Please note this is a secondment or fixed term opportunity for 12 months

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 Role
This is a key role that ensures the `Single Point of Entry` is accessible by professionals, members of the public and families. Advisers will work with a team of senior staff to ensure that children and families receive a prompt and appropriate response to concerns and risks, making sure that all contact is dealt with safely and efficiently.
You will respond to enquiries and referrals via a range of sources including telephone calls and emails from professionals, members of the public and families.
You will proactively gather information and record in line with procedures and legislation to ensure that families in Essex receive the most appropriate level of support in a timely manner through either robust information, advice and guidance or onward referral to the appropriate team.

Key Accountabilities

Taking personal responsibility for providing accurate Information, advice and guidance either via telephone or email in line with the levels of need identified within the Effective Support for Children and Families in Essex guidance

Working closely with other team members, seeking support and advice where required to identify risk and ensure children are safeguarded by prioritising referrals when necessary.

Ensuring that appropriate information is recorded accurately and is entered onto the appropriate system, taking advice where necessary, maintaining safe and lawful recording in accordance with the Data Protection legislation and ECC policy.

Gathering relevant information as required ensuring that the appropriate level of need is identified for families and completing records to ensure consideration for further referral onto a relevant team within the Children and Families function.

Acting as a link adviser to a thematic area of work or geographical area ensuring a good knowledge of local services is available for the Children and Families to include in the Directory of Services.

The duties of the post may be changed and/or varied to meet changing circumstances at the discretion of the Children and Families Hub management team therefore allowing for a flexible approach to workflow and demand.

The role is based in Essex House, Colchester; however, some travelling may be required to attend training, representing the team at meetings, and liaising with both internal and external partners.

Skills and knowledge

A knowledge and understanding of current national and local safeguarding legislation and procedures including the Effective Support for Children and Families in Essex guidance and the Children`s Act.

Good general level of education including English at GCSE grade A-C, or demonstrably equivalent abilities.

Experience of communicating by telephone and electronically recording information promptly and in adherence with data protection legislation.

Understanding of high-quality customer care and information provision and an appreciation of potential barriers and challenges for hard to reach groups.

High level of inter-personal, negotiation and communication skills, engaging at appropriate levels with a variety of audiences.

Confidence and working experience of IT systems including using a range of recording systems.

Awareness of Health and Safety at Work

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. For further information on the DBS update service please visit:

Essex County Council is proud to offer an excellent benefits package to all its employees. More information can be found on

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 Recruitment on 0333 013 5888