Social Worker - Child Exploitation Team

East Sussex County Council; Eastbourne; On-site; GBP 38,000 - 48,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible working

Job summary

East Sussex County Council in Eastbourne is seeking a committed Social Worker to join the Child Exploitation Team, working with children and young people at risk of exploitation. You will undertake assessments and direct work while building trauma-informed relationships across police, education, health and third-sector partners.

The role focuses on identifying risk, disrupting exploitation, and delivering safeguarding outcomes with empathy and resilience.

Qualifications

• Recognised Social Work qualification and current registration with the professional regulatory body.
• Assessed and Supported Year in Employment completed if graduated post 2012.
• Able to demonstrate effective positive change as a result of direct work.
• Recognise impact of trauma and understanding of attachment and child development to inform practice.

Responsibilities

• Undertaking assessments, planning, and direct work with children and young people affected by exploitation.
• Build trusted, trauma-informed relationships with children and families, working with police, education, health and third-sector partners.
• Identify risk, disrupt exploitation, and support safety, stability and positive outcomes.

Skills

Trauma-informed

Collaboration

Empathy

Education

Social Work degree

Job description

Job Description

Are you passionate about supporting, safeguarding, empowering, and transforming children’s lives? If so, then we want to hear from you! When children need protection, advocacy, and a voice, we need social workers who will stand with them, your expertise can change lives.

We are looking for a committed and compassionate Social Worker to join our Child Exploitation Team, working with children and young people who are at risk of, or experiencing, exploitation. You will work within a multi‑agency framework to identify risk, disrupt exploitation, and support children to achieve safety, stability, and positive outcomes.

As a Social Worker in the Child Exploitation Team some of your key tasks include: Undertaking assessments, planning, and direct work with children and young people affected by exploitation, including both sexual and criminal exploitation. You will build trusted, trauma‑informed relationships with children and their families, working collaboratively with police, education, health, and third‑sector partners to ensure a coordinated and effective approach.

Important factors for the position are to be motivated and a resilient practitioner with a strong commitment to safeguarding children. You will bring empathy, professionalism, and confidence to complex situations.

The people we are looking for in this vital position will have:

• Recognised Social Work qualification and current registration with the professional regulatory body.
• Successfully completed Assessed and Supported Year in employment if graduated post 2012.
• Able to demonstrate effective positive change as a result of your direct work.
• Recognise the impact of trauma and evidence an understanding of attachment and child development and show how this can be used to understand the person in the environment and inform practice.

Interviews will be on Monday 19 October at St Mary’s House in Eastbourne.

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

• Please note that these salaries include a time limited market supplement which is subject to review in December 2027 – you can view the basic salary on our Salary Scales page.

This is a challenging but highly rewarding role where you will make a real difference to the lives of vulnerable children and their families.

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 about the role, please contact Sabrina Streeter via [e-mail]

“East Sussex is a very good employer. You’re able to work flexibly around childcare and caring responsibilities and that’s really helpful.” - Charlotte, Social Worker

For flexible working, 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.