There has never been a more exciting and interesting time to join West Sussex and our Children's Asylum Team. At the heart of our vision is making a difference to children and young people's lives while supporting their positive growth within their new communities; and we need your help to achieve this.
For an informal conversation or further information regarding the role, please contact Melanie Bowley (Service Manager). For issues or queries regarding your application please contact .
To apply, please follow the links below to upload your CV and cover letter. In your cover letter outline your motivations for applying and explain how you meet the key skills listed in full and the experience you can bring to the role (please refer to the key skills) ensuring that any gaps in employment are covered in your CV. Please ensure you have saved the job description attached to the main advert on our website as, once the job has closed, you may not have the opportunity to download again.
We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. This post is subject to Social Work England registration, an enhanced DBS check, 5 years referencing and a health check. You must be able to travel throughout the county including to locations that are not always accessible by public transport. Equity, inclusion and accessibility is very important to West Sussex County Council. We welcome and encourage applications from everyone, as this helps us build a diverse and talented workforce that reflects the communities we serve. We ensure our approach to recruitment is flexible and supportive to enable all applicants to be at their best and to ensure they have the best possible chance of success. If you require any reasonable adjustments to support your application please contact .
Our ideal candidate will have passion for supporting asylum‑seeking children and young people; driven to champion their voices while supporting their needs and their future ambitions. Being an excellent communicator is essential, recognising the trauma, challenges, and loss our children and young people may have experienced. You will have excellent interpersonal and assessment skills, providing holistic and therapeutic care. Acting as the lead professional you will be developing relationships with their families and educational opportunities as well as upholding strong practices such as maintaining accurate and professional records. You will be part of a diverse and supportive team, committed to providing a high‑quality service, with a clear focus on protection and the wider safeguarding agenda. Candidates should be familiar with all relevant statutory guidance and legislation, with an appreciation for both how challenging and rewarding the role can be.
Skills and Experience
* Able to work proactively as a member of the team to make accurate assessments of needs.
* Able to work in partnership with carers, providers, colleagues and external agencies to deliver an effective service.
* A recognised Social Work qualification e.g. Degree in Social Work, Post Graduate Certificate in Social Work, DipSW, CQSW or equivalent as recognised by the relevant professional body.
* Completion of relevant post‑qualifying training.
* Knowledge of theoretical Social Work concepts and practices, with demonstrable examples of dealing with a breadth of complex issues and situations such as the impact of trauma for children seeking asylum, attachment, impact of developmental trauma and child development, motivational interviewing, relational practice and systemic working. A good understanding of anti‑oppressive, anti‑discriminatory and anti‑racist practice in social work.
* Experience of managing levels of risk with the range of children and young people you work with.
* You will need to be able to travel independently around the county and nationally, including to areas that may not be easily accessible by public transport. Pool cars and pool bikes are available.
Here at West Sussex County Council, we are ambitious for our children and our workforce. We are committed to improving our services for the children and families in West Sussex we support. You will join us as at a key time on our improvement journey. The work we have started includes establishing a new and experienced senior leadership team, driving forward our ‘Children First’ improvement plan and implementing the Family Safeguarding Practice Model. You will be trained in motivational interviewing, to support our strengths‑based approach to working with families and creating lasting change for children.
We don't underestimate the work that still needs to be undertaken and the challenge ahead, we are confident in our approach and excited about the changes occurring. That's why we need professionals, like you, who really want to be part of the positive change that is happening for children. Be part of an ambitious improvement plan and make a significant difference to children and families in West Sussex. There has never been a more rewarding time to join.
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