Social Worker

Priory Elm Park is looking to recruit a Social Worker to join the team. This is a part time 22.5 hours role.

Based in Ardleigh near Colchester, Essex, Priory Elm Park is a specialist brain injury service. We provide neurobehavioural rehabilitation for people with complex neurological needs, following an acquired brain injury (ABI) or traumatic brain injury (TBI). This includes assessment as well as treatment.

What you'll be doing

You will be part of a compassionate team who are committed to our patients wellbeing. We take a personalised approach, using proven therapies to help people move forward with confidence and build a healthier, more fulfilling future. As a Social Worker, you will play a key part in their recovery, assisting qualified staff with the assessment and implementation of individual patient care plans, undertaking routine tasks and activities as directed or delegated to facilitate wellbeing, dignity and treatment of patients.

  • To provide expertise and leadership in Safeguarding.
  • To bring clear focus on the rights of all service users and their families, including the ability to investigate, evaluate and learn from allegations to improve safety, dignity and compassion within the unit.
  • To work as part of the Multi- disciplinary Team focusing on prevention, early intervention, building resilience and self-care, reducing and delaying dependency.
  • To undertake assessments, care plans and where required Tribunal Report to determine eligibility and support the access to services under relevant social care framework.

You can find additional information in the attached job description.

What you'll bring to the role

Our work is rewarding but can be challenging, so resilience is key. No two days are the same! Your natural empathy will help you support others through both the highs and lows.

The ideal candidate will hold a degree-level social work qualification, be registered with Social Work England, and have detailed knowledge of mental health and safeguarding legislation, including the Mental Health Act 1983, Mental Capacity Act 2005, and Care Act 2014. They will demonstrate recovery-focused, evidence-informed practice, critical reflection, and the ability to assess risk and balance legal frameworks to achieve the best outcomes. Strong partnership working, communication, and positive use of authority are key, along with experience in a similar setting or a willingness to learn.

What we will give you in return

We want you to succeed at Priory and thrive in your role. You will be well supported with regular career conversations. We also offer full training and numerous pathways into leadership and qualified clinical positions to help you shape your career with us.

  • Free on-site parking
  • Supplemented meals
  • 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays
  • Birthday Holiday - Your Birthday as an extra days annual leave
  • Enhanced maternity pay
  • Contributory pension scheme
  • Flexible benefits including reduced rates and access to new schemes including gym membership, IT technology (laptops / tablets / smartphones) and Healthcare Cash Plan (Simply Health Scheme)
  • Access to development opportunities
  • Sponsorship of professional qualifications through our Individual Professional Development (IPD) panel
  • Leadership & management development
  • Long service award
  • Refer a friend bonuses

Shortlisting may begin upon receipt of applications, and the Recruiting Manager may close the vacancy early if enough suitable candidates are identified. In such cases, adverts should be closed immediately, and remaining applicants informed of the reason.

About Priory

Priory is the leading independent provider of mental health and adult social care in the UK. We support 26,000 people a year to move towards a healthier future so they can live their lives as fully and independently as possible. We treat more than 70 conditions, including depression, anxiety, addictions and eating disorders, as well as children’s mental health, across our nationwide network of sites. We also support autistic adults and adults with a learning disability, Prader-Willi Syndrome and brain injuries, as well as older people, within specialist residential care and supported living facilities.


With over 13,000 colleagues working at Priory, we have a long and prestigious history, and an unrivalled reputation for making a real and lasting difference to the lives of every individual in our care.


All roles will be subject to a successful disclosure at an appropriate level from the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS), Access NI or Disclosure Scotland. We are an equal opportunities employer. Priory will cover the cost of a DBS check.

We kindly request that recruitment agencies do not contact us regarding this vacancy. Should we require assistance, we will reach out directly to our 'PSL'

Priory Group £21,000 - £22,800 per annum Colchester