Community Support Worker

This role will work in conjunction with Qualified Social Workers to deliver bespoke, targeted intervention work, in accordance with the care plan, to vulnerable adults. This work will normally be time limited, with measurable impact. With relevant experience of activity-based working with vulnerable adults in a social care setting or educated to Level 3. You will be passionate about engaging with and providing direct support in the community, working with partners as required. Accountabilities

• This role supports social workers and occupational therapists to implement and monitor care plans, which deliver interventions for vulnerable adults.
• Responsible for maintaining high standards of professional practice which contribute to continuous improvement across the service and delivering the four key principles.
• Responsible for highlighting issues and implementing plans to safeguard a vulnerable adult.
• Building strong, effective relationships with clients, families and carers providing practical advice, support and, where necessary, acting as an advocate. Enabling vulnerable adults to live healthily and independently.
• Work collaboratively across the service, with internal and external professional partner agencies to deliver joint objectives and ensure improved outcomes for vulnerable adults.
• Provides information and advice in relation to involvement/accessing of third-party agencies relevant to the needs of the client (e.g., benefits agencies, immigration, and housing).
• Attends meetings, reviews, case conferences and court hearings to provide information, insight, and evidence.
• Specific individual and shared targets and objectives are defined annually within the performance management framework.
  
  Experience within a social care setting, an NVQ/BTEC Level 3 or equivalent is desirable.
• Evidence of continuing professional development and knowledge in relevant professional area.
• Experience of building strong, effective relationships with adults, their families, and carers in times of challenge and crisis.
• Experience of undertaking direct, activity-based work with adults.
• Knowledge of legislative and policy guidance applicable within Social Care settings.
• Proven track record of building working relationships with partners and external agencies.
• A certificate in First Aid and/or knowledge of Sign Language is desirable in this role.
  
  As one of the largest and most dynamic UK local authorities, Essex offers a stimulating public service environment. Covering over 1,420 square miles and serving 1.8 million residents, we're committed to transformational change and delivering better quality at lower cost. Recognised in the top three of the latest IMPOWER index for productivity, we ensure everyone matters in . With flexible working options and a focus on innovation, whether you are looking to develop your career or contribute to the local community, Essex is the ideal place for you.
In March 2026, the Government announced that councils in Greater Essex will be reorganised into five new unitary authorities from April 2028. In addition to this, Greater Essex has been accepted on to the devolution priority programme, where we will work towards establishing a Mayoral Combined County Authority. You can read more about these changes, and what this may mean for this role, on our . Essex County Council is proud to be a Disability Confident Leader. We're committed to interview all disabled applicants who choose to apply under our Job Interview Scheme if they meet the minimum requirements of the job. Please speak to our Recruiters if you require any reasonable adjustments during the process. We're also committed to interview all veterans and care leavers, who meet the minimum requirements of the role for which they are applying. Once you've secured your role within Essex County Council you will receive many great employee benefits, including support for unpaid carers and flexible working arrangements to accommodate their needs. At Essex County Council, we value integrity and ethical behaviour. We kindly ask that you embrace our code of conduct and the , including throughout the recruitment process. Your commitment to these standards helps us maintain a positive and respectful workplace for everyone. 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.