Your New Organisation

Children Services – OFSTED RATING 2024 – GOOD

“Many workers have chosen to both live and work in Southend.  They have seen positive cultural changes in the organisation and describe Southend as not just being a good place to live but now also a good place to work.”

“Social workers speak with warmth and knowledge about the children and families they support”

CPD

“The training and development offered in Southend is comprehensive and equips staff effectively to deliver their work with children and families.

LEADERS INPUT

“Leaders understand their local communities and have used this knowledge strategically and effectively to meet children’s needs”

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 by social workers, whatever stage you are at in your career. You will be given regular restorative supervision and separate supervision focusing on development and evidencing your SWE registration. We want everyone to take the lead in an area of interest for your team, and you will explore this with your line manager. 

Your new role

Southend Council are looking to recruit a permanent full-time Qualified Social Worker to work within the Assessment and Intervention team. 

Within this position, hybrid working opportunities are available. However, you are required to be on-site at the Civic Centre a minimum of 2 days a week.

*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!

You will be required to provide an efficient and cost-effective service to young people, ensuring that their needs are assessed. Making sure every young person will have a professional and comprehensive Pathway Plan and risk assessment completed. The position consists of assessing and supporting children and families in the LA area. Working under the support of CIN, CLA, CP and including section 47 processes. The social worker will need to work as part of a team to ensure the smooth running of a duty system and ensure that cases are held and effectively assessed during this period. 

If you are passionate, dedicated to making a change and ready for a challenge – you could be the candidate we are looking for.

What you’ll need to succeed

To be successful in this position you must have a recognised Social Work qualification and be registered with Social Work England and have completed your ASYE.

You need to have previous experience of working within Children’s Frontline services and have knowledge of child protection, looked after children and associated child in need; social work practice is essential, along with knowledge of methods of social work intervention.

Have the ability to analyse new cases and refer to a correct course of action.

You must hold a driving licence and have use of a car.

What you’ll get in return

When joining the council, you can enjoy a range of benefits including: 25 days annual leave, flexible working 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.

What you need to do now

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

If you would like a copy of the Job Description Click here

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.