Posted 7 days ago

Adults Social Worker - West Essex

Essex County Council
Pay £34.9k–£60.0k per year
Location Essex
Contract time Full time

The Breakroom Take

6.6

Rated 6.6 out of 10, based on 155 employees who took the Breakroom Quiz

See all job reviews

  • People enjoy this job
  • Recommended by parents
  • Respectful managers

About Essex County Council

Essex County Council is a local authority. They oversee local services.

Job description from Essex County Council

Register your interest here to be notified of upcoming opportunities in West Essex. We welcome expressions of interest from Experienced and Newly Qualified Social Workers (NQSW). The starting salary for a NQSW is £34,902 per annum, rising to £37,185 per annum upon successful completion of the ASYE programme.

Why Join Us?

With us, you can achieve more - for yourself as well as the vulnerable adults you work to support. We're always looking for new ways to deliver even better services, Social Workers play an integral role in our preventative approach to Social Care. We encourage our multi-disciplinary teams to share their ideas and experience. We work together to get things done. Bring your positive, proactive attitude, and we'll empower you to make the most of your experience within Essex County Council (ECC) Adult Social Care services.

Whatever you want to achieve in your social care career, you can do it here.

Visit our brochure to find out more about ECC's Adult Social Care services.

What We Offer

We'll support you to be your best…

Training and development to empower you from our award-winning Essex Social Care Academy. With us you can make your career work for you with flexible working options With us you can get the support you need with employee wellbeing and counselling Lease Car scheme Up to £8000 for relocation* With us you can have peace of mind with life assurance of three times annual salary Payment of professional fees for approved professions Local Government Pension Scheme. View Key Facts and FAQ's about the LGPS. Volunteering leave (up to 4 days per year) 27 days annual leave (plus bank holidays), rising with service
Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) - access to free and confidential information, support, and guidance from a team of highly qualified professionals.Employee Networks - communities to support you, connect you and help influence change at ECC

More information can be found on https://www.workingforessex.com/working-here/pay-reward/

About the Role

Working to support adults and their families who have complex social needs and are more vulnerable as a result of disability, exclusion, or diminished capacity, you'll maximise their potential to live independently.

We currently have opportunities for experienced Social Workers to join our Adult Social Care teams in West.

The West Essex area covers Harlow and Epping. West Essex is unique as it borders London boroughs, Hertfordshire, Cambridgeshire and has close links to NHS partners in the area. This offers the opportunity for those joining us in West Essex to be involved in initiatives that run across authorities and organisations. With close proximity to bordering counties and North East London the area is ideal for those that want to commute into Essex.

All of our teams are supportive of each other and offer opportunities for professional development to meet the SWE regulations. Our teams include Older Adults Mental Health, Discharge to Assess, Learning Disability & Autism, Physical & Sensory Impairments and Neighbourhood teams.

About You

To apply you should be a qualified social worker with a current Social Work England registration. You'll bring at least 1 year's social work experience, evidence of continuing professional development, and capability of practice in accordance with current professional standards. As, as a subject matter expert in relevant professional practice, you should have a comprehensive understanding of current legislation, regulations, and guidance. With experience of chairing meetings involving clients, family members, carers, and other multi-agency professionals, we're looking for your ability to develop strong relationships with partner agencies and the local community to provide a supportive framework for vulnerable adults.

You'll also bring:

Evidence of continuing professional development and capability of practice in accordance with current professional standards. An in-depth understanding of the financial implications of commissioned care packages. The ability to make clear decisions, to highlight and limit potential risks associated with intervention.

This role involves travelling around Essex. A 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.

* T&Cs Apply.

Apply now.

For more information visit our Adult Social Care Brochure or contact Abbie.Mollison@essex.gov.uk

Essex County Council is proud to offer an excellent benefits package to all its employees. More information can be found on https://www.workingforessex.com/working-here/pay-reward/

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 .

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.

We seek the best talent from the widest pool of people as diversity is key to our success.

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

Pay and Reward | Our Ways of Working | About Us | Organisation Behaviours

What employees say

Pay

    Good
  • Most people are paid a living wage

    Do Essex County Council pay social workers enough to live on?

    Most people are paid a living wage.

    How we know this

    100% of people say they are paid at or above the Real Living Wage for where they live.

    Based on data from 19 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between June 2022 and June 2024.

    Why this matters

    Everyone should be paid enough to live on.

    The Real Living Wage is a voluntary rate employers can sign up to that is based on the real cost of living.

    The current rates are £12.60 per hour, and £13.85 per hour in London.

    Find out more in our explainer about the Real Living Wage.

  • Okay
  • Only some people are paid market rates

    Do Essex County Council pay social workers market rates?

    Only some people are paid above average for their job.

    How we know this

    47% of people are paid below average for the type of work they do.

    Based on data from 19 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between June 2022 and June 2024.

    Why this matters

    Pay can vary a lot between types of job. Employers should be ensuring that the rates their staff are paid are in line with similar roles elsewhere.

  • Okay
  • Only some people get paid breaks

    Do social workers at Essex County Council get paid breaks?

    Sometimes. Only some people get paid breaks.

    How we know this

    61% of people say they don’t get paid breaks.

    Based on data from 18 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between June 2022 and June 2024.

    Why this matters

    A good job should have paid breaks.

    You should be paid for all your time at work, whether you’re on a break or not.

  • Good
  • Most people get sick pay

    Do Essex County Council pay social workers sick pay?

    Yes. Most people get proper sick pay.

    How we know this

    81% of people say they would get paid if they were sick but scheduled to work.

    Based on data from 16 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between August 2022 and June 2024.

    Why this matters

    Everyone gets sick sometimes. You should be able to take time off without worrying.

    At a good job you should still get paid if you’re scheduled to work but can’t due to sickness. Your contract should say how many sick days you can take each year.

    This is more than the legal minimum, which says you should only get paid if you are unwell for 4 full days. See Citizens Advice for more details.

Hours and flexibility

    Good
  • Easy to book holiday

    How easy is it for social workers to book a holiday at Essex County Council?

    Most people find it easy to book holiday.

    How we know this

    79% of people report it’s easy to book holidays.

    Based on data from 19 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between June 2022 and June 2024.

    Why this matters

    A good job should let you take time off when you need it, and it shouldn’t be a nightmare to arrange.

  • Good
  • Most people find it easy to take sick leave

    How easy is it for social workers to take sick leave at Essex County Council?

    Most people find it easy to take sick leave.

    How we know this

    71% of people report that it’s easy to take time off if they are sick.

    Based on data from 17 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between June 2022 and March 2024.

    Why this matters

    Everyone gets sick sometimes. You should be able to take time off when you need to.

    A good job should support you when you’re unwell and have systems in place that will allow you to take time off to recover when you need it.

Workplace

    Good
  • Most people feel treated with respect

    Do social workers at Essex County Council feel treated with respect by their managers?

    Most people feel treated with respect by their managers.

    How we know this

    94% of people say they’re treated with respect by their managers.

    Based on data from 18 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between June 2022 and June 2024.

    Why this matters

    Everyone should get treated with respect by their managers. You shouldn’t feel discriminated against or bullied, and if you have a problem you should be able to speak to someone about it.

  • Okay
  • Only some people get proper breaks

    Do social workers at Essex County Council get proper breaks?

    Some people don’t get proper breaks.

    How we know this

    44% of people report that they don’t get to take proper breaks.

    Based on data from 18 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between June 2022 and June 2024.

    Why this matters

    When you take a break it should be a proper rest. It should last the full duration and you shouldn’t get pulled off it.

  • Needs improving
  • Most people are stressed

    Is it stressful for social workers to work at Essex County Council?

    Most people feel stressed here.

    How we know this

    84% of people say they often feel stressed at work.

    Based on data from 19 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between June 2022 and June 2024.

    Why this matters

    Work isn’t always easy, but if you’re frequently feel stressed, that’s not good.

    Your employer should support you with enough people and resources to get your job done without feeling overwhelmed.

  • Good
  • Most people enjoy their job

    Do social workers at Essex County Council enjoy their jobs?

    Most people enjoy their job.

    How we know this

    88% of people report they enjoy their job.

    Based on data from 17 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between June 2022 and March 2024.

  • Good
  • Most people recommend their team

    Do social workers at Essex County Council recommend working with their team?

    Most people recommend working with their team.

    How we know this

    74% of people report that they would recommend working with their immediate team to a friend.

    Based on data from 19 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between June 2022 and June 2024.

    Why this matters

    A good job means enjoying the place where you work.

    The people you work with every day really matter. They can be the difference between a terrible day and a great one.

    If you’d recommend your team to a friend, this shows that something’s going right.

  • Good
  • Most people get enough training

    Do social workers get enough training when they start at Essex County Council?

    Most people got enough training when they started.

    How we know this

    89% of people report they got enough training when they started working here.

    Based on data from 18 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between June 2022 and March 2024.

    Why this matters

    A good job should give you good training when you start, not just drop you in at the deep end.

    This means that you’ll be happier and more productive from day one and shows that your employer values you.

    It’s also very important if your job involves anything that could be dangerous. Good training from the outset keeps you and your team safe.

  • Okay
  • Only some people get support to progress

    Are social workers given support to progress at Essex County Council?

    Only some people are given support to progress here.

    How we know this

    In the last year, 39% of people report not being given an opportunity to get better at their job, learn a new skill, learn to manage a team or get more responsibility in their role.

    Based on data from 18 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between June 2022 and June 2024.

    Why this matters

    A good job should help you progress at work, if you want to. That might be supporting you to get better at the job you currently have, learn something new, manage a team or take on more responsibilities.

    This means you’ll be able to build on your skills and experience, and earn more money.

  • Needs improving
  • Head office doesn’t understand what’s happening

    Do social workers think Essex County Council head office understands what's happening where they work?

    Most people think head office doesn’t understand what’s happening where they work.

    How we know this

    75% of people think that this employer’s head office or owners don’t have a good understanding of what’s really happening where they work.

    Based on data from 16 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between August 2022 and March 2024.

    Why this matters

    At a good job, the role of head office should be to support the people on the frontline serving customers.

    To do that properly, the company’s owners or head office need to have a good understanding of what’s really happening on the frontline. This is especially important when a company owns multiple locations.

  • Good
  • Most people feel well informed by head office

    Do social workers feel well informed about how Essex County Council is doing?

    Most people feel well informed about how the company is doing.

    How we know this

    89% of people feel that they are kept well informed about how the company is doing as a whole.

    Based on data from 18 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between June 2022 and June 2024.

    Why this matters

    At a good job, there should be a supportive relationship between the people working on the frontline serving customers and the people who own the company or work in head office.

    You should be kept informed about how the company is doing as a whole, both in good times and when things get tough for the business.

Find out more about working at Essex County Council

What Essex County Council employees say about their job

  • Best thing

    Pay.

    Worst thing

    Managers have a heavy focus on paperwork and how the statistics look instead of support workers spending their time with the service users, belittle staff when the paperwork isn't completed in their time frame and increase the level of stress that senior staff are under when already stretched by low levels of staffing and silly amounts of different paperwork

    1.9

    Support worker at Essex County Council, August 2024

  • Best thing

    Sense of achievement and making a difference.
    Flexibility

    Worst thing

    Expectations
    Pay
    Workload

    6.7

    Support worker at Essex County Council, July 2024

See more reviews
  • Best thing

    Being able to work from home

    Worst thing

    Do work i no longer enjoy

    7.1

    Business administrator at Essex County Council, March 2024

  • Best thing

    I can't say I really have any.

    Worst thing

    Stress and the continual request to do things

    5.5

    Community support worker at Essex County Council, December 2023

  • Best thing

    The most rewarding job. Helping everyone from kids to adults, and even the police, to get on their bikes.

    Worst thing

    Hours. Definitely not enough work. There doesn't seem to be any progression.

    6.1

    Employee at Essex County Council, July 2023

  • Best thing

    They have lots of learning opportunities

    Worst thing

    Service Managers have no idea what actually happens in the settings and don’t appear to care, we worked constantly through the pandemic and the all of the management show no gratitude for it and a distinct lack of understanding for the impact it’s still having in its frontline services and the stress it still causes

    They advertise a “well-being” hour that support workers aren’t allowed in our department despite others with adult social care getting an hour a week for!

    Our service manager makes no effort to be part of our service and has only been to our setting once in the years he’s been in post.

    2.6

    Senior support worker at Essex County Council, January 2023

  • Best thing

    The wages
    People I work with

    Worst thing

    Management
    Working from home
    Call volumes
    Rubbish computer systems

    3.9

    Employee at Essex County Council, March 2021

  • Best thing

    Pay the team the travel expenses the opportunity to complete detailed work not usually an option in other teams

    Worst thing

    Stress spreadsheets

    9.9

    Social worker at Essex County Council, February 2021

  • Best thing

    Flexibility, working from home, helping people

    Worst thing

    Sometimes not being able to help people

    10

    Support worker at Essex County Council, January 2021

  • Best thing

    Helping children emotionally and educationally

    Worst thing

    Expectations for low wages

    8.0

    Hlta at Essex County Council, November 2020

  • More reviews from Essex County Council employees

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