Social Worker, Older People West Team

East Sussex County Council; Eastbourne; Hybrid; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A local government authority in Eastbourne is seeking a Social Worker to provide care for adults with Dementia and severe mental illness. The ideal candidate will support older adults, conduct assessments, and work within a hybrid model. Competitive salary and benefits include a generous pension scheme and access to training. This role offers opportunities for professional development and collaboration with partner agencies to maintain client independence.

Benefits

Generous pension scheme

Hybrid working

Access to training

Lease car scheme

Reimbursement of annual registration fee

Qualifications

• Strong knowledge of health and social care legislation.
• Experience in safeguarding procedures.

Responsibilities

• Provide social care for adults with Dementia and severe mental health illness.
• Conduct statutory assessments and investigate safeguarding concerns.
• Collaborate with partners to build support networks.

Skills

Communication skills

Reflective practice

Experience working with older adults

Education

Registered with Social Work England

Completed assessed & supported year in employment (ASYE)

Job description

Can you bring your expertise in mental health and social care to a challenging and supportive new environment? If so, this could be the job for you!

The role involves having a varied caseload, providing social care for adults with a diagnosis of Dementia and older adults over the age of seventy with a severe and enduring mental health illness. This includes investigating safeguarding concerns, conducting statutory assessments, commissioning support, developing support plans, and presenting your reports to panels or in court. You will collaborate with partner agencies, carers, and families to build networks of support that can help people maintain their independence. We must adapt and be creative, so there are plenty of opportunities to gain experience and innovate.

Required Experience

• Social Workers registered with Social Work England, please include your registration number on your application.
• You will have completed your assessed & supported year in employment (ASYE).
• Be highly reflective.
• Communication skills.
• Experience working with older adults.

A good knowledge of health and social care legislation and safeguarding procedures is important. We are looking for a Social Worker who can work well with all kinds of people to join our Older People Mental Health West team, based in Eastbourne.

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

To apply for this role, please follow the ‘Apply Now’ button above and upload your CV and a Supporting Statement. We will be using your Supporting Statement to shortlist so please be sure to address how you meet all the criteria in the person specification, drawing on any relevant work/life experience, education, or personal interests. We reserve the right to close this advert early if we receive a high volume of applications.

Please download Job Description and Person Specification for more information.

For guidance on how to write an application see our how to apply page and our statement on the use of AI.

Interviews will take place at St Mary’s House, Eastbourne. Interviews will be taking place on week commencing 23 February 2026. If you are unavailable on these dates 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 recognise and value your contribution and will invest in your future with us. We ensure a fully supported introduction to employment, competitive pay, rewards, and benefits.

Benefits

• Generous pension scheme
• Hybrid working
• Access to training
• Lease car scheme (subject to qualifying criteria)
• Access to our extensive wellbeing and wellness training
• Annual registration fee with Social Worker England will be reimbursed.

For more information about our diverse range of benefits please click on the benefits page.

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

For work that makes a difference, choose East Sussex!