Social Worker, Duty and Assessment Team

*JOB DESCRIPTION*
'Social workers love working in East Sussex because they feel valued and supported.'

Ofsted Report 2024

We are looking for a Social Worker to join our Duty and Assessment service. Joining East Sussex Children's Social Work teams is an exciting time at the moment. We have several new initiatives in place such as our Connected Families in practice and UK Leading Transformation project that are unique to East Sussex County Council and we also boast one of the best Social worker retention rates in the country.

There are three teams made up of social workers and senior social workers who undertake family assessments, Section 47 enquiries, private fostering assessments, and assessment of homeless young people. They work with children and young people 0-19 years old. The work is short term and if families and children require longer term intervention they are transferred to our Family Support and Youth Support teams.

You Will Be a Social Worker With The Following:

• 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 informs and mandates social work practice

We are looking for a Social Worker who is 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 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 .

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

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.

Interviews Will Take Place In Person On Monday 03 November 2025 In Eastbourne. 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

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.

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 either Nina Macquire via or Debra Schmidt via .

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 . 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.