Social Worker, Young People with Disabilities, North Essex

Social Worker, Young People with Disabilities, North Essex

Permanent, Full Time

£36,124 to £51,834 per annum

Location: Colchester

Working Style: Community-based worker

Closing Date: 23rd April 2026

This position is open to Newly Qualified Social Workers (NQSWs) and Experienced Social Workers. (The starting salary for a NQSW is £36,124 per annum and this will rise to £38,487 per annum on successful completion of the ASYE programme).

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.

Join our dynamic team at Children and Families, where social work is not just a job, but a passion for making a positive impact in the lives of children, young people, and their families. Our service is built on a foundation of collaboration, integrity, and compassion, creating an environment where professionals thrive while promoting the development and well-being of those we serve.

Young People with Disabilities – YPWD Team:

Imagine a role where you play a crucial part in the journey of young people with disabilities, guiding them toward a brighter future. As a Social Worker in the Young People with Disabilities Team, you'll be at the forefront of managing a caseload of extraordinary individuals aged 16 to 25, providing assessments, advice, and support. This isn't just a job; it's an opportunity to shape care plans and support packages that truly make a difference.

What Sets Us Apart:

Our team specialises in using systematic and strengths-based social work approaches. We believe in building lasting relationships with young people and their families as they transition from Children's services into adulthood. This includes navigating the complexities of Education, Health, and Care Plans, assisting in accommodation transitions, supporting independence, and facilitating work experience and supported employment opportunities.

Variety in Action:

The work is diverse, involving the application of key legislations such as the Children Act 1989 and 2004, Children and Families Act 2014, Care Act 2014, Mental Capacity Act 2005, and others relevant to social care. You'll be conducting Transitions Pathway Assessments, Mental Capacity Assessments, Community Care assessments, and actively participating in the implementation and review of support packages/plans.

Team Collaboration:

As part of the Children and Young People with Disabilities Service, you'll collaborate with various teams, including Child and Family Support, Preparation for Adulthood Advisors, Occupational Therapy, and the core Children and Young People with Disabilities team (0-16yr olds). This is an exciting phase as we enhance our services and embrace SEND reforms.

Qualifications and More:

We value your qualifications and experience, including a diploma or degree in social work, registration with Social Work England, and a demonstrable capability to practice in line with professional standards. Your ability to apply social work knowledge with emotional intelligence and analytical skills will set you apart. Experience in Adults Social Care is particularly desirable for this role.

Join Us:

If you're ready for a fulfilling role where your skills and passion for social work will shine, join us on this exciting journey of improving services for children, young people, and their families. Embrace the challenge, make a difference, and look forward to a rewarding career with us.

To read more about our business area, please visit: Children & Families

Please take a look at our ‘No Magic’ Children & Families video

Why Essex?

As one of the largest and most dynamic UK local authorities, Essex offers a stimulating public service environment. Covering over 1,420 square miles and serving 1.8 million residents, we’re committed to transformational change and delivering better quality at lower cost. Recognised in the top three of the latest IMPOWER index for productivity, we ensure everyone matters in Everyone's Essex . With flexible working options and a focus on innovation, whether you are looking to develop your career or contribute to the local community, Essex is the ideal place for you.

In February 2025 , Greater Essex was accepted onto the Government’s devolution priority programme, which will see local authorities in Essex work towards establishing a Mayoral Combined County Authority by May 2026. You can read more about devolution and local government reorganisation (LGR ) on our careers site.

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.

Once you’ve secured your role within Essex County Council you will receive many great employee benefits, including support for unpaid carers and flexible working arrangements to accommodate their needs.

At Essex County Council, we value integrity and ethical behaviour. We kindly ask that you embrace our code of conduct and the Nolan principles , including throughout the recruitment process. Your commitment to these standards helps us maintain a positive and respectful workplace for everyone.

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.

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

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