Social workers
We are committed to delivering support and services to maintain the independence, dignity and wellbeing of vulnerable adults across the county.
By working closely with our partners in health, the private and voluntary sectors, as well as directly with parents and carers, our services are being transformed. Our goal is to use our resources as effectively as we can so that clients have as much control as possible within their communities.
Returning to social work?
If you are experienced but have been out of practice for a while we would love to hear from you. Please contact our Social Work Education Team online, or telephone 01323 463250.
Working in East Sussex
We believe in providing a strong support system for our social work teams. Providing the right support helps you to develop your practice, enhance your wellbeing and strengthen your resilience.
If you enjoy working with people, this can be a very fulfilling role which can also offer valuable experience, variety and career progression. We work with a wide range of individuals, including older people and those with mental health challenges and disability.
A fully-supported introduction to employment
This starts when you join. A ‘one year supported introduction to employment’ is designed to ensure that you’re able to get on with your job and be effective in your work here. All new staff can expect regular reviews and feedback sessions with your manager to support you in settling into your new job and responsibilities.
Comprehensive ASYE for newly qualified social workers
Our Assessed and Supported Year in Employment (ASYE) for newly qualified social workers is designed to ensure every newly qualified social worker is equipped with the knowledge and skills to practice, and is delivered in partnership with employers, universities, clients and carers. East Sussex County Council has a dedicated Social Work Education Team who plan and deliver the programme, supporting newly qualified social workers and their managers through the year.
This, together with supportive professional supervision of your work and ongoing training, will help you to perform at your very best.
A supportive culture for learning and development
The East Sussex social work portfolio toolkit supports social work practitioners to relate their practice to the Professional Capabilities Framework (PCF). We use a holistic assessment model, which requires a range of observations over time and provides breadth and depth of evidence which is robust and progressive.
We encourage a culture of learning and improvement. So, you will be encouraged to take your entitlement of five days’ per year for continuous professional development and to take full advantage of professional development opportunities. Your learning and development is important and you will have regular opportunities to discuss and agree your performance and development with your manager.
Innovative social work education on the frontline
Our innovative teaching partnership with local universities is called the South Coast Regional Centre for Social Work Education (SCRC).
This provides a defined career pathway for social work practitioners. It also offers staff a valuable opportunity to deliver training at local universities via our Practitioners Who Teach programme.
Crucially, it enables practitioners to be supported by academics while doing action research in response to questions raised through direct practice.
Development of excellence in leadership
Our managers make a vital contribution in the development of our people, so we invest in a range of quality leadership and management development programmes. These are designed ensure that managers are equipped to work in a complex and constantly-changing environment.
Workshops are offered for aspiring managers and to support for first-time managers; there’s a range of interventions that include managing remote teams, facilitating and enabling change; and a choice of core skills and knowledge-development programmes.
Enjoy our flexible working benefits too.
Check our latest social work jobs, or sign up to email alerts if there are no current vacancies.