Essex Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust
Social Worker
Closing date: 17 August 2026

Job summary
We are seeking an enthusiastic and resourceful Social Worker to join our Community Mental Health Team in Loughton, West 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 (EPUT) delivers secondary mental health services across West Essex, providing specialist care for individuals with severe or complex mental health needs. As part of the Harlow team, you will work closely with crisis intervention services, inpatient care, and specialist pathways such as early intervention in psychosis and personality disorder support. You will also collaborate with GPs through initiatives like the Integrated Mental Health Service, which offers assessments and tailored support plans at GP surgeries, and work alongside 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 Loughton area. You will have the opportunity to exercise professional autonomy while benefiting from the support and expertise of a multi-disciplinary team.

Harlow, 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 us
Valuing you. Recognising your dedication. At EPUT, we look after you.

• Receive supervision and support to help you fulfil your potential.
• Join an inclusive EPUT community and connect with others through engagement events and equality or champion networks.
• If you need help, we provide mental health and wellbeing services, occupational health advice and counselling.
• We run recognition awards to recognise staff's hard work and dedication.

Benefits

• 27 days holiday, plus bank holidays, rising to 33 days after 10 years' service.
• Excellent pension of up to14.5% of your pensionable pay.
• Staff discounts include Blue Light Card, NHS discount offers, and staff benefits.
• £8K relocation package if you move to Essex to join us
• 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: You can use the opportunity to supplement your income and develop your skills by working bank shifts.
• Flexible working: available from day one for most roles.
• Job share: Applications for job shares are welcomed.

Details
Date posted: 03 August 2026
Pay scheme: Agenda for change
Band: Band 6
Salary: £39,959 to £48,117 a year per annum plus HCA
Contract: Fixed term
Duration: 6 months
Working pattern: Full-time
Reference number: 364-B-311
Job locations: Rectory Lane Health Centre, Rectory Lane, Loughton, IG10 3RU, United Kingdom

Job responsibilities
EPUT invests in the development of social workers and plays a leading role in initiatives such as Think Ahead. We offer support from our Social Care Leadership Team, structured caseload supervision, and extensive training opportunities, including AMHP training, therapy training (EMDR, CBT, DBT), and specialist roles in areas such as Dual Diagnosis, Perinatal, Psychosis, and Personality Disorder. Career progression is actively encouraged for aspiring leaders and clinical experts.

Responsibilities

• 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.

We value diversity and encourage applications from all backgrounds.

Person Specification
Qualification
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. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).

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. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).

UK Registration
Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).

Employer details
Employer name: Essex Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust
Address: Rectory Lane Health Centre, Rectory Lane, Loughton, IG10 3RU, United Kingdom
Employer's website: Apply through our website

Employer contact details
For questions about the job, contact: Consultant Social Worker Claire Purchese c.purchese@nhs.net