Essex County Council Locum £36 per hour Hybrid Working Essex County Council is seeking an experienced Social Worker to join their Children in Care Team. This role focuses on supporting children and young people in care, ensuring they receive stable placements, effective care planning, and positive long-term outcomes. You will work closely with children, carers, families, and partner agencies to promote stability, permanency, and wellbeing for looked after children. In this role, you will: Manage a caseload of Looked After Children Undertake statutory visits and ensure compliance with care planning requirements Develop and progress permanence plans including reunification, long-term fostering, SGO, or adoption Prepare reports for LAC reviews, court, and permanency planning meetings Work closely with foster carers, residential settings, and partner agencies Support children and young people to achieve positive outcomes in education, health, and wellbeing Maintain accurate and analytical case recordings What You ll Need: Social Work England Registration Social Work Qualification At least 3 years post-qualified experience in children s social care Experience working within a Children in Care / Looked After Children team Strong understanding of care planning and permanency processes Excellent assessment, analytical, and report-writing skills Why Sheldon Phillips? Because we actually listen to what you need. We re not just here to fill roles we re here to find you the right fit