Social Worker, Family Help

Do you want to be part of the transformation that will be happening across Early Help and Social Care? This role is based in Eastbourne as part of the Family Help Pilot (phase one of Family Help reforms).

You will be joining a brand new, dynamic team that works across early help and social care, delivering statutory social work services. We’re looking for a creative and professionally curious social worker to become part of our supportive team. You will be working with social work and keywork colleagues where you will share expertise and knowledge. You will be managed by a Social Work Practice Manager who will sit alongside an Early Help Practice manager.

You will have the opportunity to contribute to the evaluation of the Family Help pilot to shape future service delivery across our family help teams and define how the role looks moving forward.

The right person for the role will have the following:

• Experience of working directly with children and families.
• Experience of completing assessments upon which effective plans are based.
• Knowledge of legal and policy frameworks that informs and mandates social work practice
• Able to engage effectively using creativity, compassion and authority to overcome resistance, build relationships, and communicate, while maintaining professional boundaries in complex and emotionally challenging situations

We all know that writing job applications can be challenging and time consuming, so we have streamlined the process as much as possible. please click the 'Apply Now' button and upload your CV and a Supporting Statement The main areas we want you to tell us about are:

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

Brief and to the point and with some examples is the way to go!

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

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

Interviews will take place in person in Eastbourne within two weeks of closing date. At Interview the main areas we’d like you to tell us about include:

• 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

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

Our unparalleled social work education team are dedicated to supporting our social workers 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.

For an informal discussion about this opportunity contact either Nina Macquire via Nina.macquire@Eastsussex.gov.uk or Debra Schmidt via Debra.schmidt@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

*Please note that these salaries include a time limited market supplement which is subject to review in July 2026 – you can view the basic salary on our Salary Scales page.

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.