Social Worker Learning Disability

Are you ready to make a real, positive impact in the lives of adults with learning disabilities?

Join East Sussex County Council’s Learning Disability Service, where your professional expertise will help adults live independent, fulfilled lives within their communities. We are currently recruiting for 2 experienced and committed Social Workers who are confident working in a complex legal and safeguarding landscape.

You\’ll be part of a supportive, multidisciplinary team committed to strengths-based practice and person-centred care. Whether you’re seeking to expand your skills in legal frameworks, safeguarding, or mental capacity work, or looking for a place to grow your career, East Sussex is the place to do it.

Why join us?

• A strong focus on person-centred, strengths-based social work.
• Opportunities to shape decision-making in areas such as Best Interests, community Deprivation of Liberty (DoL), and the Mental Capacity Act.
• The chance to work on Court of Protection (COP) applications, including Section 21A and Section 16.
• Flexible hybrid working arrangements.
• A supportive team and professional development opportunities, including pathways to roles such as Best Interests Assessor (BIA) and Practice Educator Professional Standards (PEPS).

What you\’ll be doing

• Managing complex caseloads, prioritising cases with Court of Protection deadlines and safeguarding needs.
• Acting as Lead Enquiry Officer in Section 42 Safeguarding Enquiries under the Care Act 2014.
• Applying the Mental Capacity Act (MCA) in practice and making Best Interests decisions.
• Contributing to community DoL assessments and applications to the Court of Protection (s21A/s16).
• Working collaboratively with partner agencies, legal teams, and health professionals.
• Attending court where required, and potentially applying transferable legal experience such as Mental Health Tribunals or Magistrates Court warrants.

We are looking for candidates who…

• Are a registered Social Worker with proven post-qualifying experience in adult social care.
• Have an in-depth understanding of the Mental Capacity Act, Best Interests decision-making, and legal authority in tenancy and finances.
• Have familiarity with Court of Protection processes and timelines.
• Desirable experience: BIA trained or PEPS accredited, knowledge of the Mental Health Act 1983.
• Can demonstrate resilience and flexibility to manage a dynamic and complex caseload.
• Are able to meet the travel requirements of the role. You will be required to travel across East Sussex, including rural areas.

Salary is £38,865 – £44,428 per annum

To apply for this role, click the apply now button to upload a covering letter. Please tell us how your skills, experience, and values make you a great fit for this role and ensure your application clearly addresses how you meet all the criteria in the person specification.

Please download the Job Description and Person Specification.

Interviews will be held via Microsoft Teams in the first week of September.

We would really like you to choose the Learning Disability service for your next step in social work.

We offer

• Generous annual leave and family-friendly policies
• Local Government Pension Scheme
• Extensive employee benefits and wellbeing support
• Ongoing training and CPD

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, email Scott Templeman, Operations Manager, scott.templeman@eastsussex.gov.uk and he will be happy to arrange a call to answer any questions.

Join us to make a difference where it matters most.