At a Glance
- Tasks: Support adults with mental health needs through reviews and assessments.
- Company: Join East Sussex County Council, dedicated to empowering individuals in need of care.
- Benefits: Enjoy hybrid working, generous pension, ongoing training, and wellness support.
- Why this job: Make a real impact while gaining valuable experience in social care.
- Qualifications: Understanding of mental health legislation and experience in social care required.
- Other info: Flexible interview options available; internal candidates can apply for secondments.
Are you looking for a rewarding career with opportunities for further professional development? If so, we look forward to hearing from you!
An opportunity has arisen for a 12-month fixed term contract, full time Resource Officer role within our Countywide Reviewing Team in the Adult Social Care Mental Health Service. We offer support to people over the age of eighteen with severe and enduring mental illness, people living with dementia and people accessing support for alcohol and substance use.
Our team supports a variety of review activity, including post-hospital, Section 117 Aftercare, those in receipt of a Direct Payment and statutory annual reviews within individuals' own homes, including supported living and care home settings.
At East Sussex County Council, we have a commitment to empowering Adults over the age of eighteen who are accessing care and support. Our aim is to maximise their independence and help them play a full part in the decisions that affect them.
We apply a blended approach to our reviews through telephone, technology, and home visits to understand and appreciate an individual’s interests, aspirations, concerns, and goals and review their current services and ongoing needs. We consider their existing networks of family, friends and wider community support are explored, focusing on what the individual can do for themselves.
You will work with partner agencies, carers, and families to build networks of support that can help people maintain their independence. With an increased demand for our services, we must adapt and be creative, so there are plenty of opportunities to gain experience and innovate.
Hybrid working arrangements are applicable to the role; this includes elements of office-based working, client visits and working from home. The successful candidate will need to be able to travel independently between locations including out of county areas on occasions. You will need to demonstrate you can meet the travel requirements of the role.
We are looking for candidates who:
- Have an understanding of the relevant legislation, and mental health needs and/or substance use issues to ensure the person’s needs are met and associated risks are managed
- Are able to engage with clients’ families, carers and providers
- Have the ability to work jointly and constructively with colleagues and other health care professionals
- Have experience of working within a social care or related field
- Can understand and can undertake assessment and review activity applying good practice in relation to service users and carers
- Are able to be an effective communicator and have a commitment to anti-discriminatory practice and the ability to promote independence and resilience, in accordance with the Care Act 2014.
To apply for this role please follow the ‘Apply Now’ button above. When completing your CV and covering letter, be sure to address how you meet all the criteria in the person specification. This job advert might close earlier than the stipulated closing date if a large volume of applicants is received. Internal candidates are welcome to apply for a secondment (with current managers consent) to give them an opportunity to experience working with people accessing support for their mental illness.
The successful candidate will benefit from access to a supportive and experienced team, ongoing training, and professional development as well as robust support and supervision from senior practitioners.
Interviews will take place week commencing 16 or 23 June via Microsoft Teams unless you request an in-person interview. If you are unavailable to attend the allocated interview date/time, let us know and we may be able to schedule an alternative date/time for you.
There are many rewards working for East Sussex County Council, some of these include:
- Generous pension scheme
- Access to training
- Access to our extensive wellbeing and wellness training.
For more information about our diverse range of benefits please click on the link provided benefits page. For an informal discussion, please contact Darlene Sellick by email Darlene.Sellick@eastsussex.gov.uk
“For putting your skills to good use”, choose East Sussex!
Resource Officer employer: East Sussex County Council

Contact Detail:
East Sussex County Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Resource Officer
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the relevant legislation and mental health needs before your interview. This will not only show your commitment to the role but also help you engage in meaningful discussions about how you can contribute to the team.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare examples from your past experience that demonstrate your ability to work collaboratively with families, carers, and other professionals. Highlighting these experiences will showcase your teamwork skills and understanding of the social care environment.
✨Tip Number 3
Research East Sussex County Council's approach to empowering adults and promoting independence. Being able to discuss their values and how they align with your own will make a strong impression during the interview.
✨Tip Number 4
Be ready to discuss your flexibility regarding hybrid working arrangements and travel requirements. Showing that you are adaptable and willing to meet the demands of the role will demonstrate your commitment to the position.
We think you need these skills to ace Resource Officer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Before applying, make sure to thoroughly read the job description and person specification. Understand the key responsibilities and required skills for the Resource Officer role, as this will help you tailor your application.
Tailor Your CV: When crafting your CV, highlight relevant experience in social care or related fields. Emphasise your understanding of mental health legislation and your ability to engage with clients and their families, as these are crucial for the role.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, directly address how you meet each criterion listed in the person specification. Use specific examples from your past experiences to demonstrate your skills and commitment to anti-discriminatory practice.
Prepare for the Interview: If selected for an interview, prepare by reviewing common interview questions related to social care and mental health. Be ready to discuss your approach to promoting independence and resilience among service users.
How to prepare for a job interview at East Sussex County Council
✨Understand the Role and Responsibilities
Make sure you thoroughly read the job description and understand the key responsibilities of a Resource Officer. Be prepared to discuss how your experience aligns with supporting individuals with mental health issues, dementia, or substance use.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
As a Resource Officer, effective communication is crucial. Prepare examples of how you've successfully engaged with clients, families, and other professionals in previous roles. Highlight your ability to promote independence and resilience.
✨Familiarise Yourself with Relevant Legislation
Brush up on the Care Act 2014 and any other relevant legislation related to mental health and social care. Being knowledgeable about these laws will demonstrate your commitment to best practices and your understanding of the legal framework surrounding the role.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving skills and ability to handle challenging situations. Think of specific instances from your past work where you had to adapt creatively to meet the needs of clients or manage risks effectively.