Adults Social Worker – Learning Disability & Autism

Adults Social Worker Learning Disability & Autism

PermanentPart Time

38487 to 51834 per annum (FTE)

Location:Harlow Epping & Uttlesford

Working Style:Community-based worker

This is a part-time position for 18.5 hours per week worked over two full days and one half day. While there is flexibility around the working pattern one of the working days must be either a Monday or Thursday to enable regular office-based working with colleagues. The pro ratad salary range is 19243 to 25917 per annum.

Interviews will be held in person at Goodman House Harlow on 20th August 2026.

Were an adult social care service that wants to see citizens of Essex have as much choice and control over the way they live their lives as possible. We think everyone should have the chance to live a full and fulfilling life with people they love and care about doing things that matter to them and living in a place they can call home. Were determined that with the right support everyone can maintain or achieve some independence and were proud to be working to make these ambitions a reality.

Our Social Workers work alongside people and their families and carers to help them think through what might help them get on with their lives in the way that works best for them. We do this within the framework of our statutory Care Act requirements. This means many of our conversations are framed as assessments reviews support planning and safeguarding. But our aim is always to listen and understand what matters to the person and then to work with them to think through how this might be achieved.

Take a look at our short videohereto get a glimpse into the role and what its like to be a Social Worker at Essex County Council.

About the Team

This is an exciting opportunity for a passionate and experienced Social Worker to join an innovative and award-winning Learning Disability and Autism Team covering West Essex. The team strives to improve outcomes for people with a learning disability through the work we do.

Working with community groups family and carers you will ensure advocacy for people with a learning disability. We take a person-centred approach to practice and support adults with achieving their goals and ambitions while also meeting their social care needs. This is achieved through direct work multi-disciplinary approaches collaboration and building local community links.

Most notably the team hosted the learning disability festival focusing on bringing visibility to individuals with a learning disability showcasing our commitment to partnership working and being creative in our roles.

Joining a Learning Disability & Autism team at Essex means you will be working in a supportive and innovative environment enabling you to develop your own ideas to make meaningful changes to the Adults lives. The achievements with the team truly make a difference in the adults lives we work with and take a step towards changing the opportunities and outcomes for adults in our local community.

About You

We are looking for someone who:

• Is a qualified and experienced Social Worker (post ASYE) with current Social Work England registration.
• Has a sound understanding of the Care Act 2014 Mental Capacity Act and safeguarding practice.
• Demonstrates strong assessment risk management and decisionmaking skills
• Is confident working autonomously while contributing positively to a supportive team culture.
• Is committed to reflective practice learning and continuous professional development.
• Has experience of chairing meetings.
• Is able to develop strong relationships with partner agencies and the local community.

Our Social Worker roles involve travelling around Essex. A driving licence and car - or the ability to meet the mobility requirements of the role through other means - is essential.

Sorry we are unable to consider Newly Qualified Social Workers for this role however you can register your interest for future NQSW opportunities in West Essexhere.

Why Join Us

In June 2025 the Care Quality Commission (CQC) rated our Adult Social Care services as Good with a score of 73%

The local authority had a good structure and processes in place to enable people to be supported successfully and support people to remain independent and live healthy lives. The workforce was passionate about supporting people to achieve these outcomes and the local authority had good knowledge of their area the people living there and the demographics.

You can read the full report on the CQC websitehere.

Our teams are busy but warm friendly and supportive. Our fabulous team managers will help you manage your workload and develop your practice.

We take your career just as seriously as you do and we have a continuing professional development offer thats second to none.

We welcome diversity because it makes us grow and were determined to become a fully inclusive and an anti-racist organisation.

What We Offer

Well support you to be your best and will offer:

• Ongoing opportunities for continuing professional development
• Flexible working options
• Employee wellbeing and counselling
• Lease Car scheme
• Life assurance of three times annual salary
• Local Government Pension Scheme. ViewKey FactsandFAQsabout the LGPS.
• Volunteering leave
• 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
• Payment of your Social Work England registration fees!

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

Apply now.

For more information

In February 2025 Greater Essex was accepted onto the Governments devolution priority programme which will see local authorities in Essex work towards establishing a Mayoral Combined County Authority by May 2026. You can read more aboutdevolution and local government reorganisation (LGR)) on our careers site

Essex County Council is proud to be a Disability Confident Leader. Were 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. Were also committed to interview all veterans and care leavers who meet the minimum requirements of the role for which they are applying.

Once youve secured your role within Essex County Council you will receive many great employee benefits including support for unpaid carers and flexible working arrangements to accommodate their needs.

At Essex County Council we value integrity and ethical behaviour. We kindly ask that you embrace our code of conduct and theNolan principles including throughout the recruitment process. Your commitment to these standards helps us maintain a positive and respectful workplace for everyone.

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. The DBS update service ensures all registered DBS certificates are kept up to date and allows authorised parties to view the status of your certificate. This is an annual subscription and you will be responsible for ensuring this is maintained. For further information on the DBS update service please go to 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.

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 joinThe Essex Talent Community

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Required Experience:

IC

Employment Type : Full-Time
Experience: years
Vacancy: 1
Yearly Salary Salary: 19243 - 25917