West Sussex County Council
About the Role:
West Sussex Children We Care For Services is seeking an experienced Social Worker to join their team, supporting vulnerable children and young people. The role focuses on outcomes-based care planning and will involve working with children remaining in long-term care, those awaiting adoption, and those leaving care.
Key Responsibilities:
- Delivering first-class support to vulnerable children and young people.
- Developing and implementing outcomes-based care plans.
- Building positive relationships with children, young people, professionals, partner agencies, and carers.
- Respectfully challenging when necessary.
- Demonstrating a strong understanding of statutory requirements relating to looked-after children and child safeguarding.
- Applying Social Work theory and practice in complex situations.
- Leading meetings and confidently communicating with the public.
Skills and Expertise:
- Recognized Social Work qualification (e.g., Degree, Post Graduate Certificate, DipSW, CQSW).
- Relevant post-qualifying training and at least one year’s post-qualification experience.
- Registration with the relevant professional body.
- Knowledge of Social Work theory and practice, including attachment, trauma, child development, motivational interviewing, and systemic working.
- Strong understanding of anti-oppressive, anti-discriminatory, and anti-racist practice.
- Ability to analyze complex information and data for effective planning.
- Teamwork and partnership skills with key stakeholders.
- Excellent written and oral communication skills, with negotiation and persuasion abilities.
- Full and valid driving license.
Job Facilities/Benefits:
- Competitive salary: 43,454 – 55,984 per annum.
- Permanent position.
- Full-time 37 hours per week.
- Based at Bridge House Worthing.
- Small practice teams with Team Managers and Child & Family Workers.
- Flexible administrative support from Coordinators.
- Regular group supervision and peer learning.
- Specialist roles within the team.
- Minimum 5 CPD and training days per year.
- Access to learning and development provisions.
- Social Work England fees paid.
- Annual leave up to 29 days (option to buy up to 3 additional days).
- Pool cars and pool bikes available.
Why Join Us:
West Sussex Children We Care For Services is dedicated to providing outstanding services for children and families. Following a ‘Good’ Ofsted inspection, the service is embarking on its next phase of development, creating a supportive and dynamic environment for experienced Social Workers. The service values staff well-being, providing opportunities for growth, professional development, and a healthy work-life balance.