Social Worker

We're an adult social care service that wants to see citizens of Essex have as much choice and control over the way they live their lives as possible. We think everyone should have the chance to live a full and fulfilling life with people they love and care about, doing things that matter to them and living in a place they can call home. We're determined that with the right support, everyone can maintain or achieve some independence and we're proud to be working to make these ambitions a reality. Our Social Workers work alongside people and their families and carers to help them think through what might help them get on with their lives in the way that works best for them. We do this within the framework of our statutory Care Act requirements. This means many of our conversations are framed as 'assessments', 'reviews', 'support planning' and 'safeguarding'. But our aim is always to listen and understand what matters to the person and then to work with them to think through how this might be achieved. Our teams are proud to offer hybrid working, with an expectation to be office based at our office in Clacton around 2 to 3 days per week depending on business need for collaborative team working and training. Take a look at our short video to get a glimpse into the role and what it's like to be a Social Worker at Essex County Council., We are seeking a passionate and experienced Social Worker to join our Tendring Neighbourhood Team. This is an exciting opportunity to be part of a locality based, strengths focused service that supports adults to remain independent, safe, and connected within their communities. The teams work with people aged 18 and above across all specialisms, undertaking a wide range of duties under the Care Act 2014 from assessment, reviews, mental capacity assessments and adult safeguarding. As a Social Worker in our Neighbourhood Team, you will:

• Undertake Care Act-compliant assessments, reviews, and support planning.
• Work with adults with a range of needs, including older people, physical disabilities, learning disabilities, mental health needs, and safeguarding concerns.
• Apply strengths-based and person-centred approaches to promote independence and wellbeing.
• Participate in safeguarding enquiries in line with Section 42 of the Care Act
• Work collaboratively with health colleagues, voluntary sector partners, and wider MDTs.
• Manage a varied caseload while maintaining professional standards and high-quality practice., Our Social Worker roles involve travelling around Essex. A driving licence and car - or the ability to meet the mobility requirements of the role through other means - is essential.
What We Offer
• Manageable caseloads with supportive management oversight
• Regular supervision and opportunities for reflective practice
• Ongoing training, CPD, and career development
• A collaborative neighbourhood-based working model
• Flexible and hybrid working arrangements
• Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) - access to free and confidential information, support, and guidance from a team of highly qualified professionals.
• Employee Networks - communities to support you, connect you and help influence change at ECC
• Payment of your Social Work England registration fees!
  
  Is a qualified Social Worker with current Social Work England registration.
• Has a sound understanding of the Care Act 2014, Mental Capacity Act, and safeguarding practice.
• Demonstrates strong assessment, risk management, and decision-making skills
• Is confident working autonomously while contributing positively to a supportive team culture.
• Is committed to reflective practice, learning, and continuous professional development.
• Has experience of chairing meetings.
• Is able to develop strong relationships with partner agencies and the local community.
  
  Why Essex?
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. 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 go to 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. If you would like to be kept up to date on other relevant opportunities, blogs, news, events and industry related news at Essex County Council, please join If you have queries or require anything further, please email resourcing.team@essex.gov.uk