Social Worker – Family Help Team (Children's Services)
Location: Grays, Thurrock
Area: Essex Children's Social Care
Job Type: Locum / Temporary
Start Date: 7 December 2026
Contract Length: To be confirmed
Positions Available: 2
Job Overview
Thurrock Council is seeking an experienced and motivated Children's Social Worker to join its Family Help Team in Grays. This is an excellent opportunity for a skilled practitioner who is passionate about safeguarding children, supporting families through challenging circumstances and achieving positive outcomes for children and young people.
Working within a busy duty and intervention service, you will support children and families experiencing crisis, assess safeguarding concerns and manage risk to promote children's safety and wellbeing.
The role will involve responding to referrals assessed by the Multi-Agency Safeguarding Hub (MASH), undertaking Child and Family Assessments, completing Section 47 Child Protection Enquiries and providing short-term interventions to help families access appropriate support.
You will also work closely with partner agencies, contribute to multi-agency safeguarding arrangements and make informed recommendations about the level of support and intervention required to protect children.
Key Responsibilities
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Work within the Family Help Team to support children and families experiencing crisis, managing risk and promoting children's welfare and wellbeing.
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Respond to referrals received through the Multi-Agency Safeguarding Hub (MASH), undertaking initial visits independently or jointly with the police where required.
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Undertake Section 47 Child Protection Enquiries in accordance with the Children Act 1989.
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Prepare detailed Child Protection Conference reports and present cases at conferences.
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Undertake creative and purposeful direct work with children and adults to understand their wishes, feelings and experiences and support positive change.
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Provide evidence-based assessments and analysis of significant harm to inform safeguarding decisions and court proceedings.
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Establish, coordinate and chair multi-agency meetings, including Child in Need and Core Group meetings.
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Provide oversight and management of cases involving court proceedings and children looked after, ensuring appropriate plans are in place to promote children's safety and stability.
About You
We are looking for a confident and committed Children's Social Worker with strong safeguarding experience and the ability to work effectively in a fast-paced Family Help and duty environment.
You will have the skills and professional judgement to assess complex family circumstances, identify safeguarding risks and make timely decisions to protect children. You will be confident undertaking statutory assessments, managing Child Protection cases and working with families experiencing crisis.
You will also demonstrate excellent communication and analytical skills, with the ability to build effective relationships with children, families and multi-agency professionals.
A proactive, resilient and child-centred approach is essential, alongside the ability to manage competing priorities and deliver high-quality social work practice.
Requirements
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Recognised Social Work qualification.
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Current registration with Social Work England.
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Understanding of statutory thresholds and safeguarding frameworks.
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Experience preparing Child Protection Conference reports and presenting cases at conferences.
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Ability to undertake direct work with children and families.
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Experience working within multi-agency safeguarding arrangements.
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Knowledge of Child in Need planning, Core Groups and SMART planning.
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Experience of court work and an understanding of public and private law proceedings.
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Strong assessment, analytical, communication and report-writing skills.
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Ability to manage a demanding caseload and respond effectively to urgent safeguarding situations.
Contract & Salary
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Council: Thurrock Council
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Location: Grays, Essex
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Area: Essex Children's Social Care
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Job Type: Locum / Temporary
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Start Date: 7 December 2026
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Positions Available: 2
How to Apply
If you are an experienced Children's Social Worker looking for your next opportunity and have the skills to support children and families through complex safeguarding situations, we would love to hear from you.
Apply today using the form on the page
