Social Worker

East Sussex County Council; Tudhoe; Hybrid; GBP 35,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

East Sussex County Council is seeking a Social Worker to join the Adult Social Care Mental Health and Substance Misuse team. You will handle a varied caseload, undertake safeguarding investigations, statutory assessments, and collaborate with partners to support independence.

Hybrid working applies, with travel required. You may train as an Approved Mental Health Professional (AMHP) in the future and participate in group supervision and wellbeing sessions.

Qualifications

• Be Social Work England registered and provide registration number on application.
• Have completed your ASYE (Assessed and Supported Year in Employment).
• Knowledge of current legal and policy frameworks relevant to adult social care.
• Ability to work independently and manage a caseload with professional judgment.
• Experience of completing needs assessments that inform effective care plans.

Responsibilities

• Provide social care for adults with mental health and substance misuse issues.
• Investigate safeguarding concerns and carry out statutory assessments.
• Commission support and present reports to panels or in court.
• Collaborate with partner agencies, carers and families to build support networks.
• Pursue AMHP training and other key training opportunities in the future.

Skills

Social work registration

ASYE

Legal & policy knowledge

Independent working

Needs assessments

Job description

Job Description

Do you want to make a real difference to people with mental health and substance difficulties? If so, join us!

Job Description

Do you want to make a real difference to people with mental health and substance difficulties? If so, join us!

At East Sussex County Council, we have a commitment to empowering people who experience mental health challenges and disadvantage. Our aim is to maximise their independence and help them play a full part in the decisions that affect them. Joining our Adult Social Care Mental Health and Substance Misuse team, based in the Lewes and Havens, and Wealden area, this is a chance to change your world and theirs. You will be supported by a welcoming and experienced team that promotes wellbeing for the adults we work with and each other.

You will have a varied caseload, providing social care for adults with mental health and substance misuse issues. This includes investigating safeguarding concerns, carrying out statutory assessments, commissioning support and presenting your reports to panels or in court. You will also work with partner agencies, carers, and families to build networks of support that can help people maintain their independence. As part of your responsibilities, you will in the future be expected to train as an Approved Mental Health Professional (AMHP) and other key training. With an increased demand for our services, we have to adapt and be creative, so there are plenty of opportunities to learn and innovate.

We Are Looking For Social Workers Who

• Are social work qualified and registered with Social Work England (please include your registration number on your application)
• Have completed your assessed & supported year in employment (ASYE)
• Have knowledge of legal and policy frameworks
• Can work independently
• Have experience of completing needs assessments upon which effective plans are based

Hybrid working arrangements are applicable to the role. This includes elements of office-based working, home visits and working from home and you will need to demonstrate you can meet the travel requirements of the role.

Please download the Job Description and Person Specification for more information.

Interviews will take place wc 12 October 2026 and wc 19 October 2026 (in person or online). If you are unavailable on this date let us know and we may be able to schedule an alternative date to interview you.

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

We will ensure you have the support you need; the team regularly holds group reflective practice and wellbeing sessions, as well as 1:1 supervision.

For an informal discussion about this opportunity contact Tracy Webb, Operations Manager - [e-mail] to request a MS teams call or phone call.

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 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.