Social Worker Uk Sponsorship Available
Job Description
Employer: East Sussex County Council
Location: Lewes, East Sussex
Job Type: Full-time
Service: Children’s Social Work – Duty and Assessment
Work Pattern: Flexible working available
Make a Difference to Children and Families
East Sussex County Council is seeking a committed Social Worker to join the Duty and Assessment Team in Lewes.
This is an excellent opportunity for a social worker who enjoys working directly with children and families and wants to develop their career within a supportive and forward-thinking children’s social care service.
East Sussex has introduced a number of innovative approaches to social work practice, including Connected Families and its UK-leading transformation programme. The service also has a strong record of retaining social work professionals, reflecting the support and development opportunities available to its workforce.
About the Duty and Assessment Service
The Duty and Assessment service consists of three teams made up of Social Workers and Senior Social Workers. The teams provide short-term intervention and assessment for children, young people and families across the county.
As part of the Lewes team, your responsibilities may include:
– Carrying out assessments of children and families to identify needs, risks and appropriate support.
– Undertaking Section 47 enquiries where safeguarding concerns require further investigation.
– Completing private fostering assessments.
– Assessing homeless young people and helping identify suitable support.
– Working with children and young people from birth through to the age of 19.
– Developing effective plans based on thorough assessments.
– Working collaboratively with families and partner agencies.
– Ensuring children and young people’s welfare and safety remain central to decision-making.
Where families require longer-term support, cases may be transferred to the appropriate Family Support or Youth Support service.
The Person We Are Looking For
We are looking for a Social Worker who can build constructive relationships with children, young people and families, including people who may initially be reluctant to engage with services.
You should be able to combine compassion, creativity and professional authority when dealing with complex situations. Strong communication skills and the ability to maintain appropriate professional boundaries are essential.
You will ideally have:
– Practical experience of working directly with children and families.
– Experience completing assessments and using the findings to develop meaningful intervention plans.
– An understanding of the legislation, policies and professional frameworks that guide children’s social work.
– The ability to assess risk and respond appropriately to safeguarding concerns.
– Strong communication, relationship-building and decision-making skills.
– A professional approach when working in emotionally demanding circumstances.
Career Development and Support
East Sussex County Council places significant emphasis on helping social workers develop professionally.
You will have access to a dedicated social work education and development team, with opportunities to strengthen your skills, progress within your current role and explore future career opportunities.
The council also provides a broad range of employment benefits and promotes flexible working arrangements designed to support employees with different personal and caring responsibilities.
Salary Information
The advertised salary includes a time-limited market supplement, which is currently subject to review in December 2027.
The underlying basic salary can be found through the council’s published salary scales.
How to Apply
Applicants should submit their CV and supporting statement through the online application process.
The supporting statement will be an important part of the shortlisting process. Make sure your statement clearly demonstrates how your experience, qualifications, skills and other relevant experiences meet the requirements outlined in the person specification.
You may draw on professional experience, education, voluntary work or other relevant experience when demonstrating your suitability.
The council also provides guidance for applicants on completing the application process and has information available regarding the use of AI in applications.
Interview Information
Successful shortlisted candidates will be invited to an in-person interview at County Hall, Lewes.
Interview date: Monday, 21 September
Candidates who meet the council’s specified priority criteria may receive priority during the shortlisting process.
Equality, Diversity and Inclusion
East Sussex County Council is committed to building a workforce that reflects the communities it serves.
Applications are welcomed from people across all sections of the community. The council particularly encourages applications from groups currently underrepresented within its workforce, including people from Black and ethnic minority backgrounds, disabled people, men and LGBTQ+ people.
The organisation recognises that employees bring different experiences, skills and perspectives and aims to create an inclusive working environment where these contributions are valued.
Employee Experience
The council promotes flexible working and recognises the importance of supporting employees with childcare and other caring responsibilities.
Social workers are also supported to feel valued within the organisation, with professional development and ongoing support forming an important part of the service.
DBS and Other Employment Requirements
This role requires an Enhanced DBS check, or an Enhanced check for Regulated Activity, through the Disclosure and Barring Service.
Applicants who have previously lived or worked overseas may also be required to provide evidence of an overseas police check.
If the position is offered on a part-time or term-time basis, the advertised salary will be adjusted on a pro-rata basis.
UK Visa Sponsorship
Applicants who need UK visa sponsorship should state this clearly in their application. The hiring manager can then confirm whether the position meets the relevant sponsorship requirements.
Applicants can review the latest UK work visa information on the official government website: “UK work visas – GOV.UK” (https://reference-url-citation.invalid/0).
Information about DBS checks is also available through “GOV.UK – DBS checks” (https://reference-url-citation.invalid/1).
Reasonable Adjustments
East Sussex County Council can consider reasonable adjustments for applicants with disabilities to help ensure they can participate fully in the recruitment process.
If you require an adjustment, contact the hiring manager using the contact details provided in the original vacancy information.
Informal Enquiries
For an informal conversation about the position, prospective applicants can contact:
Claire Welburn
Email: claire.welburn@eastsussex.gov.uk
Join East Sussex Children’s Social Work
If you are looking for a Social Worker position where you can work directly with children and families, develop your professional skills and contribute to a supportive community-focused service, this Duty and Assessment Social Worker role in Lewes could be an excellent opportunity.
