Social Worker – Changing Futures Sussex

Job Description

Are you passionate about transforming support for individuals facing multiple complex challenges, such as homelessness, trauma, substance misuse, and mental health difficulties? If so, consider joining the Changing Futures Sussex programme a collaborative, multi-agency initiative dedicated to reshaping services and systems for better outcomes.

Changing Futures Sussex focuses on creating a more supportive environment for people with overlapping, complex needs who often slip through traditional service gaps. By delivering flexible, trauma-informed, and person-centred assistance, the programme drives meaningful improvements in how services connect and become more accessible. It operates across East Sussex, West Sussex, and Brighton & Hove through strong partnerships with local authorities and other organisations. For full details about the programme, visit the official site: www.changingfuturessussex.org. This forms part of the national Changing Futures effort, backed by government funding to test innovative approaches for adults experiencing multiple disadvantage learn more on the UK Government’s dedicated page: Changing Futures – GOV.UK.

As a Social Worker in this role (based in East Sussex), you’ll join a dynamic, multi-disciplinary team that embraces curiosity, creativity, and collaboration. We’re seeking forward-thinking professionals who genuinely apply trauma-informed principles in their practice. You’ll contribute to broader system-change efforts within Changing Futures Sussex, helping to spot systemic barriers, highlight effective practices, and promote adaptable solutions that truly meet the needs of those with complex challenges.

The position involves service delivery primarily across East Sussex, with a hybrid working model that blends office time, community visits, and remote working. Your main office base will be St. Mary’s House in Eastbourne, and you’ll need to show you can handle the travel demands of the role.

This is an excellent opportunity to gain rich experience in a vibrant, multi-agency setting alongside colleagues bringing diverse expertise.

One client shared:
There are no words that I can write to ever be enough to express how grateful I am for the care and support you have shown… I could never be here safe and clean and sober, not suicidal or feeling alone, without you both… If there were more workers like you, there would be so many more people getting well like me. Don’t ever change, thank you.  A Changing Futures client

We are looking for candidates who bring:

• Direct experience supporting vulnerable adults and their families
• Skills in carrying out assessments, applying relevant legal frameworks, and developing care plans
• Solid understanding of psychological development, systemic thinking, and effective interventions
• A recognised social work qualification and current registration with Social Work England (you’ll be responsible for keeping this up to date see Social Work England registration)
• Strong knowledge of key legislation including health and social care laws, safeguarding processes, the Mental Capacity Act (MCA), and the Care Act 2014 (essential more on the Care Act here: Care Act 2014 – Legislation.gov.uk)

To apply, click the ‘Apply now’ button and submit your CV along with a supporting statement. In your statement, clearly demonstrate how you meet the essential criteria from the full job description and person specification, using examples from your professional experience, education, or relevant personal background.

For more details, refer to the Job Description and Person Specification on the application page.

Guidance on crafting strong applications is available on our ‘how to apply’ resources, including notes on the use of AI in applications.

Interviews are scheduled for the week beginning 16 February, conducted via Microsoft Teams (with in-person options available on request). If the proposed date/time doesn’t work, let us know we’ll try to arrange an alternative.

We operate a priority shortlisting process for certain candidates check our priority status information for eligibility.

Working with East Sussex County Council offers great rewards, including:

• Hybrid working flexibility
• Access to ongoing training and development
• Lease car scheme (where eligible)
• Comprehensive well-being and wellness programmes
• Reimbursement of your annual Social Work England registration fee

Explore all our benefits on the council’s benefits page.

For an informal chat about the role or the Changing Futures Sussex programme, contact Sophia-Maria Andreas, Operations Manager, at Sophia-Maria.Andreas@eastsussex.gov.uk.

Enjoy an outstanding work-life balance in beautiful East Sussex!

Additional key Details

This position requires an Enhanced DBS check (or Enhanced check for Regulated Activity). For details on the process, visit: https://www.gov.uk/dbs-check-applicant-criminal-record. If you’ve lived or worked overseas, you’ll need to provide evidence of an overseas police check.

The salary is pro rata for part-time or term-time roles (if applicable).

If you need UK work sponsorship, mention this in your application so we can assess eligibility. More information: https://www.gov.uk/browse/visas-immigration/work-visas.
If you require reasonable adjustments due to a disability to participate fully in the recruitment process, please reach out to the hiring manager using the contact details above.