Social Worker

East Sussex County Council; Hastings; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 46,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid working arrangements

Professional development opportunities

Apprenticeships available

Job summary

East Sussex County Council’s Community Learning Disability Service is recruiting experienced Social Workers to support adults with learning disabilities in Hastings and Uckfield. You will work in a multidisciplinary team, handling complex cases and safeguarding responsibilities within legal frameworks.

The role focuses on best interests decisions, DoL applications, and Court of Protection processes, with hybrid working arrangements and opportunities for professional growth.

Qualifications

• Qualified social worker registered with a professional regulatory body.
• Experience with ASYE or equivalent.
• Knowledge of legal/policy frameworks and current case law.

Responsibilities

• Manage complex social work caseloads with DoL and COP deadlines.
• Apply Mental Capacity Act and Best Interests decisions in practice.
• Lead Court of Protection applications and liaise with partner agencies.
• Collaborate with legal teams and health professionals; attend court when required.

Skills

Social work registration

Legal frameworks knowledge

Risk assessment

Collaborative working

Education

ASYE or equivalent

Job description

• Job Category Social Work and Care - Adults
• Posting Date 08/02/2026, 11:00 PM
• Apply Before 08/23/2026, 10:59 PM
• Locations Cavendish House, Hastings, TN34 3AA, GB Bellbrook Centre, Uckfield, TN22 1QL, GB (Hybrid)
• Working Hours 37
• Salary From 40,109
• Salary To 45,850
• Working Pattern Full Time
• Contract Type Permanent Contract
• Number of Openings 5

Job Description

Are 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 te 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

Interviews will be held via Microsoft Teams within 2 weeks of the closing date.

Candidates who meet certain criteria are given priority when we shortlist. See ourpriority status page for details.

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 ourbenefits 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 tohttps://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 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.