Social Worker (COS) at Essex Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust (EPUT)

Location: Chelmsford, Mid Essex, United Kingdom

Salary: £37,338 to £44,962 per annum (Band 6)

Contract Type: Permanent

Working Pattern: Full-time

Certificate of Sponsorship: Available

Application Deadline: 01 June 2025

Join a High-Performing NHS Mental Health Team in Chelmsford

Are you a qualified and motivated social worker seeking an opportunity to grow your career while making a tangible difference in people’s lives? Essex Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust (EPUT) is currently recruiting experienced and passionate social workers to join our dynamic Community Mental Health Treatment Teams based in the Mid Essex region. With a central hub in Chelmsford, this is a unique chance to contribute to progressive mental health care while benefiting from exceptional training, career advancement pathways, and a flexible, supportive work environment.

Key Responsibilities

Frontline Mental Health Care

• Deliver timely and high-quality assessments and therapeutic interventions to adults experiencing complex and enduring mental health conditions.
• Coordinate and manage person-centred care and treatment plans using a Mental Health Care Cluster approach.
• Promote client recovery and independence through evidence-based strategies, therapeutic input, and personalised care planning.

Social Inclusion and Recovery Support

• Apply strengths-based, recovery-oriented frameworks that enable individuals to achieve personal goals and rebuild their lives.
• Promote and facilitate inclusion by empowering clients to re-engage with education, employment, and community life.
• Support families and carers while ensuring the voice of the service user is central in all planning and decision-making.

Legal and Statutory Duties

• Discharge all statutory functions as outlined in the Care Act 2014 and other relevant legislation.
• Monitor and respond to safeguarding concerns, making referrals and coordinating multi-agency responses where necessary.
• Upon completion of training, undertake Approved Mental Health Professional (AMHP) responsibilities including Mental Health Act assessments and emergency interventions.

Multidisciplinary Collaboration

• Work collaboratively with NHS clinicians, GPs, community organisations, local authority teams, and voluntary sector providers.
• Actively participate in regular multidisciplinary team meetings, complex case reviews, and structured risk assessments.
• Contribute to the ongoing development and improvement of service models and pathways, offering insight from a social care perspective.

Essential Qualifications & Experience

Qualifications

• Degree in Social Work (BA/BSc or MA) from a recognised UK institution or equivalent international qualification.
• Full professional registration with Social Work England.

Experience

• Demonstrated experience working in adult community mental health settings.
• Working knowledge of relevant legislation including the Care Act, Mental Health Act, and safeguarding frameworks.
• Proven ability to work within a multidisciplinary context in health or social care.

Desirable Skills and Competencies

• Advanced written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to complete comprehensive assessments and detailed reports within tight timeframes.
• Dedication to trauma-informed, culturally sensitive, and inclusive approaches.
• Confidence in managing complex caseloads and balancing priorities.
• Eagerness to progress towards AMHP qualification or specialist practitioner roles.

Career Development and Training Opportunities

EPUT offers structured pathways to support your professional ambitions:

• Comprehensive AMHP Training with dedicated study time, clinical support, and higher pay banding.
• Personalised supervision and mentoring programmes led by experienced clinicians and senior social workers.
• Opportunities to reduce caseloads temporarily during periods of professional development.
• Continuous Professional Development (CPD) opportunities including in-house workshops, accredited courses, and leadership development.
• Access to the national ‘Think Ahead’ graduate programme and similar pioneering mental health initiatives.

Employee Benefits at EPUT

As a valued member of the NHS workforce, you’ll benefit from a competitive employment package:

Financial Incentives

• Agenda for Change Band 6 salary range: £37,338 to £44,962 per annum.
• NHS Pension Scheme with employer contributions for long-term financial security.
• Season ticket travel loans and access to discount schemes.
• Generous salary sacrifice schemes including car leasing, childcare vouchers, and Cycle to Work options.

Work-Life Balance

• Official recognition as a Day One Flexible Employer.
• Access to flexible working arrangements including part-time, job share, hybrid, and compressed hours.
• 27 days annual leave plus public holidays, with additional leave based on length of service.
• Scheme to buy or sell annual leave to tailor time off according to your needs.

Professional Perks

• Modern training and conference spaces with access to digital learning resources.
• Opportunities for internal promotion, secondments, and service rotations.
• Access to Staff Bank shifts with flexible hours and enhanced pay rates.

Flexible Working Culture

At EPUT, diversity and inclusion aren’t just policies—they’re lived values. All employees are encouraged to explore flexible working options from their very first day. Whether you are looking for part-time employment, home-based work, or flexible start and finish times, EPUT is committed to helping you achieve a work-life balance that suits your personal circumstances.

Staff Bank Membership: Extra Flexibility & Income

All permanent employees are automatically enrolled in EPUT’s Staff Bank system:

• Take on additional shifts at your convenience without long-term commitment.
• Gain experience in different departments and clinical areas across the Trust.
• Boost your income through flexible working arrangements.
• Fixed-term or temporary staff can express interest in joining during onboarding.

Why Choose Essex Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust?

Trust Values

• Care – Deliver kind, responsive, and empathetic services to all.
• Learn – Commit to lifelong learning and service development.
• Empower – Enable colleagues and service users to realise their full potential.

Innovation & Excellence

• Ranked among the UK’s top-performing mental health providers.
• Strong collaboration with local authorities, charities, and integrated care systems.
• High marks from CQC inspections and outstanding staff satisfaction scores.

Inclusive & International Friendly

• Welcoming environment for skilled workers from around the world.
• Sponsorship available under the Skilled Worker visa category.
• Recognised commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusive employment practices.

Relocation and International Applicant Support

EPUT provides comprehensive support to help overseas social workers transition to the UK:

• Skilled Worker visa sponsorship with expert guidance throughout the application process.
• Assistance in navigating Social Work England registration.
• Support in obtaining criminal records certificates and settling in the UK.

From April 2017, applicants from abroad must provide criminal record checks for each country where they’ve lived for 12+ months over the past decade. Adult dependants over age 18 must also comply.

Compliance & Background Check Requirements

Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS)

• All roles are subject to enhanced DBS checks, ensuring suitability to work with vulnerable adults.

UK Professional Registration

• Mandatory registration with Social Work England before commencing employment.
• Visit the NHS Careers website for further information on the process.

Criminal Records Verification

• International candidates must meet UK Visas & Immigration standards.
• Learn more at the UK Government official site.

About Chelmsford, Essex

Chelmsford is a thriving city and the historic heart of Essex:

• Convenient 35-minute rail link to central London.
• A mix of modern amenities, independent shops, restaurants, and entertainment venues.
• Excellent educational institutions from primary to higher education.
• Access to countryside walks, riverside parks, and family-friendly attractions.
• Affordable housing and lower living costs compared to the capital.

Application Process

• Closing Date: 01 June 2025
• Job Reference: 364-A-8974
• Location: C&E Centre, New London Road, Chelmsford, CM2 0QH

How to Apply:

Visit the NHS Jobs portal and click the Apply Here button to complete your online application. Ensure your CV is up-to-date and includes a tailored cover letter that highlights your qualifications, experience, and commitment to delivering high-quality mental health care at EPUT.

Appy Here

Final Tips for Applicants

• Emphasise your experience with community mental health services and statutory responsibilities.
• Mention familiarity with Care Act legislation, safeguarding duties, and multidisciplinary collaboration.
• Express interest in AMHP training or further professional development.
• For overseas applicants, prepare all visa and certification documents in advance to expedite the process.

Take the Next Step in Your Mental Health Social Work Career

Make a meaningful impact in a forward-thinking NHS Trust that values your wellbeing, development, and professional voice. Apply today to become a key member of EPUT’s respected social care workforce and shape the future of mental health in Essex.