Return to Practice

Building on the success of our previous Return to Practice Programmes, Essex County Council (ECC) is thrilled to announce the opening of applications for the 2025 Return to Practice Programme. This initiative is tailored for qualified Social Workers and Occupational Therapists who are eager to return to their profession within Adult Social Care (ASC) or Children and Families (C&F).

A standout feature of our Return to Practice Programme is our commitment to you, the ‘Returnee’. Whether you have been out of practice for a while or your registration has lapsed, this programme offers an excellent opportunity to reintegrate into your profession with our full support.

We’re committed to supporting your return to this fulfilling and rewarding profession by offering flexible roles based at a range of office locations across Essex. This programme will enable you to re-educate yourself with legislation and systematic practices whilst regaining experience and knowledge, so you can confidently return to practice, making a positive difference in the lives of Essex residents.

Please note: The availability of roles will be dependent on business need.  If we are unable to meet your preference, we will do our best to find you a suitable position where you can still gain the skills you require to re-register.

Our Return to Practice programme has two different pathways dependant on your profession; Return to Social Work or Return to Occupational Therapy. For each programme, you’ll work alongside skilled and dedicated colleagues who share your determination to support people to achieve and maintain maximum choice and control over their lives.

Welcome

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A look into our roles

With us you can:

• Choose a role in various locations across Essex to suit you, whether you are looking for full-time or part-time*.
• Undertake a 6-month training and coaching programme, offered by our award-winning Essex Social Care Academy (ESCA) to gain your re-registration evidence.
• Receive the support you need from work buddies, mentors and Practice Educators during the training period.
• Be guaranteed a qualified role within ECC upon successful completion of the training programme and probationary period.
• Return to work without any upfront costs as ECC will pay your restoration and registration fees with Social Work England or Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC).
• Access to our bespoke wellbeing service specifically designed for those working in Social Care.
• Be in paid employment and enrolled into the Essex Pension scheme from your first day.

*The availability of roles will depend on business need. If we are unable to meet your preference, we will do our utmost to find you a suitable position where you can still gain the skills you require to re-register.

How we will support you

You will begin the programme as either a Wellbeing and Independence Practitioner (ASC) or a Family Support Worker (C&F) whilst you undertake the 6-month re-training period.  You’ll be given operational work placements, comprehensive coaching and mentoring and the support to build the skills you need to get back to work and to re-register.  Once you have completed your re-registration, you will then move to a qualified Social Worker or qualified Occupational Therapist role.

• Supervised Practice

  Any out-of-date skills or knowledge will be overcome with the help of supervision with a supportive and experienced Practice Educator. You’ll be providing support or information to residents of Essex who draw on care and support services, shadowing or taking part in assessment and support planning conversations and attending your own training.

• Formal Study

  Specific training and coaching will be provided by Essex Social Care Academy (ESCA) covering topics such as (but not limited to) the legal framework for practice, strengths based approaches and systemically informed practice.

• Private Study

  Private Study will include any activity which is self-directed and keeps your skills and knowledge up to date.  This might include reading journal articles or books, viewing or attending webinars or other online or in person talks and lectures, attending training sessions and any informal work shadowing.

  You will also have access to training and support on digital upskilling, work/life balance, imposter syndrome, resilience and confidence in the workplace.

What we can offer you

Eligibility requirements

To be eligible for either the Return to Social Work or the Return to Occupational Therapy Programme, you must:

• Be qualified and previously registered as a Social Worker, either with Social Work England or their predecessor, the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC).
• Or alternatively, be qualified and previously registered as an Occupational Therapist, either with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) or their predecessor Council for Professions Supplementary to Medicine (CPSM).
• Be an experienced Social Worker or Occupational Therapist and have completed your Assessed and Supported Year in Employment (ASYE).
• Not have been removed from the register due to one of the offences listed in SWE’s Registration Rules.
• Not have been subject to a removal order within the last five years – If you were removed from the register more than five years ago, you must not have made an unsuccessful attempt to re-register in the past 12 months.
• Meet the eligibility criteria as set by Social Work England or the Health and Care Professions Council.  Further details can be found at:  Restoration guidance – Social Work England or Registration renewals | The HCPC

For further information