Employer: Essex Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust
Job Title: Social Worker
Location: Essex, United Kingdom
Salary: £39,959 to £48,117 a year
Job Type: Full-time
Closing Date: 04 June 2026
Job Summary
Essex Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust (EPUT) is seeking an enthusiastic and resourceful Social Worker to join the Community Mental Health Team in Chelmsford, Mid Essex.
This role requires a creative and positive approach to meeting the needs of service users, their families, and carers.
Essex Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust delivers secondary mental health services across Mid Essex, providing specialist care for individuals with severe or complex mental health needs.
As part of the Chelmsford team, the role includes working closely with crisis intervention services, inpatient care, and specialist pathways such as early intervention in psychosis and personality disorder support.
The role also involves collaboration with GPs through initiatives like the Integrated Mental Health Service, which offers assessments and tailored support plans at GP surgeries, and partnership working with Essex County Council to implement the Care Act principles of prevent, reduce, and delay.
Main Duties of the Job
This role emphasizes holistic, person-centred care, safeguarding, and recovery-focused interventions for adults in the Chelmsford area.
The successful applicant will have the opportunity to exercise professional autonomy while benefiting from the support and expertise of a multi-disciplinary team.
Responsibilities include:
- Provide high-quality assessment and intervention for service users experiencing a wide range of mental health problems, promoting recovery and independence.
- Deliver strength-based approaches to support recovery and social inclusion for individuals and families.
- Implement the personalisation agenda through strengths-based assessments and fulfil statutory social care duties under the Care Act (2014).
- Following probation, undertake AMHP training if not already qualified, and carry out Mental Health Act assessments and related duties.
- AMHP work attracts additional pay and reduced caseloads.
Chelmsford, located in Essex, has a population of approximately 93,000 residents with a relatively young demographic (median age 37). Around 61% of residents are of working age, and the town is ethnically diverse, with 27% identifying as an ethnicity other than White British. Languages spoken include English, Polish, and South Asian languages.
This diversity brings varied social care needs, including support for families, older adults, and culturally diverse communities.
About Essex Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust
EPUT invests in the development of social workers and plays a leading role in initiatives such as Think Ahead.
Support available includes:
- Support from the Social Care Leadership Team
- Structured caseload supervision
- Extensive training opportunities including:
- AMHP training
- Therapy training (EMDR, CBT, DBT)
- Specialist roles in:
- Dual Diagnosis
- Perinatal
- Psychosis
- Personality Disorder
Career progression is actively encouraged for aspiring leaders and clinical experts.
Benefits
- 27 days holiday, plus bank holidays, rising to 33 days after 10 years’ service.
- Excellent pension of up to14.5% of pensionable pay.
- Staff discounts include Blue Light Card, NHS discount offers, and staff benefits.
- £8K relocation package if you move to Essex to join EPUT.
- Season ticket loans are interest-free to cover the cost of travelling to and from work via tram, rail, or bus.
Work That Wraps Around Your Needs
- Work bank: opportunity to supplement income and develop skills by working bank shifts.
- Flexible working: available from day one for most roles.
- Job share applications are welcomed.
Staff Support
- Receive supervision and support to help fulfil potential.
- Join an inclusive EPUT community and connect with others through engagement events and equality or champion networks.
- Mental health and wellbeing services, occupational health advice and counselling are available.
- Recognition awards celebrate staff hard work and dedication.
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
- Social Work Qualification – Degree in Social Work, DipSW, CQSW, CSS or equivalent
Desirable
- Studying or willingness to study towards full Post Qualification Award in Social Work
Skills
Essential
- Able to offer coaching and support to students and/or unqualified staff and supervise as required.
- Demonstrates a commitment to highest professional and ethical values.
- Literate in IT/Computer Skills
Desirable
- Communication and presentation skills.
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.
Certificate of Sponsorship
Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications.
From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement.
UK Registration
Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).
How to Apply
If you’re interested in this role, visit the official website for more information — click here to apply now.