Social Worker – Leaving and Aftercare, West EssexPermanent, Full Time£37,185 to £50,081 per annumLocation: HarlowWorking Style: Community-based workerClosing Date: 4th November 2025 Essex County Council understand how important flexibility and wellbeing is for our colleagues working across children’s Social Care and that we need to think differently. We have therefore developed a nine-day working fortnight for full time frontline Social Workers within Children’s services. Welcome to a world where the heart of social work beats strongest, where the future of our children and families is nurtured with compassion and care. In this vibrant and dedicated service, we believe in the power of collaboration, integrity, and unwavering compassion. Our mission is simple yet profound: to foster the growth and well-being of children, young people, and their families while shielding them from the shadows of neglect and abuse. Together, with our valued partners, we strive to create a brighter future for all. The Team At the core of our mission, we have the remarkable Leaving and After Care Teams. These teams are the champions of young people aged 16 to 25 who have experienced the complexities of being in care or have embarked on their journey after leaving care. Our teams are a diverse blend of social workers, personal advisors, mental health coordinators, and targeted youth advisors. Each member brings their unique talents and expertise to the table, making them a force to be reckoned with. What sets us apart is our unwavering dedication to empowering young people. For those still in care, we collaborate with providers, agencies, and partners to unlock the full potential of these young people. We believe in removing barriers and building resilience so that they can confidently look forward to a future full of promise and hope. But our commitment doesn’t end there. For our young people who have taken the step to leave care, our teams offer their unwavering support system. We offer guidance, information, and the helping hand needed to navigate the challenges of independent living. Our ultimate goal is to not just help them survive, but to thrive by facilitating access to education, training, and employment opportunities. In our world, every child, every young person, and every family has the chance to dream, to grow, and to flourish. We are the guardians of their brighter tomorrow, the builders of their resilience, and the beacons of hope on their journey. Together, we create a tapestry of care, woven with collaboration, integrity, and unwavering compassion, where the future is filled with endless possibilities. The experience you will bring Diploma or degree in Social Work, CQSW, CSS or equivalent Registration with Social Work England as a registered Social Worker Demonstrable capability of practice in accordance with current professional standards e.g. Professional Capability Framework (PCF), Knowledge & Skills Statement (KSS) Case recording. Demonstrate ability in the application of social work knowledge, using emotional intelligence, analytical skills and act with confidence in challenging social and family situations. A good working knowledge and ability to use information technology and related systems e.g., Word, SW case recording systems. Required to work flexibly as required, including evenings and weekends if necessary. To read more about us please visit: Children & Families Please take a look at our ‘No Magic’ Children & Families video The role requires you to be mobile throughout a wider operational area including travelling around the county of Essex and beyond, transporting service users and their belongings and to be able to do so in an emergency. Driving licence and car or the ability to meet the mobility requirements of the role through other means is essential. Why Essex? Essex County Council has a location to be proud of. Our 1,300 square miles stretch from Constable Country to the Thames Estuary, from the dynamic M11 corridor to the traditional seaside resorts of Clacton and Walton. England’s oldest town, Colchester, and two of its newest – Basildon and Harlow – are right here. Along with the City of Chelmsford, the county town, they form our major population centres. It means real choice and makes Essex the ideal place for your career. Read more about us. 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. What you should do next If you are interested in finding out more about this role, we would love to hear from you. Please apply via the Working for Essex website. 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 https://www.gov.uk/dbs-update-service 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 The Essex Talent Community If you have queries on this role or require anything further, please email resourcing.team@essex.gov.uk Follow us on Facebook ,Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn . Further details can be found on our careers page . Downloads Pay and Reward | Our Ways of Working | About Us | Organisation Behaviours