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- Tasks: Support adults with learning disabilities to live independently and manage complex caseloads.
- Company: Join East Sussex County Council’s Learning Disability Service, dedicated to community-focused care.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible hybrid working, generous leave, and extensive wellbeing support.
- Why this job: Make a real impact while growing your skills in a supportive, multidisciplinary team.
- Qualifications: Must be a registered Social Worker with experience in adult social care and legal frameworks.
- Other info: Interviews on 12th and 15th July; apply now to shape your social work career!
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 will 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.
Interviews will be held on Friday 12 July and Monday 15 July. 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.
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.
Social Worker Learning Disability 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 Learning Disability
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the Mental Capacity Act and Best Interests decision-making processes. Understanding these frameworks will not only boost your confidence during interviews but also demonstrate your commitment to person-centred care.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with current or former employees of East Sussex County Council. They can provide valuable insights into the team dynamics and expectations, which can help you tailor your approach when discussing your fit for the role.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your experience with complex caseloads and safeguarding needs. Be ready to share specific examples that highlight your resilience and flexibility in managing challenging situations.
✨Tip Number 4
Research the local community and the specific challenges faced by adults with learning disabilities in East Sussex. This knowledge will show your genuine interest in making a positive impact and your readiness to engage with the community.
We think you need these skills to ace Social Worker Learning Disability
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Read the job description thoroughly to grasp the responsibilities and requirements of the Social Worker position. Make notes on how your experience aligns with their needs.
Craft a Tailored Covering Letter: Write a covering letter that specifically addresses how your skills, experience, and values make you a great fit for the role. Use examples from your past work to demonstrate your understanding of the Mental Capacity Act and safeguarding.
Highlight Relevant Experience: In your CV and covering letter, emphasise your post-qualifying experience in adult social care, particularly any work related to the Court of Protection and Best Interests decision-making.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your application for any spelling or grammatical errors. Ensure that all information is clear and concise, reflecting your professionalism.
How to prepare for a job interview at East Sussex County Council
✨Understand the Legal Framework
Make sure you have a solid grasp of the Mental Capacity Act and the Court of Protection processes. Be prepared to discuss how you've applied these in your previous roles, as this will demonstrate your expertise and confidence in navigating complex legal landscapes.
✨Showcase Your Person-Centred Approach
During the interview, highlight your commitment to strengths-based practice and person-centred care. Share specific examples of how you've empowered individuals with learning disabilities to lead independent lives, as this aligns with the values of East Sussex County Council.
✨Demonstrate Resilience and Flexibility
Be ready to discuss how you've managed dynamic and complex caseloads in the past. Provide examples that showcase your resilience and adaptability, especially in challenging situations, as these qualities are essential for success in this role.
✨Prepare Questions for the Interviewers
Think of insightful questions to ask about the Learning Disability Service and its approach to social work. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you assess if it's the right fit for you. Consider asking about team dynamics or opportunities for professional development.
