been awarded 'Outstanding' by Ofsted this is an exciting time to join us. As if that wasn't enough, Essex has also been announced as a Partner in Practice by the Department of Education, and the Essex Social Care Academy (ESCA) is the only Local Authority team in the country to be accredited by BASW as a CPD provider. We have invested in our workforce and created a positive environment for our social workers to make a difference and achieve change for our most vulnerable children and families through direct relationship-based social work practice. We have supported our staff to have an understanding of systemic theoretical framework and models underpinning our interventions; to have access to the right tools, equipment and resources; and also the right supervision, training and learning opportunities they need to be strong practitioners.

The Role
The Social Worker is responsible for the management of their own cases and foster carer recruitment. The role primarily involves undertaking Form F assessments, as well as creative recruitment activity working closely with foster carers and children in care. Due to the nature of the role evening and weekend work is required as well as the occasional duty work. The team is therefore flexible to reflect the needs of their service users as well as their team members.
We are fortunate to have a very passionate, driven, creative team consisting of social workers and outreach worker, foster carers and children in care who work together successfully to ensure that we creatively meet every challenge we have faced and to ensure that we recruit the right foster families to care for our most vulnerable children in Essex. If you are passionate about making a difference by being part of our fostering recruiting team then this role is for you.

What you'll need to join our Social Work teams
You may be an experienced Social Worker looking to take the next step in your career open to change and ready to innovate in an environment where you can stretch yourself professionally and make an impact individually.

Excellent assessment and analytical report writing skills for understanding and dealing with complex cases.

To respond to all duty calls and initial home visits in an efficient and professional manner and recorded clearly and in detail.

To present your applicants to the Fostering Panel with clear recommendation and evidence to support this recommendation.

Support and participate in recruitment activities.

Be involved in the development of a service area that relates to recruitment of foster carers or to link with one of the quadrant fostering teams to establish up to date needs and developments relevant to that quadrant.

skills and knowledge

Diploma or Degree in Social Work, CQSW, CSS or equivalent

Registration with the Health & Care Professions Council (HCPC) as Registered Social Worker

Demonstrable capability of practice in accordance with current professional standards eg Professional Capability Framework (PCF), Knowledge & Skills Statement (KSS) Case recording

Demonstrate ability in the application of SW knowledge, using emotional intelligence, analytical skills and act with confidence in challenging social and family situations.

A good working knowledge and ability to use information technology and related systems eg, Word, SW case recording systems

Required 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.

Required to work flexibly as required, including evenings and weekends if necessary.

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.

Essex County Council is proud to offer an excellent benefits package to all its employees. More information can be found on https://www.workingforessex.com/benefits

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.

If you have any queries regarding this role, or require anything further, please contact the Resourcing Team on 0333 013 5888.