Social Worker – Family Support & Protection, Mid Essex
Permanent, Full Time
£36,124 to £51,834 per annum
Location: Chelmsford
Working Style: Fixed‑base worker
Are you a Newly Qualified Social Worker about to begin your Assessed and Supported Year in Employment (ASYE)? Would you like to start your social work career in a team purpose‑built to support your development, confidence and wellbeing as you transition from student social worker to qualified practitioner?
This is a rare and exciting opportunity to join a unique Family Support & Protection team in Mid Essex, created specifically to support NQSWs through a bespoke, nurturing and high‑quality ASYE journey.
What does the Family Support & Protection Team undertake?
The Family Support & Protection Service works with children, young people and their families where there are concerns about the safety, wellbeing and development of children under the age of 18. The service supports families at times of crisis, aiming to reduce risk, build resilience and help children remain safely within their families wherever possible.
Members of the teams undertake statutory social work with children who are in need, subject to child protection plans, or involved in pre‑proceedings and court work. Practitioners complete assessments, develop and review child‑focused plans, and work collaboratively with families and partner agencies to undertake targeted intervention to achieve sustained positive change for children and their family.
The service uses a strengths‑based, trauma‑informed and relationship‑focused approach, balancing support with appropriate challenge. Practitioners work directly with children, parents and extended family networks, ensuring that children’s voices are heard and that decisions are informed by a clear understanding of risk, need and family dynamics.
The Family Support & Protection Service plays a vital role in Essex Children’s Services, ensuring that children are supported and given the best possible opportunities to thrive.
The role is varied and rewarding, involving work under the Public Law Outline (PLO), court proceedings (including Section 7 reports), and when necessary, initiating care proceedings. You may also be involved in Special Guardianship Order (SGO) assessments.
Benefits and Support
We believe in supporting our social workers just as much as the families we serve. That’s why you’ll benefit from regular reflective supervision and access to ongoing CPD and training through the Essex Social Care Academy—a BASW‑accredited CPD provider.
You’ll be encouraged to be creative and innovative in your direct work, helping families gain the insight, tools and confidence they need to make lasting changes. When we say goodbye to families, it’s because they’re ready equipped with the tools to thrive independently.
What makes this team different?
This team has been designed from the ground up with learning, reflection and development at its heart, alongside high‑quality casework. You will join in September as part of a new cohort of NQSWs within the team, all starting your ASYE at the same time – everyone in the team will understand what it’s like to be newly qualified because you’ll be surrounded by others who feel the same.
You will learn, reflect, grow and build confidence together, creating strong professional bonds from day one – there will be early prioritisation of building team relationships and expanding your support network within the service.
This model ensures you feel held, supported and never isolated, while still being challenged to grow into a confident, capable social worker.
This team places equal value on:
- Developing high‑quality, relationship‑based practice
- Learning and reflection
- Peer support and bonding
- Building confidence and professional identity
You will be supported to become a multi‑skilled, confident Family Support & Protection social worker, embedded in best practice and proud of the work you do.
The team also feels it is important that you are supported to feel a part of something bigger. While the team offers a protective learning environment, you will also be enabled to feel part of the wider Family Support & Protection service in Mid Essex. This ensures you develop a strong professional network while still having a safe base for learning.
You will be supported by experienced Senior Practitioners and a Team Manager with specialist expertise in:
- Practice education
- ASYE assessment and support
- Coaching and mentoring newly qualified social workers
Your ASYE journey will be tailored to you — recognising your strengths, learning style and development needs.
You can expect:
- Protected learning and development time above and beyond the remit of the ASYE programme offered in Essex County Council
- Visible, present and approachable leadership
- Additional co‑working opportunities
- Regular mentoring and reflective supervision
- A strong emphasis on reflection, learning and emotional wellbeing, alongside casework within Team Meetings/events
- Modelling of highly praised social work practice, underpinned by social work theories and models
- A wrap‑around, team approach to your learning journey
- An abundance of celebration of your achievements along the way
Why Mid Essex?
This is a unique opportunity across the quadrant – this specialist Development‑focused team only exists in Mid Essex. It reflects a strong commitment to developing the next generation of social workers and investing in long‑term, sustainable practice that keeps your passion for working with families and supporting children alive throughout your successful future career.
Be part of a team that’s committed to supporting families, promoting resilience, and working towards brighter futures for children. Your work will be meaningful, your voice will be heard, and your impact will be real.
Why Essex?
As one of the largest and 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 March 2026, the Government announced that councils in Greater Essex will be reorganised into five new unitary authorities from April 2028. In addition to this, Greater Essex has been accepted onto the devolution priority programme, where we will work towards establishing a Mayoral Combined County Authority. You can read more about these changes, and what this may mean for this role, on our careers site.
Disability Confident Leadership & EEO Commitment
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.
Perks and Support
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.
Additional Information
If you have queries on this role or require anything further, please email resourcing.team@essex.gov.uk.
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