Your New Organisation

In Southend City Council’s Families First Service, relationships matter, practice is purposeful, and children are truly at the centre of everything we do.

Our Families First Service is driven by a clear and ambitious vision: to deliver effective, compassionate, and truly child-centred support that makes a lasting difference.

At the heart of our work is our practice model: Relational, Systemic and Decisive. This isn’t just a framework, it’s how we work every day. We believe that the best outcomes for children come from strong, meaningful relationships and a deep understanding of the environments around them.

We work with families, building on their strengths, supporting change, and addressing challenges with clarity, confidence, and purpose. This is a place where practice is thoughtful, purposeful, and focused on what really matters: improving children’s lives.

By joining Southend City Council as a Social Worker, you will be key to 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 focussing 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 one of the 6 Families First Service Teams.

• Working directly with children, young people, and families to create positive and lasting change
• Building strong, trusting relationships through a restorative and relational approach
• Assessing need and risk with confidence, always keeping the child’s lived experience at the centre
• Shaping high-quality plans that promote safety, stability, and long-term wellbeing
• Working alongside partners to deliver coordinated, joined-up support

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 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. 

If you’re passionate about helping children and families thrive, believe in the power of relationships, and want to be part of a service that is committed to continuous learning and improvement, we want to hear from you.

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. 

Duty is 1 week out of 6.

You are required to be a driver and have use of a car.

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 children 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 are required to be a driver 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 the Job Description, please 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.