Social Worker, Children in Care Team

East Sussex County Council; Lewes; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A regional council in the UK seeks a dedicated Social Worker to join their Children in Care Team in Lewes. The role involves engaging with children and young people aged from birth to 16, supporting their development and helping them through the care process. The ideal candidate will have experience working with children and families, be a strong advocate for their wellbeing, and possess robust interpersonal and communication skills. This full-time position ensures you are part of a supportive environment committed to professional growth.

Benefits

Comprehensive support from social work education team

Diverse range of employee benefits

Qualifications

• Passionate advocate for young people and families, committed to making a positive difference.
• Experience working directly with children and families.
• Knowledge of legal and policy frameworks that inform social work practice.

Responsibilities

• Work collaboratively with children and young people to promote their development.
• Support children through care proceedings and preparations for independence.
• Engage effectively using compassion and authority in challenging situations.

Skills

Motivational Interviewing

Crisis Intervention

Child Welfare

Social Work

Job description

Description

Do you want to join us? Social workers love working in East Sussex because they feel valued and supported.

The Children in Care Team based at County Hall in Lewes is looking for a professionally curious and dynamic Social Worker to specialise in working with children in care.

Role Overview

You will primarily work with children and young people aged from birth to 16 years. The work will involve long‑term foster care, adoption and the reunification of children with their birth families. You may also support children through care proceedings and transitions to permanence.

Building relationships with children and young people to promote their development, identity and wellbeing will be key. You will work collaboratively with birth families, carers, prospective adopters and a professional network to progress individual Care Plans and support our young people to achieve their aspirations. Your work will include supporting young people to prepare for independence and adulthood.

Qualifications & Experience

• A passionate advocate for young people and families, fully committed to making a positive difference.
• Experience working directly with children and families.
• Experience completing assessments that inform effective plans.
• Knowledge of legal and policy frameworks that inform and mandate social work practice.
• Ability to engage effectively using creativity, compassion and authority to build relationships and communicate while maintaining professional boundaries in complex, emotionally challenging situations.

Application Requirements

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

The main areas we want you to discuss in your application are:

• Your work with children and young people.
• How you communicate with others.
• Your application of research or theory in practice.

Brief, to the point and with examples is the best approach.

Interview Details

Interviews will take place face‑to‑face on 18 December in Eastbourne. During the interview we will explore:

• Your work with children and young people.
• How you communicate with others.
• Your application of research or theory in practice.
• Your strong social work leadership skills.

Benefits & Support

Our unparalleled social work education team is dedicated to supporting our social workers to grow and develop within and beyond their roles. We offer a diverse range of benefits to help and support you during your employment. More information can be found on our benefits page.

Contact & Salary

For an informal discussion about this opportunity contact Patricia Jackson.

• Note: These salaries include a time‑limited market supplement, subject to review in July 2026. You can view the basic salary on our Salary Scales page.

Key Skills

• Motivational Interviewing
• Acute Care
• Crisis Intervention
• Behavioral Health
• Intake Experience
• Hospice Care
• Case Management
• Home Care
• Child Welfare
• Experience with Children
• Social Work
• Addiction Counseling

Employment Type

Full Time

Experience Required

Years of experience

Vacancy

1