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- Tasks: Join our Duty and Assessment team to support children and families in need.
- Company: East Sussex County Council, known for valuing and supporting its social workers.
- Benefits: Flexible working, competitive salary, and a strong focus on professional development.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of children and families while growing your career.
- Qualifications: Experience with children and families, strong communication skills, and knowledge of social work frameworks.
- Other info: Enjoy a supportive environment with excellent retention rates and career growth opportunities.
‘Social workers love working in East Sussex because they feel valued and supported.’
Ofsted Report 2024
We are looking for a Social Worker to join our Duty and Assessment service. Joining East Sussex Children\’s Social Work teams is an exciting time at the moment. 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.
You will be a social worker with the following:
- Experience of working directly with children and families.
- Experience of completing assessments upon which effective plans are based.
- knowledge of legal and policy frameworks that informs and mandates social work practice
We are looking for a 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 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.
We all know that writing job applications can be challenging and time consuming, so we have streamlined the process as much as possible. please click the \’Apply Now\’ button and upload your CV and a Supporting Statement The main areas we want you to tell us about are:
- Your work with children and young people
- How you communicate with others
- Your application or research in theory in practice
Brief and to the point and with some examples is the way to go!
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.
Interviews will take place in person on Monday 03 November 2025 in Eastbourne. At Interview the main areas we’d like you to tell us about include:
- Your work with children and young people
- How you communicate with others
- Your application of research or theory in practice
- Your strong social work leadership skills
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 Nina Macquire via Nina.macquire@Eastsussex.gov.uk or Debra Schmidt via Debra.schmidt@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
For flexible working, choose East Sussex.
Social Worker, Duty and Assessment Team employer: East Sussex County Council
Contact Detail:
East Sussex County Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Social Worker, Duty and Assessment Team
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the team and the projects they’re working on! Research the Connected Families initiative and the UK Leading Transformation project. This will not only help you understand their values but also give you a chance to show off your knowledge during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your storytelling skills! When discussing your experience with children and families, use specific examples that highlight your creativity and compassion. We want to hear how you’ve made a difference in challenging situations.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t underestimate the power of networking! Reach out to current social workers at East Sussex through LinkedIn or informal chats. They can provide insider tips and might even put in a good word for you!
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s streamlined and easy, plus it shows you’re serious about joining the team. Make sure to tailor your CV and supporting statement to reflect the key areas they’re looking for.
We think you need these skills to ace Social Worker, Duty and Assessment Team
Some tips for your application 🫡
Be Authentic: When writing your application, let your personality shine through! We want to see the real you, so don’t be afraid to share your passion for working with children and families. Authenticity goes a long way in making your application stand out.
Get to the Point: Keep it brief and focused! We appreciate clear and concise applications. Make sure to highlight your relevant experience and skills directly related to the role. Use specific examples to illustrate your points, especially around your work with children and young people.
Show Your Knowledge: Demonstrate your understanding of the legal and policy frameworks that guide social work practice. This shows us that you’re not just experienced but also knowledgeable about the field. It’s a great way to show you’re ready to hit the ground running!
Apply Through Our Website: We’ve made applying super easy! Just click the 'Apply Now' button on our website to upload your CV and Supporting Statement. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us without any hassle. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at East Sussex County Council
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of the legal and policy frameworks relevant to social work. Be ready to discuss how these inform your practice, especially in relation to assessments and interventions with children and families.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare specific examples from your past work with children and young people. Highlight your direct experiences, particularly those that demonstrate your ability to engage effectively and build relationships, even in challenging situations.
✨Communicate Clearly
Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and concisely. During the interview, focus on how you communicate with others, ensuring you convey your ideas confidently while maintaining professionalism.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Skills
Be ready to discuss your leadership skills in social work. Think about times when you've taken initiative or led a project, and how you can apply those skills in the Duty and Assessment Team context.
