Senior Social Worker, Duty and Assessment Team (Internal)

We are looking for a Senior Social Worker to join our Duty and Assessment service.

It's an exciting time to be part of East Sussex Children's Social Work teams. 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.

We are looking for a Senior 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 this is an opportunity for a current Senior Social Worker to move across teams and not an opportunity for a promotion from Social Worker.

We are looking for experienced Senior Social Workers who:

• Have Level 1 Practice Educator Professional or currently undertaking the course or evidence of a confirmed space to undertake course.

• Able to manage workload independently.

• Able to undertake assessment and analysis to a high standard on complex cases informed by research and theory and linking to child’s plan.

• Communicate with children and young people where there is complexity, including domestic violence, substance misuse, mental health or sexual harm, working alongside to create change.

• Able to demonstrate competence against the Professional Capability Framework at senior social work level.

*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.

To apply for this role, please follow the ‘Apply Now’ button and upload your expression of interest. We will be using your EOI 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.

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 and our statement on the use of AI.

Interviews will take place in person in Eastbourne within two weeks of closing date. 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 Katy Gregory via Katy.gregory@Eastsussex.gov.uk [Katy.gregory@Eastsussex.gov.uk] or Lucy Bryant via Lucy.bryant@Eastsussex.gov.uk [Lucy.bryant@Eastsussex.gov.uk]

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

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

For flexible working, choose East Sussex.

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 gov. uk. 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 gov. uk

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.