Job Description

Your New Organisation

Join Southend City Council – Children’s Services as a Newly Qualified Social Worker!

Begin your social work career with exceptional support, development, and purpose.

Children’s Services in Southend were judged Good by Ofsted in 2024, who said:

“Many workers have chosen to both live and work in Southend. They have seen positive cultural changes in the organisation and describe Southend as not just being a good place to live but now also a good place to work.”

“Social workers speak with warmth and knowledge about the children and families that they support.”

“The training and development offered in Southend is comprehensive and equips staff effectively to deliver their work with children and families.”

This is your opportunity to join a service where staff feel valued, supported, and empowered to make a real difference.

Your new role

It is an exciting time to join Southend City Council – Children’s Services as we begin recruitment for our next cohort of Newly Qualified Social Workers (NQSWs)

If you are passionate about improving children’s life chances and want to work in an environment that encourages critical thinking, reflective practice, and confident decision-making, then we would love to welcome you into the Southend Family!

Start Strong with Our ASYE Programme

Join our Assessed and Supported Year in Employment (ASYE) Programme and be part of positive and sustainable change in Southend.

Our ASYE programme follows the national framework for practice development and offers a bespoke, personalised experience designed around your learning, confidence, and career aspirations.

We are committed to ensuring you have a rewarding, reflective, and supportive experience in practice, giving you the strongest foundation for a long and thriving career in children’s social care.

What We Offer

Your Professional Development

• CPD days dedicated to your individual Professional Development Plan
• Access to the Southend Social Care Academy, offering extensive learning opportunities including seminars, workshops, accredited training and access to Learning and Resources Platform
• Comprehensive induction covering key teams, roles, and pathways
• Continued support even after completing the first year in employment

Your Support

• Protected caseloads and protected time for learning
• Monthly reflective practice groups
• Consistent coaching, mentoring, and one‑to‑one support from the Social Care Academy
• Dedicated supervision from your manager and an assessor

Your Future

• A clear career pathway within Children’s Services
• Competitive salary and access to essential social work tools and resources
• Attractive employee benefits, including flexible working arrangements and generous annual leave

Our Families First Programme

As a Newly Qualified Social Worker, you will play a crucial role in Southend’s Families First Programme—our early help and prevention offer designed to support children, young people, and families before difficulties escalate.

This programme strengthens your practice by giving you opportunities to:

• Work alongside multi‑disciplinary partners to deliver early intervention
• Build meaningful, strengths‑based relationships with families
• Develop confidence in holistic assessment and family‑led planning
• Gain broader experience in preventative, restorative, and community‑focused approaches

Families First is central to our whole‑system model of support. It will enrich your learning, deepen your understanding of local needs and assets, and will help you develop a wider skill set across Children’s Services.

What you'll need to succeed

To be shortlisted for this position you must be either a Qualified Social Worker or just finishing your Social Work degree. You must have UK experience of working within Children and Families.

You will have knowledge of child protection, looked after children and associated child in need social work practice. Knowledge and understanding of social work interventions along with relevant legislation, regulations guidance and safeguarding issues.

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. A full list of benefits provided by Southend Council can be viewed on the "Why Work For Us?" tab.

What you need to do now

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

If you would like a copy the Job Description, please Click here

If you are wanting further information that isn't in the JD, please contact Nathalie Nathalie.s@hays.com

Please note: Applications for this vacancy may close prior to the date advertised above so you are advised to apply as soon as you are able to.

All applicants for this role will require an enhanced DBS check.

The Council is an equal opportunities employer. We welcome applications, regardless of race, sex, disability, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, marital or civil partner status, pregnancy or maternity, age or religion or belief.