Social Worker

East Sussex County Council; Hastings; Hybrid; GBP 32,000 - 42,000; Full time

Job summary

East Sussex County Council’s Community Learning Disability Service is seeking experienced Social Workers to support adults with learning disabilities in Hastings and Uckfield. You'll work in a multidisciplinary team, applying the MCA, safeguarding and Court of Protection processes to help people live independently in their communities.

Join a supportive team with opportunities to develop expertise in Best Interests, Section 42 safeguarding, and DoL, with hybrid working and ongoing

Qualifications

• Has social work qualifications and registered with the professional regulatory body.
• Completed ASYE or equivalent.
• Knowledge of legal and policy frameworks guiding social work.
• Ability to assess and manage risk with sound judgement.
• Builds collaborative partnerships with external agencies, users and carers.

Responsibilities

• Manage complex caseloads with safeguarding needs and DoL considerations.
• Prioritise cases with Court of Protection deadlines.
• Act as Lead Enquiry Officer in Section 42 Safeguarding Enquiries.
• Apply Mental Capacity Act in practice and make Best Interests decisions.
• Collaborate with partner agencies, legal teams and health professionals; attend court as required.

Skills

Social work qualifications

Registered with professional body

MCA knowledge

Court of Protection experience

Risk assessment & safeguarding

Education

Social work degree

Registered social worker status

Job description

Job DescriptionAre you ready to make a real, positive impact in the lives of adults with learning disabilities? Join East Sussex County Council’s Community Learning Disability Service, where your professional expertise will help adults live independent, fulfilled lives within their communities.

We are currently recruiting for experienced and committed Social Workers who are confident working in a complex legal and safeguarding landscape. We have offices for the team based in both Hastings and Uckfield.
You’ll 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.
You’ll be managing complex caseloads, prioritising cases with Court of Protection deadlines and safeguarding needs, and acting as Lead Enquiry Officer in Section 42 Safeguarding Enquiries under the Care Act 2014. You will apply the Mental Capacity Act (MCA) in practice and making Best Interests decisions, and will contribute to community DoL assessments and applications to the Court of Protection (s21A/s16). The role will involve working collaboratively with partner agencies, legal teams, and health professionals, as well as 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

• Has social work qualifications and registered with the professional regulatory body
• Has successfully completed Assessed and Supported Year in employment, or the equivalent if prior to 2012, (NQSW year and academic module) or equivalent
• Can demonstrate knowledge of appropriate legal and policy frameworks and an awareness of current case law, that informs and mandates social work practice
• Is able to demonstrate accountability and effective judgement when anticipating, identifying, assessing and managing risk, seeking support and solutions where appropriate
• Has the ability to promote, develop and establish effective, collaborative partnerships and networks to promote appropriate information sharing, and utilise the expertise of external agency professionals, service users and carers
• Is able to work positively with others and contribute to team working and a learning environment for self, team and colleagues
• Can meet the travelling requirements of the post

We would really like you to choose the Learning Disability service for your next step in social work. 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.
• 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).

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, email Scott Templeman, Operations Manager, [e-mail] and he will be happy to arrange a call to answer any questions.

Vocational Training through Apprenticeships is now available to our staff, ranging from entry level to degree level qualifications. You can talk to the hiring manager and the apprenticeship team about what qualifications would be relevant to you and this job role, and if it is possible to support you in apprenticeship training.

For work that makes a difference, choose East Sussex!

About Us

Additional Information
This post is subject to an Enhanced DBS check or Enhanced check for Regulated Activity with the Disclosure & Barring Services (previously the Criminal Records Bureau). For further information about what is required in this process please go to https://www.gov.uk/dbs-check-applicant-criminal-record . Please note that we require evidence of an overseas police check if you have lived or worked abroad.
Your starting salary will be pro rata if the above position is part-time or term-time only.
If you require sponsorship to work in the UK please let the hiring manager know this in your application so we can check eligibility for sponsorship for the role. For further information please go to https://www.gov.uk/browse/visas-immigration/work-visas
If you require any reasonable adjustments, due to disability, to enable you to participate fully in the process please contact the hiring manager on the contact details above.