Social Worker – Children Disability Service

Job Description

Are you a dedicated Social Worker ready to take on a rewarding role supporting children with disabilities and their families?

Join our welcoming Children’s Disability Service in East Sussex, where you’ll become part of a skilled and collaborative Family Support Team. Based in Eastbourne, this position lets you make a real difference by partnering closely with families to create tailored support plans that truly meet their needs.

In this role, you will carry out a variety of assessments, develop thoughtful care plans, and deliver targeted interventions for disabled children including those with more complex requirements. It’s a fantastic opportunity to build expertise in key areas like continuing care arrangements, joined-up education, health and social care planning, mental capacity evaluations, and safeguarding practices.

We invest in our people with regular, high-quality supervision and access to valuable training opportunities think Makaton communication skills, positive behaviour support strategies, and more so you can thrive, feel appreciated, and deliver meaningful change every day.

We are keen to hear from Social Workers who Bring:

• A recognised qualification in Social Work
• Current registration with Social Work England
• Proven experience in carrying out assessments that lead to strong, practical support plans
• The ability to connect creatively and compassionately with children and young people using warmth, empathy, and clear boundaries to form trusting relationships, even when facing challenges or resistance

At the interview stage, we’d love to hear more about:

• Your direct experience supporting children and young people
• Your approach to effective communication with children, families, colleagues, and partners
• How you draw on research, evidence, or social work theory to shape your practice
• Examples of your leadership within social work settings

How to Apply

Click the Apply Now button to submit your CV along with a Supporting Statement. In your statement, show clearly how your skills, experience (from work, education, life, or personal interests), and qualities match the full person specification for this role.

For full details, download the Job Description and Person Specification attached to the advert. You can also check our how to apply guidance page for tips on putting together a strong application.

Interviews will be held in person in Eastbourne, usually within two weeks of the closing date.

We operate a priority shortlisting process for certain candidates details are on our priority status page.

Our specialist social work education team is committed to helping you grow professionally, both in this role and in your longer-term career.

Salary: £44,119 – £50,435 per annum (Grade SS11-12)
This includes a market supplement, currently confirmed until the end of June 2026. You can view the core salary scales on our website.

We also provide a wide package of employee benefits designed to support your wellbeing and work-life balance more information is available on our benefits page.

For an informal conversation about the role, the team, or the recruitment process, feel free to email Claire Collerson at Claire.Collerson@eastsussex.gov.uk. She’d be happy to chat or connect you with a service practice manager.

Come and be part of East Sussex where we value our social workers and the vital work they do.

Important Additional Information

• This role requires an Enhanced DBS check (or Enhanced check for Regulated Activity). More details are available on the GOV.UK DBS page. If you’ve lived or worked overseas, we’ll need evidence of an overseas police check.
• The salary is pro-rata for part-time or term-time positions (if applicable).
• If you need sponsorship to work in the UK, please mention this in your application so we can assess eligibility. See GOV.UK work visas guidance for more.
• If you have a disability and need reasonable adjustments to take part fully in the application or interview process, contact the hiring manager using the details above.

We look forward to hearing from you!