Do you want to make a real difference to adults with mental health and substance misuse difficulties? If so, join us
At East Sussex County Council, we have a commitment to empowering adults. Our aim is to maximise their independence and help them play a full part in the decisions that affect them. Joining our Adult Social Care Mental Health East Team, based in Hastings is a chance to change your world and theirs. You will be supported by a team that cares for you, just as much as it cares for our community.
You will have a varied caseload, providing social care for adults with mental health and substance misuse issues. This includes investigating safeguarding concerns, carrying out statutory assessments, commissioning support and presenting your reports to panels or in court. You will also work with partner agencies, carers, and families to build networks of support that can help people maintain their independence. As part of your responsibilities, you will train as an Approved Mental Health Professional (AMHP) and take part in AMHP rotas when required. With an increased demand for our services, we have to adapt and be creative, so there are plenty of opportunities to learn and innovate.
The role involves working with adults between the ages of 18 – 70 with severe and enduring mental needs and adults over the age of 18 with no upper age limit with substance misuse needs.
Hybrid working arrangements are applicable to the role this includes elements of office-based working, client visits and working from home. You will need to demonstrate you can meet the travel requirements of the role.
We are looking for candidates who:
* Has Social work qualifications and registered with the professional regulatory body, please include your registration number on your application
* Has successfully completed Assessed and Supported Year in employment, or the equivalent if prior to 2012, (NQSW year and academic module) or equivalent
* Has experience completing assessments, using legal frameworks, and creating care plans
* Has a good knowledge of psychological development, systemic approaches, and interventions
* Can understand forms of harm and their impact on people, and the implications for practice, drawing on concepts of attachment, loss, resilience, vulnerability, risk and resistance
To apply for this role, please follow the 'Apply Now' button above and upload your CV and a Supporting Statement. We will be using your Supporting Statement to shortlist so please be sure to address how you meet all the criteria in the person specification, drawing on any relevant work/life experience, education, or personal interests.
Please download the Job Description and Person Specification for more information.
For guidance on how to write an application see our how to apply page and our statement on the use of AI.
Interviews will take place in person at Cavendish House, Hastings. Interviews will be taking place week commencing 16 March. If you are unavailable on these dates let us know and we may be able to schedule an alternative date to interview you.
Candidates who meet certain criteria are given priority when we shortlist. See our priority status page for details.
We will recognise and value your contribution and will invest in your future with us. We ensure a fully supported introduction to employment, competitive pay, rewards, and benefits.
There are many rewards working for East Sussex County Council, some of these include:
* Generous pension scheme
* Hybrid working
* Access to training
* Lease car scheme (subject to qualifying criteria)
* Access to our extensive wellbeing and wellness training
* Annual registration fee with Social Worker England will be reimbursed.
For more information about our diverse range of benefits please click on the link provided benefits page.
For an informal discussion about this opportunity contact Tara O'Connor, Practice Manager via tara.o'
For work that makes a difference, choose East Sussex
Additional Information
This post is subject to an Enhanced DBS check or Enhanced check for Regulated Activity with the Disclosure & Barring Services (previously the Criminal Records Bureau). For further information about what is required in this process please go to Please note that we require evidence of an overseas police check if you have lived or worked abroad.
Your starting salary will be pro rata if the above position is part-time or term-time only.
If you require sponsorship to work in the UK please let the hiring manager know this in your application so we can check eligibility for sponsorship for the role. For further information please go to
If you require any reasonable adjustments, due to disability, to enable you to participate fully in the process please contact the hiring manager on the contact details above.