Our vision is A Southend Where All Children Achieve Success. By joining Southend City Council as a Social Worker you will be key in making our vision a reality for all children. You will be joining a service where we demonstrate with pride that: 

• All paths lead back to the child
• We spend time getting to know each child and their story
• We do what we say we're going to do
• We work with the whole family
• No matter what, we aim to make things better

You will provide support to work to the highest standard using our model of practice, Restorative Practice, to deliver the vision. You will access a professional social work development offer, that has been designed with social workers, whatever stage you are at in your career. You will be given regular restorative supervision and separate supervision focussing on development and evidencing your SWE registration. We want everyone to take a lead in an area of interest for your team and you will explore this with your line manager. 

We have posts in a number of teams so please contact our recruitment partner, Hays, to discuss the teams we are currently recruiting too.

Southend City Council are looking to appoint a full-time permanent Qualified Social Worker for their Children Looked After Team (CLA).

Within this position, hybrid working opportunities are available. However, a flexible approach is required as you will be required to be on site and travel around the city, as and when needed.

*This position attracts the added incentive of a one-off payment of £7,500, after you have been employed in this post for 3 years and 1 day.

The CLA team work with children once care proceedings have concluded.  There is some court work around revocation of care orders, contact disputes and making adoption orders.  Therefore some experience of court work would be preferable.

You will be required to provide an efficient and cost-effective service-to children, young people and their families, ensuring that the needs of the children and their parents/carers are professionally assessed. Investigate, evaluate and analyse information on cases, demonstrating clarity of assessment, reliability of information, evidence conclusions and realistic action plans.

Ensure adequate recording that evidences practice and develops practice that takes a holistic view of the individual, locating them in both their immediate and extended social circles, and having full regard to their overall development needs. Ensure that all case management complies with the statutory requirements and the Council’s policies and procedures. You will need to prepare and submit written reports as and when required, including statements and care plans for care proceedings in the Family Proceedings, County and High Courts.

Nowhere else will you gain as much experience on the job, making us a sought-after place to work. If you are passionate, dedicated to making a change and ready for a challenge – you could be the candidate we are looking for.

To be successful in this position, you must be 2 years post-qualified and have a recognised Social Work qualification & be registered with SW England.

Evidence of continuing professional development inc Post Qualification Award Knowledge of child protection, looked after children and associated children in need social work practice issues. Knowledge of methods of social work intervention and relevant legislation, regulations, guidance & policy issues.

Understanding of the framework for the assessment of children in need and their families, contemporary knowledge of social work & their social work applications, i.e. attachment theory, enabling change, behaviour management. Knowledge of methods of social work intervention, knowledge of relevant legislation, regulations, guidance & policy issues.

When joining the council, you can enjoy a range of benefits including: 25 days annual leave, flexible working, salary car sacrifice scheme and excellent training and development opportunities. They are committed to ensuring that you are supported in this varied and challenging role with the appropriate level of training. A full list of benefits provided by Southend Council can be viewed on the "Why Work For Us?" tab. 

If you are interested in this role, please click 'apply online' to forward an up-to-date copy of your CV.

Click here for JD

If you are wanting further information that isn't in the JD, please contact Nathalie Nathalie.s@hays.com

Please note: Applications for this vacancy may close prior to the date advertised above so you are advised to apply as soon as you are able to.

All applicants for this role will require an enhanced DBS check.

The Council is an equal opportunities employer. We welcome applications, regardless of race, sex, disability, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, marital or civil partner status, pregnancy or maternity, age or religion or belief.