At a Glance
- Tasks: Join our team as a Newly Qualified Social Worker, supporting children and families in East Sussex.
- Company: East Sussex County Council is dedicated to providing top-notch care for children and young people.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, enhanced training, and diverse benefits including a supportive work environment.
- Why this job: Be part of a team that values your energy and diversity while making a real impact in the community.
- Qualifications: Recent graduates in social work are encouraged to apply; passion for helping others is essential.
- Other info: Attend our virtual event to learn more about starting your career with us!
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‘I chose East Sussex as I was most impressed with them following interviewing at several places and I’m so glad I did. The learning and support I have received is more than I could have hoped for’
ASYE Member 2025
We love our NQSW’s. Every year we are so grateful for, and impressed by, the value, diversity and energy brought to the teams they join.
Like every other Local Authority in the country, we are dealing with financial constraints. We have chosen to embrace this challenge. Our focus is all about ensuring that our children and young people in East Sussex continue to receive the best care possible whilst we work to deliver a financially stable model.
One key way for us to achieve our goal is to continue to invest in our NQSW’s. This will allow us to ensure that the future of Social Work at East Sussex County Council relies on people rather than process. Once you have successfully completed your ASYE with us, we continue to invest in your professional development by offering a further year of enhanced training and support. You will also receive a salary increase as you move into your second year with us. We want to continue to work in partnership with you as you build on your skills as a relationship based social worker.
This commitment to our social workers at all levels is a big reason that we have one of the best staff retention rates in the country.
Our interviews are based around a conversation, allowing us to explore and understand your values. This is as important to us as learning about your degree. We will also take the time to tell you about our values at East Sussex and to explain how we work.
We have a wide and diverse range of benefits available for our social workers and you can find a full breakdown here.
Watch at our videos to see why newly qualified social workers chose East Sussex for their AYSE and why they stayed.
Our teams and Locations
- Multi-agency Safeguarding Hub (MASH)
- Duty and Assessment Teams
- Family and Youth Support Teams
- Children’s Disability Service
- Looked After Children
- Single Point of Advice (SPoA)
- Through Care Team
To apply for this role please follow the ‘Apply Now’ button above. When submitting your application 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.
Interviews will take place face to face on the 4th,5th and 6th June 2025.
For more information about our teams visit the recruitment website.
Unfortunately we are unable to offer sponsorship for this position so we do require all candidates to have the right to work in the UK.
For more information regarding this role please contact:
Samantha Cole, Recruitment and Retention Manager (Children’s Services)
Email: Children’sServices.RecruitmentManager@eastsussex.gov.uk
Salary: £37,667 (Grade 10) rising to £42,752 (Grade 11) on successful completion of Assessed and Supported Year in Employment (ASYE) (includes market supplement on the basis that you remain in your team or move to another front-line team)
Market supplement to be reviewed in 2026
For excellent training and development
Newly Qualified Social Worker, Children\'s Services employer: East Sussex County Council

Contact Detail:
East Sussex County Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Newly Qualified Social Worker, Children\'s Services
✨Tip Number 1
Make sure to attend the virtual event hosted by East Sussex County Council. This is a great opportunity to learn more about the role, the teams, and the values of the organization, which will help you align your responses during the interview.
✨Tip Number 2
Familiarize yourself with the specific teams mentioned in the job description, such as the Multi-agency Safeguarding Hub and Duty and Assessment Teams. Understanding their functions will allow you to ask insightful questions and demonstrate your interest in the position.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for the conversational interview format by reflecting on your personal values and how they align with those of East Sussex County Council. Think about examples from your education or life experiences that showcase your commitment to relationship-based social work.
✨Tip Number 4
Reach out to Samantha Cole, the Recruitment and Retention Manager, if you have any questions before the event. Engaging directly with the recruitment team shows your enthusiasm and can provide you with valuable insights into the role.
We think you need these skills to ace Newly Qualified Social Worker, Children\'s Services
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Take the time to thoroughly read the job description and understand the key responsibilities and expectations for the Newly Qualified Social Worker position. This will help you tailor your application to highlight relevant experiences.
Address the Criteria: When writing your application, make sure to directly address how you meet all the criteria listed in the person specification. Use specific examples from your work, life experience, education, or personal interests to demonstrate your qualifications.
Show Your Values: Since the interviews focus on understanding your values, reflect on what values are important to you as a social worker. Incorporate these values into your application to show alignment with East Sussex County Council's mission.
Prepare for the Interview: Although this tip is for after your application, it's good to prepare early. Research common interview questions for social workers and think about how you would discuss your experiences and values in a conversational manner.
How to prepare for a job interview at East Sussex County Council
✨Understand the Values
Make sure to familiarize yourself with the values of East Sussex County Council. During the interview, they will want to explore how your personal values align with theirs, so be prepared to discuss this openly.
✨Show Your Passion for Social Work
Express your enthusiasm for working with children and young people. Share specific experiences that highlight your commitment to social work and how you can contribute positively to the team.
✨Prepare for a Conversational Interview
The interview format is conversational, so think about how you can engage in a dialogue rather than just answering questions. Practice discussing your experiences and insights in a way that invites further discussion.
✨Highlight Relevant Experience
When discussing your background, make sure to draw on any relevant work or life experiences that demonstrate your skills and readiness for the role. This could include internships, volunteer work, or personal experiences that shaped your understanding of social work.