Social Worker

Job Description

Support, safeguard, empower, transforming children’s lives — if this is the work you’re passionate about, then we want to hear from you!

When children need protection, advocacy, and a voice, we need social workers who will stand with them. Your expertise can change lives.

We are looking for committed and compassionate Social Workers to join our Children’s Services Department in Eastbourne. This is an exciting opportunity to work independently while managing a diverse and challenging caseload. You will be at the heart of safeguarding making a real difference by supporting children, young people, and their families to achieve safe, stable, and positive outcomes. In this role, you will handle complex cases, apply relevant legislation, and work closely with families, and partner agencies.

As a social worker you will be expected to undertake assessments, planning, and carry out direct work with children and young people while developing trusted, trauma-informed relationships with them and their families.

We can’t express how much we value our Social Workers, which is why we commit to ensuring the most supportive and progressive environment for our Social Workers and as a result we have one of the lowest turnover rates in the country for Social Workers.

The people we are looking for in this vital position will have:

• Recognised Social Work qualification and current registration with the professional regulatory body.

• Successfully completed Assessed and Supported Year in employment if graduated post 2012.

• 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 & Person Specification for more information.

We warmly welcome applications from all sections of the community. We particularly encourage those from group that are underrepresented in our current workforce: Black and ethnic minority backgrounds, those who are disabled, men and those who identify as LGBTQ+. We are working towards recruiting a workforce that reflects our community because we recognise the unique skills, experience and perspective that each individual brings.

To apply for this role, please follow the ‘Apply Now’ button above, when submitting your CV and cover letter 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.

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 face to face within two weeks of the closing date. Dates and location will be confirmed.

Candidates who meet certain criteria are given priority when we shortlist. See our priority status page for details.

Our unparalleled social work education team are dedicated to supporting our social workers grow and develop within and beyond their roles. This is more than a job—it’s a chance to use your skills, knowledge, and compassion to make a meaningful impact every day.

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 more information about Children's Social work in East Sussex please visit www.eastsussex.gov.uk/socialwork or for an informal discussion about recruitment please contact Dan Wood - Dan.wood@Eastsussex.gov.uk.

Please note that salaries include a time limited market supplement which is subject to review in December 2027 – you can view the basic salary on our Salary Scales page.

A workforce for the community, from the community.

'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

For flexible working, choose East Sussex!

About us

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 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.