Your New Organisation
Southend on Sea City Council is a Unitary local authority, providing vital services to meet the needs of the local community. We employ around 1,800 staff who are working alongside our partners and local communities to deliver the city vision and make lives better for the people of Southend.
Working for Southend on Sea City Council offers a challenging and rewarding career in local government within a collaborative and innovate environment, with the benefit of flexible working practices to support a positive work life balance. As a Unitary Authority we are responsible for all local government functions ranging from social services, transport, public health and parks through to planning, trading standards, community safety and education, so we offer a wide range of career opportunities. The diversity of our economy and communities and investment in a number of exciting regeneration projects makes our Council a great place to work, learn and make a difference.
Your new role
Southend City Council are looking to appoint a full-time Social Worker for the newly named All About the Family Service in a fixed term capacity until October 2027.
This is a specialist position where the newly appointed Social Worker will be working with children and young people who are accommodated by the Local Authority where reunification with their family is a potential outcome.
The Social Worker will complete evidence-informed reunification assessments, guided by the NSPCC reunification framework, undertaking direct work with children and parents to assess strengths, risks, parenting capacity and sustainable change. They will also support the council’s ‘Parenting From a Distance’ programme, helping parents prepare for potential reunification. Assessments may form part of court proceedings, requiring clear analysis, professional recommendations and attendance at court where required. The role involves close partnership working with Social Care and the wider professional network.
Please note that there is potential for some evening and weekend working between 8am and 8pm.
Being a car driver will be beneficial as there will be some out of the county visits required.
What you’ll need to succeed
To be shortlisted for this position you must be able to work in the UK, have a recognised Social Work qualification and be registered with the Social Work England and have completed your ASYE.
You must have experience of working with children and families and a strong understanding of safeguarding, risk and child development. You will need to be confident in assessment and analysis, able to balance strengths, concerns and evidence to make clear professional recommendations as well as having strong relationship-building skills.
Have the ability to engage children and parents in purposeful and sometimes challenging direct work. You will be child-centred, reflective and professionally curious, ensuring the child’s voice and lived experience informs your practice. You will work effectively with Social Care colleagues and wider professional networks, communicate clearly in writing and in meetings, and be able to manage competing priorities.
Most importantly, you will bring empathy, professional challenge and a belief in families’ capacity to make meaningful and sustainable change.
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.
