Working to support adults, and their families, who have complex social needs and are more vulnerable as a result of disability, exclusion, or diminished capacity, you’ll maximise their potential to live independently.

With case work focusing on the most complex and challenging adult cases, you’ll ensure that adults and their families are safeguarded. You’ll share ideas and best practice, providing specialist advice as part of a multi-disciplinary team sharing your knowledge as a Social Worker.

We currently have an opportunity for an experienced Social Worker to join our Learning Disabilities and Autism team based in our West Essex area.

The West Essex area covers Harlow, Epping and Uttlesford. West Essex is unique as it borders London boroughs, Hertfordshire, Cambridgeshire and has close links to NHS partners in the area. This offers the opportunity for those joining us in West Essex to be involved in initiatives that run across authorities and organisations. With close proximity to bordering counties and North East London the area is ideal for those that want to commute into Essex.

The Team

The LD & Autism team strives to improve outcomes for people with learning disabilities and/or autism through the work we do, we are a supportive team and work with the person at the centre of everything we do. We take a person-centred approach to practice and support adults with achieving their goals and ambitions, while also meeting their social care needs. This is achieved through direct work, multi-disciplinary approaches, collaboration and building local community links. The achievements with the team truly make a difference in the adults lives we work with and take a step towards changing the opportunities and outcomes for adults in our local community.

You will join a knowledgeable and supportive team, who are happy to share their knowledge and in addition, you will have opportunity to undertake training via the Essex Social Care Academy and develop skills and understanding regarding your role and career progression. Regular Team Meetings, Practice Meetings and supervision will also enable you to develop your skills.

You will have the opportunity to become a Practice Educator or Approved Mental Health Practitioner (AMHP) or to utilise Best Interest Assessor (BIA) qualifications.

In addition, we offer flexible working over 37 hours/week. Condensed hours over 4 days (08:00- 18:30) with a flexible day off with can be considered subject to service requirements. Visits are carried out in the community but there will be opportunity to work from home, with the office being used for key meetings and drop in sessions.

About Us

Essex County Council has been awarded Social Work Employer of the year in the prestigious 2021 Social Worker of the Year Awards.

With us, you can achieve more – for yourself as well as the vulnerable adults you work to support. We’re always looking for new ways to deliver even better services, Social Workers play an integral role in our preventative approach to Social Care. We encourage our multi-disciplinary teams to share their ideas and experience. We work together to get things done. Bring your positive, proactive attitude, and we’ll empower you to make the most of your experience as a Social Worker within Essex County Council (ECC) Adult Social Care services.

To find out more about what it’s like working within ECC’s Adult Social Care services, please see a short video here.

About You

To apply you should be a qualified social worker with a current Social Work England registration. You’ll bring at least 1 year’s social work experience, evidence of continuing professional development, and capability of practice in accordance with current professional standards. Ideally you will have experience working within an LD & Autism team.

This role involves travelling around Essex. A 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.

What we offer in return

We’ll support you to be to your best, with the resources, training and development to empower you. You can add to your expertise, with a range of opportunities offered by our award-winning Essex Social Care Academy. And, with flexible working options and other lifestyle benefits, we’ll enable you to make the most of your life outside work, too.

Whatever you want to achieve in your social care career, you can do it here.

For more information contact Abbie.Mollison@essex.gov.uk

To apply please click the Apply Now link below.