Social Worker, Supervising

Could you help provide crucial support to families who foster East Sussex Children? We are looking for a Social Worker whose impact will be widely felt for the families and children.

We are looking for a creative and professionally curious Social Worker to join our Outstanding Children’s Fostering Service based in Eastbourne in our Support and Supervision team . We are a stable staff and management team and foster carers have access to an excellent training programme, placement support for our children and wider well - being benefits. The Fostering Service is part of the Integrated Looked After Children’s Service in East Sussex that is high performing and well regarded with many “Outstanding” Inspection judgements. We have high aspirations for children in our care and we want to deliver an ambitious and creative service which meets the complex needs of our children. East Sussex Fostering Service benefits from excellent practice and an enviable partnership with East Sussex Foster Care Association

The role involves independently managing a caseload of foster carers, providing high-quality support and supervision and ensuring children are safe, secure, and thriving. Responsibilities include maintaining accurate records, preparing reports, working collaboratively with professionals, managing risk and safeguarding concerns, handling complaints and allegations, and building positive professional relationships with carers. The post holder will also contribute to the learning of social work students, newly qualified social workers and other team members and demonstrate a commitment to ongoing professional development and training

We are looking for candidates who have

Recognised Social Work qualification and current registration with the professional regulatory body and successfully completed Assessed and Supported Year in employment if graduated post 2012.

Experience of working directly with children and families

Demonstrate knowledge of legal and policy frameworks that informs and mandates social work practice.

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.

Able to identify, assess and manage risk, seeking support and solutions where appropriate and able to manage workload independently.

We warmly welcome applications from all sections of the community. We but particularly encourage those from group that are underrepresented in our current workforce:

Black and ethnic minority backgrounds, those who are disabled, men and those who identify as LGBTQ+. We are working towards recruiting a workforce that reflects our community because we recognise the unique skills, experience and perspective that each individual brings.

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

To apply for this role, please follow the ‘Apply Now’ button to 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.

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 23 November 2026 at County Hall in Lewes.

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 more information about Children's Social work in East Sussex please visit www.eastsussex.gov.uk/socialwork or for an informal discussion about recruitment or if you’d like a chat with the Practice Manager Sinead Roche - [email protected]

Please note that 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 .

For flexible working, choose East Sussex!

'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

‘Social workers love working in East Sussex because they feel valued and supported.’ Ofsted Report 2024

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.