Social Worker - All About the Family Service - FTC 29/10/2027


Company:	Hays Specialist Recruitment
Salary:	£40,444 to £46,579 a year
Hours:	Full-time
Location:	Southend-On-Sea, SS1 1AB
Working pattern:	Hybrid - 3 days remote
Job type:	Contract
Posting date:	23 Oct 2026
Closing date:	22 Nov 2026

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Summary

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.P

lease 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.

What you need to do now

If you're interested in this role, click 'apply now' to forward an up-to-date copy of your CV.

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