Adults Social Worker - West Essex
Essex County Council
£37185 - £50081 per annum + Flexible Working, Hybrid Working
Harlow, Essex
Full time, permanent
The Breakroom Take
- 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
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What employees say
Pay
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Good
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Most people are paid a living wage
Do Essex County Council pay a living wage?
Most people are paid a living wage.
How we know this
70% of people say they are paid at or above the Real Living Wage for where they live.Based on data from 60 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between July 2023 and July 2025.
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
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Only some people are paid market rates
Do Essex County Council pay market rates?
Only some people are paid above average for their job.
How we know this
49% of people are paid below average for the type of work they do.Based on data from 57 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between July 2023 and July 2025.
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.
Needs improving
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Most people don’t get paid breaks
Do workers at Essex County Council get paid breaks?
No. Most people don’t get paid breaks.
How we know this
76% of people say they don’t get paid breaks.Based on data from 59 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between July 2023 and July 2025.
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
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Most people get sick pay
Do Essex County Council pay sick pay?
Yes. Most people get proper sick pay.
How we know this
77% of people say they would get paid if they were sick but scheduled to work.Based on data from 60 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between July 2023 and July 2025.
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.
Okay
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Some people do unpaid extra work
Do workers at Essex County Council do extra work that they don't get paid for?
Sometimes. Some people do unpaid extra work.
How we know this
48% of people report that they do extra work that they don’t get paid for.Based on data from 21 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between July 2023 and July 2025.
Why this matters
Everyone should get paid for any extra work they do, even if it is outside your contracted hours. At a good job, you should be paid for all the time you spend at work.
Hours and flexibility
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Okay
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Less than 4 weeks notice of shifts
How much notice do people get of their shift pattern at Essex County Council?
Only some people get 4 weeks notice of when they’re working.
How we know this
- 20% of people with changing schedules report getting one week notice or less.
- 0% of people with changing schedules report getting two weeks notice.
- 20% of people with changing schedules report getting three weeks notice.
- 60% of people with changing schedules report getting four weeks notice or more.
Based on data from 10 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between April 2023 and February 2025.
Why this matters
At a good job, you get plenty of notice about when you’re working.
This makes it easy for you to plan the rest of life, as well as your finances, because you know how much you’ll be working and when.
Good
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Most people don’t worry about their hours
Do workers at Essex County Council worry about hours?
Most people don’t worry about getting enough hours.
How we know this
81% of people report they don’t worry about getting enough hours.Based on data from 16 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between July 2023 and July 2025.
Why this matters
At a good job, you shouldn’t have to worry about getting enough hours each week.
A good job should guarantee you a minimum number of hours in a contract, if you want it.
This makes it easier to plan your finances, because you know how much you’ll be earning.
Okay
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Only some people get a choice of shifts
Do Essex County Council workers get to choose the shifts they work?
Some people don’t get enough choice over which shifts they work.
How we know this
43% report that their manager doesn’t give them enough choice over which shifts they work.Based on data from 14 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between July 2023 and July 2025.
Why this matters
A good job is flexible around your personal life. This means you get a say in when you prefer to work.
Okay
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Can be hard to change shifts
How easy is it for Essex County Council workers to change shifts?
Some people find it hard to change shifts.
How we know this
56% of people report that it’s hard to change shifts if they need to.Based on data from 16 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between July 2023 and February 2025.
Why this matters
A good job is flexible around your personal life. It should be easy to change a shift if you need to, whether that’s in an emergency or for planning ahead.
Okay
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Can be hard to book holiday
How easy is it to book a holiday at Essex County Council?
Some people find it hard to book holiday.
How we know this
41% of people report it’s hard to book holidays.Based on data from 59 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between July 2023 and July 2025.
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
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Shifts don’t get changed at short notice
Do Essex County Council managers change shifts at short notice?
Most managers don’t change people’s shifts at short notice.
How we know this
68% of people say their manager doesn’t changes their shifts at the last minute.Based on data from 19 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between July 2023 and July 2025.
Why this matters
If your manager is often changing your shifts at short notice that’s a sign of poor planning. At a good job you won’t be messed around at the last minute.
Okay
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Some people find it hard to take sick leave
How easy is it to take sick leave at Essex County Council?
Some people find it hard to take sick leave.
How we know this
34% of people report that it’s hard to take time off if they are sick.Based on data from 56 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between July 2023 and July 2025.
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.
Good
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Most parents say it’s good
Is working at Essex County Council good if you’re a parent or carer?
Most parents and carers say this is a good place to work.
How we know this
81% of people who care for a child or other relative report this is a good place to work.Based on data from 27 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between July 2023 and June 2025.
Why this matters
Whether it’s looking after children or caring for a relative, a good job should support your responsibilities outside of work.
Workplace
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Good
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Most people feel treated with respect
Do people at Essex County Council feel treated with respect by their managers?
Most people feel treated with respect by their managers.
How we know this
73% of people say they’re treated with respect by their managers.Based on data from 55 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between July 2023 and July 2025.
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
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Only some people get proper breaks
Do people at Essex County Council get proper breaks?
Some people don’t get proper breaks.
How we know this
45% of people report that they don’t get to take proper breaks.Based on data from 58 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between July 2023 and July 2025.
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
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Most people are stressed
Is it stressful to work at Essex County Council?
Most people feel stressed here.
How we know this
75% of people say they often feel stressed at work.Based on data from 64 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between July 2023 and July 2025.
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
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Most people enjoy their job
Do people at Essex County Council enjoy their jobs?
Most people enjoy their job.
How we know this
78% of people report they enjoy their job.Based on data from 55 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between July 2023 and July 2025.
Okay
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Only some people recommend their team
Do people at Essex County Council recommend working with their team?
Only some people recommend working with their team.
How we know this
48% of people report that they wouldn’t recommend working with their immediate team to a friend.Based on data from 67 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between July 2023 and July 2025.
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.
Okay
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Only some people get enough training
Do people get enough training when they start at Essex County Council?
Some people didn’t get enough training when they started.
How we know this
38% of people report they didn’t get enough training when they started working here.Based on data from 63 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between July 2023 and July 2025.
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
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Only some people get support to progress
Are people 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, 51% 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 57 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between July 2023 and July 2025.
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
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Head office doesn’t understand what’s happening
Do people 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
80% 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 56 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between July 2023 and July 2025.
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.
Okay
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Only some people feel well informed by head office
Do workers feel well informed about how Essex County Council is doing?
Only some people feel well informed about how the company is doing.
How we know this
44% of people feel that they aren’t kept well informed about how the company is doing as a whole.Based on data from 61 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between July 2023 and July 2025.
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.
What Essex County Council employees say about their job
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Best thing
My team mates
Worst thing
No consequences
Learning support assistant at Essex County Council, June 2025
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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
Support worker at Essex County Council, August 2024
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