Social Worker, Children in Care Team

'Social workers love working in East Sussex because they feel valued and supported.' - Ofsted Report 2024

The Looked After Children's Team, based at Hailsham Resource Centre in Hailsham are 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 to 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 informs and mandates 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

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.

 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.

Please download the Job Description and Person Specification for more information. 

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 the 5 December in either Eastbourne or Lewes.

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 Sue Ingham -  

*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