Jobs in Southend-on-Sea

PERM CLA SOCIAL WORKER - Southend-on-Sea upto £45 K p/a

Added 25/07/2026

Reference: 657266

We are seeking a dedicated and compassionate PERM CLA Social Worker to join our dynamic team in Southend-on-Sea.... Read more

We are seeking a dedicated and compassionate PERM CLA Social Worker to join our dynamic team in Southend-on-Sea. This role offers a competitive salary of up to £45,000 per annum and presents an excellent opportunity for qualified social workers to make a significant impact in the lives of children and young people in care. As a valued member of our team, you will be responsible for providing high-quality support and intervention to ensure the well-being of our clients.

Key responsibilities of the PERM CLA Social Worker include:

Conducting comprehensive assessments and developing care plans tailored to individual needs. Building strong relationships with children, families, and other professionals to promote effective communication and collaboration. Monitoring and reviewing the progress of care plans, ensuring that the best interests of the child are always prioritized. Providing guidance and support to foster carers and adoptive families. Participating in multi-agency meetings and contributing to safeguarding discussions.

The ideal candidate will possess the following essential qualifications and skills:

A recognized social work qualification (e.g., Degree in Social Work, DipSW, or equivalent). Registration with Social Work England. Experience working in a statutory children’s services environment, particularly with children in care. Strong assessment and analytical skills, with the ability to make informed decisions. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to engage effectively with diverse stakeholders.

In addition to a competitive salary, we offer a range of benefits to support your professional development and work-life balance, including:

Access to ongoing training and professional development opportunities. Flexible working arrangements to support your lifestyle. A supportive team environment and regular supervision. Generous annual leave entitlement and pension scheme.

If you are passionate about making a difference in the lives of vulnerable children and families and meet the qualifications outlined above, we encourage you to apply for this rewarding position. Join us in Southend-on-Sea and be part of a team dedicated to providing exceptional care and support.

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From £45,091.00

Per annum

Southend-on-Sea

Permanent

PERMChildren's SP - Fostering Team - Southend-on-Sea

Added 25/07/2026

Reference: 657042

Join our dedicated team at the Southend-on-Sea Children's Social Care as a Qualified Social Worker in our Fostering... Read more

Join our dedicated team at the Southend-on-Sea Children's Social Care as a Qualified Social Worker in our Fostering Team. We are seeking a passionate and skilled professional to support children in foster care and work collaboratively with families to ensure the best outcomes for vulnerable children. This role offers an opportunity to make a significant impact in the lives of children and families within our community.

As a Qualified Social Worker in the Fostering Team, you will be responsible for:

Conducting assessments of prospective foster carers and ensuring they meet regulatory standards. Providing ongoing support and supervision to foster families to promote positive placements. Collaborating with multi-agency partners to develop and implement care plans tailored to individual children’s needs. Maintaining accurate records and documentation in compliance with statutory requirements. Participating in training and development initiatives to enhance your professional skills and knowledge.

To be considered for this role, you must possess the following essential qualifications and skills:

A recognized social work qualification (e.g., Degree in Social Work, DipSW, or equivalent). Current registration with Social Work England. Experience working within children's social services, particularly in fostering or adoption. Strong communication, interpersonal, and organizational skills. Ability to work effectively as part of a team and independently.

In addition to a competitive salary, we offer a range of benefits to support your well-being and professional development, including:

Flexible working arrangements to promote work-life balance. Access to ongoing training and development opportunities. Supervision and support from experienced management. Generous annual leave entitlement and pension scheme.

If you are committed to making a difference in the lives of children and families, we invite you to apply for this rewarding position. Join us in fostering a brighter future for those in need in Southend-on-Sea.

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From £52,431.00

Per annum

Southend-on-Sea

Temporary

Family Safeguarding Social Worker Locum Southend £38p/h 30hrs!

Added 03/07/2026

Reference: DC1109030726AM_1783086176

Location: Southend-on-Sea Rate: £38 per hour Hours: 30 hours per week Contract: Locum Working Pattern: Hybrid (minimum 2... Read more

Location: Southend-on-Sea
Rate: £38 per hour
Hours: 30 hours per week
Contract: Locum
Working Pattern: Hybrid (minimum 2 days on-site)

The Role

Our Client is looking for an experienced and committed Family Safeguarding Social Worker to join their forward-thinking team. Here, relationships matter, practice is purposeful, and children are at the centre of everything.

This service is driven by a clear, ambitious vision: to deliver compassionate, effective, and truly child-centred support that creates lasting change.

At the heart of practice is a Relational, Systemic and Decisive model - not just a framework, but a lived approach. You'll work closely with families, building on strengths, supporting sustainable change, and addressing challenges with clarity and confidence.

Key ResponsibilitiesManage a varied caseload within frontline children's servicesUndertake Child Protection (CP), Looked After Children (LAC), and Assessment & Intervention (A&I) workComplete high-quality assessments, plans, and reviewsBuild strong, purposeful relationships with children and familiesWork collaboratively within a supportive multi-agency environmentEssential RequirementsQualified Social Worker with Social Work England registrationCompletion of ASYEExtensive frontline experience in CP, LAC, or A&I (essential)Strong knowledge of safeguarding and statutory processesFull UK driving licence and access to a car (essential)Additional DetailsHybrid working available (minimum 2 days per week on-site)Duty rota: 1 week in every 6Supportive team culture with a strong focus on quality practice and outcomesWhy This Role?

This is an opportunity to join a service where social work is valued, relationships are prioritised, and your work has genuine impact. You'll be part of a team where thoughtful, purposeful practice is encouraged and supported.

A Straightforward, Supportive Approach - Working with Davina & Caritas23 years' recruitment experience offering calm, knowledgeable guidance throughoutHonest, transparent approach - no pressure, no unrealistic expectationsReal understanding of frontline social work pressures and local authority environmentsAccess to exclusive roles and strong local authority relationships through CaritasReferral Bonus

If this role isn't quite right for you, refer a colleague or friend and receive a £300 referral bonus if they are successfully placed.

Interested? Let's have a proper conversation. No pressure, no hard sell - just honest, experienced support.

For more information on this role or for a discussion about opportunities across England and Wales please contact Davina at Caritas Recruitment - [email protected] / 07385 031109

Caritas Recruitment is acting as an Employment Business in relation to this vacancy.

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£38.00

Per hour

Southend-on-Sea

Temporary

Adults Social Worker - Southend

Added 22/06/2026

Reference: GB220626C_1782139491

Aging Well Social Worker - Southend-on-Sea City CouncilPlease note that only Social Work England Registered Social Workers with... Read more

Aging Well Social Worker - Southend-on-Sea City Council

Please note that only Social Work England Registered Social Workers with Right to Work in the UK will be considered for this role, please do not apply if you are not a SWE Registered Social Worker who has the Right to Work in the UK.

Caritas Recruitment is proud to be working with Southend-on-Sea City Council to recruit a Social Worker to join the Aging Well Adults' Community Team.

⚠️ Please note: Candidates must be a driver if they do not live locally to Southend.

Salary

£39,152 - £45,091

Reference

475800

The Role

As part of the Aging Well Adults' Community Team, you will support adults across the borough to maintain independence, wellbeing, and strong community connections through a strengths-based approach.

You will undertake assessments, develop personalised care plans, and work collaboratively with health professionals, community partners, and families to ensure individuals receive the right support at the right time.

Key ResponsibilitiesCarry out strengths-based assessments and develop person-centred care and support plansSupport individuals to maximise independence using community assets and networksManage complex caseloads including safeguarding enquiries and Mental Capacity Act assessmentsWork collaboratively with health, police, and other partners to deliver coordinated supportPromote innovative and creative social work practice within the teamMaintain accurate records, reports, and communication with stakeholdersContribute to community engagement initiatives to reduce isolation and improve wellbeingParticipate in quality assurance, audits, and ongoing professional developmentAbout YouQualified Social Worker with Social Work England registrationExperience in Adult Social Care, including Care Act 2014 and safeguardingStrong understanding of strengths-based and asset-based practiceExperience working with complex cases and multi-agency partnersExcellent communication, organisational, and decision-making skillsCommitted to continuous professional development and learningWhy Apply?Be part of an innovative, forward-thinking Adult Social Care serviceOpportunity to work in a strengths-based, community-focused environmentEngage in meaningful work that improves independence and wellbeingSupportive team culture with opportunities for development and growthAdditional InformationEnhanced DBS (Adults) requiredMay include some out-of-hours or weekend working based on service needs

For more information on this role or for a discussion about Social Work opportunities across England and Wales please contact Gemma at Caritas Recruitment - g.bridgman @ caritas-recruitment.com / 0 7 3 8 4 5 2 5 2 8 7

Caritas Recruitment is acting as an Employment Agency in relation to this vacancy.

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£39,152.00 - £45,091.00

Per annum

Southend-on-Sea

Permanent

Kinship Team Manager - Southend

Added 22/06/2026

Reference: GB220626B_1782138693

Kinship Team Manager - Southend-on-Sea City CouncilPlease note that only Social Work England Registered Social Workers with Right... Read more

Kinship Team Manager - Southend-on-Sea City Council

Please note that only Social Work England Registered Social Workers with Right to Work in the UK will be considered for this role, please do not apply if you are not a SWE Registered Social Worker who has the Right to Work in the UK.

Caritas Recruitment is proud to be working with Southend-on-Sea City Council to recruit an experienced Fostering Team Manager (Kinship & Recruitment).

⚠️ Please note: Only candidates with strong, direct Kinship fostering experience will be shortlisted. Transferable experience alone will not be considered.

Salary

£53,460 - £58,959

Reference

467903

The Role

As a Team Manager within Fostering Services, you will lead the delivery of kinship and fostering recruitment activity, managing a team of Advanced Practitioners, Supervising Social Workers, and support staff.

You will drive service performance, ensure high-quality practice, and maintain compliance with all fostering regulations and statutory requirements, while improving outcomes for children and young people.

Key ResponsibilitiesLead and manage the day-to-day delivery of kinship and fostering recruitment servicesProvide supervision, appraisals, and development support to staffEnsure the recruitment, assessment, and support of foster carers and kinship carers meet regulatory standardsMonitor service performance, quality, and compliance with policies and proceduresOversee complex cases and provide expert guidance on fostering and kinship careDrive continuous improvement and embed best practice across the serviceManage budgets and authorise expenditure within agreed limitsWork collaboratively with internal teams and partner agenciesChair meetings, reviews, and multi-agency forums as requiredDeputise for the Service Manager when requiredAbout YouQualified Social Worker with Social Work England registrationSignificant experience within fostering services, specifically kinship care (essential)Experience at Advanced Practitioner or Team Manager levelStrong knowledge of fostering legislation, National Minimum Standards, and safeguardingProven experience managing staff performance and improving service deliveryAbility to manage complex caseloads and multi-agency relationshipsConfident leadership, decision-making, and communication skillsWhy Apply?Lead a key kinship-focused service within a Local AuthorityInfluence service development and improve outcomes for childrenJoin a supportive and established leadership teamOpportunity to shape recruitment and assessment strategy for foster carers

For more information on this role or for a discussion about Social Work opportunities across England and Wales please contact Gemma at Caritas Recruitment - g.bridgman @ caritas-recruitment.com / 0 7 3 8 4 5 2 5 2 8 7

Caritas Recruitment is acting as an Employment Agency in relation to this vacancy.

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£53,460.00 - £58,959.00

Per annum

Southend-on-Sea

Permanent

Fostering & Permanency Panel Advisor - Southend

Added 22/06/2026

Reference: GB220626A_1782137681

Panel Advisor Role | Southend-on-Sea City Council | £53,460-£58,959Please note that only Social Work England Registered Social Workers... Read more

Panel Advisor Role | Southend-on-Sea City Council | £53,460-£58,959

Please note that only Social Work England Registered Social Workers with Right to Work in the UK will be considered for this role, please do not apply if you are not a SWE Registered Social Worker who has the Right to Work in the UK.

Caritas Recruitment is proud to be supporting Southend-on-Sea Borough Council in the recruitment of an experienced and strategic Fostering & Permanency Panel Advisor to join their Corporate Parenting service.

This is a senior-level opportunity for an experienced Social Worker with strong expertise in permanency planning, fostering services, and quality assurance. You will act as the Council's lead expert for fostering panels and permanency, ensuring that children in care achieve timely, stable, and appropriate long-term outcomes.

Key ResponsibilitiesLead, manage, and coordinate the Fostering & Permanency Panel, including training and development of panel membersAct as the expert advisor to the Fostering Panel, ensuring high-quality decision-making processesDrive permanency planning outcomes for children in care across adoption, special guardianship, long-term fostering, and other legal routesOversee quality assurance of panel reports and permanency planning documentationLead on audits, performance analysis, and reporting on trends, outcomes, and service improvementsIdentify areas for development and implement changes to policy and practiceWork collaboratively with senior leaders, social workers, and multi-agency professionalsProvide training, guidance, and support to social work teams and panel membersEnsure timely implementation of Agency Decision Maker outcomesAbout You

To be successful in this role, you will have:

A Social Work qualification and registration with Social Work EnglandSignificant experience working with children and families, ideally with management or strategic responsibilitiesStrong knowledge of fostering regulations, national minimum standards, and permanency planningProven experience in audit, quality assurance, and performance analysisExcellent communication skills and the ability to influence across a wide range of stakeholdersThe ability to lead change, drive best practice, and improve service deliveryConfidence working in a complex local authority environmentWhy Apply?Opportunity to shape and influence permanency outcomes at a strategic levelWork within a collaborative Corporate Parenting servicePlay a key role in improving outcomes for children and young peopleEngage in meaningful leadership, audit, and service development workAdditional InformationYou will deputise for the Service Manager where required and contribute to wider leadership across the serviceThis is a key leadership role focused on improving practice, embedding policy, and delivering excellence in children's services

For more information on this role or for a discussion about Social Work opportunities across England and Wales please contact Gemma at Caritas Recruitment - g.bridgman @ caritas-recruitment.com / 0 7 3 8 4 5 2 5 2 8 7

Caritas Recruitment is acting as an Employment Agency in relation to this vacancy.

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£53,460.00 - £58,959.00

Per annum

Southend-on-Sea

Permanent

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