Social Worker Single Point of Advice

Job Description

Are you ready for a new challenge? Join East Sussex as a Social Worker in our outstanding SPOA Team and you will embark on a challenging but hugely rewarding career where you will make a real difference to the lives of vulnerable children and families.

The team is based in Eastbourne town centre with great access to local amenities and easy walking distance of the railway station.

Single Point of Advice is a fast-paced, multi-disciplinary team that is the front door for members of the public and professionals across the county screening all new referrals into Children’s Services and CAMHS – so there’s never a dull moment! You will be at the heart of the decision-making process about how a case is handled with a fantastic opportunity to work closely with mental health colleagues in a genuinely multi-disciplinary environment.

The team is comprised of qualified senior social workers, social workers, CAMHS practitioners, senior early help key workers and unqualified social work staff. SPOA screens and triages all referrals within 24 hours and makes decisions about where these needs sit on the Continuum of Need and which is the appropriate service for young persons and their families. As a social worker you will be part of a dynamic team, screening referrals and identifying which cases require further consideration and action by a Multi-Agency Safeguarding Hub (MASH) and which can be best met through Early Help based support.

• 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.
• Ability 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.

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

We value our social workers, so we offer a highly competitive pay and benefits package. We offer amazing supportive environment with colleagues who really look out and care for each other, supported by experienced and practice-wise managers.

And, if you are looking for a family friendly role it’s regular hours too. SPOA works from 8.30am to 5pm Monday to Thursday and 4.30pm on a Friday, with the agreement to work one day a week from home, with no out of hours working!

We offer a diverse range of benefits to help and support you during your employment. More information can be found on our benefits page.

Please note that these 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 an informal discussion about this opportunity contact Jemma Kavanagh, or Kate Ford, Practice Managers, SPOA on

"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.

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  . 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

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.