Social Worker, Child Exploitation Team

Support, safeguard, empower, transforming children’s lives — if this is the work you’re passionate about, 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.

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.

Please download the 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 in person on Monday 02 March 2026, in Eastbourne.

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

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 Sabrina.streeter@eastsussex.gov.uk

“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.

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.