Social Worker, Children in Care

Job Info

• Job Identification 2174
• Job Category Social Work and Care - Children
• Posting Date 12/22/2025, 12:00 AM
• Apply Before 01/11/2026, 11:59 PM
• Locations Cavendish House, Hastings, TN34 3AA
  , GB (On-site)
• Working Hours 37
• Salary £44,120-£50,435 Salary includes time limited Market Supplement
• Salary From 44,120
• Salary To 50,435
• Working Pattern Full Time
• Contract Type Permanent Contract
• Number of Openings 2

Do you want to join us? ‘Social workers love working in East Sussex because they feel valued and supported.’

Ofsted Report 2024

The Children in Care Team, based at Cavendish House in Hastings are looking for a professionally curious and dynamic Social Worker to join their team, specialising in working with children in care.

You will primarily work with Children and Young People aged from birth to 16 years. The work will involve long term foster care, adoption and the reunification of children to their birth families. You may also support children through care proceedings and transitions to permanence.

Building relationships with children and young people to promote their development, identity and wellbeing will be key. You will work collaboratively with birth families, carers, prospective adopters and a professional network to progress individual Care Plans and support our young people to achieve their aspirations. Your work will include supporting young people to prepare for independence and adulthood.

You will be a passionate advocate for the young people and families and be fully committed to making a positive difference to those you work with.

We are looking for Social Workers with the following:

• A passionate advocate for the young people and families and be fully committed to making a positive difference to those you work with.
• 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

For guidance on how to write an application see ourhow to apply page.

To apply for this role, please follow the ‘Apply Now’ button above and 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. 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!

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

Interviews will take place in person within two weeks of the closing date.

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.

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

For a team that supports you, 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

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 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.