Job Description
Do you want to join us? ‘Social workers love working in East Sussex because they feel valued and supported.’
Ofsted Report 2024
The Children in Care Team, based at County Hall in Lewes, is looking for a professionally curious and dynamic Social Worker to join their team, specialising in working with children in care.
You will primarily work with Children and Young People aged from birth to 16 years. The work will involve long‑term foster care, adoption and the reunification of children with their birth families. You may also support children through care proceedings and transitions to permanence.
Building relationships with children and young people to promote their development, identity and wellbeing will be key. You will work collaboratively with birth families, carers, prospective adopters and a professional network to progress individual Care Plans and support our young people to achieve their aspirations. Your work will include supporting young people to prepare for independence and adulthood.
You will be a passionate advocate for the young people and families and be fully committed to making a positive difference to those you work with.
We Are Looking For Social Workers With The Following
* A passionate advocate for the young people and families and be fully committed to making a positive difference to those you work with.
* Experience of working directly with children and families.
* Experience of completing assessments upon which effective plans are based.
* Knowledge of legal and policy frameworks that inform and mandate social work practice.
* Able to engage effectively using creativity, compassion and authority to overcome resistance, build relationships, and communicate, while maintaining professional boundaries in complex and emotionally challenging situations.
Please download the Job Description and Person Specification for more information.
About
We all know that writing job applications can be challenging and time consuming, so we have streamlined the process as much as possible. Please click the ‘apply now’ button and upload your CV and a Supporting Statement. The main areas we want you to tell us about are:
* Your work with children and young people.
* How you communicate with others.
* Your application or research in theory in practice.
Brief and to the point and with some examples is the way to go! For guidance on how to write an application see our how to apply page.
At interview the main areas we’d like you to tell us about include:
* Your work with children and young people.
* How you communicate with others.Your application of research or theory in practice.
* Your strong social work leadership skills.
Interviews will take place face to face on 18 December in Eastbourne.
Candidates who meet certain criteria are given priority when we shortlist. See our priority status page for details.
Our unparalleled social work education team is dedicated to supporting your growth and development within and beyond your role.
We offer a diverse range of benefits to help and support you during your employment. More information can be found on our benefits page.
For an informal discussion about this opportunity contact Patricia Jackson – Patricia.jackson@eastsussex.gov.uk.
Please note that these salaries include a time‑limited market supplement which is subject to review in July 2026 – you can view the basic salary on our Salary Scales page.
East Sussex is a very good employer. You’re able to work flexibly around childcare and caring responsibilities and that’s really helpful. – Charlotte, Social Worker.
Choose East Sussex!
Additional Information
This position 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 https://www.gov.uk/dbs-check-applicant-criminal-record. 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 https://www.gov.uk/browse/visas-immigration/work-visas.
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.
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