Social Worker
| Posting date: | 02 March 2026 |
|---|---|
| Salary: | £40,109 to £45,850 per year |
| Hours: | Full time |
| Closing date: | 15 March 2026 |
| Location: | Lewes, East Sussex |
| Remote working: | Hybrid - work remotely up to 1 day per week |
| Company: | East Sussex County Council |
| Job type: | Permanent |
| Job reference: | 1821 |
Summary
Are you ready to make a real, positive impact in the lives of adults with learning disabilities?
Join East Sussex County Council’s Community Learning Disability Service, where your professional expertise will help adults live independent, fulfilled lives within their communities. We are currently recruiting for 5 experienced and committed Social Workers who are confident working in a complex legal and safeguarding landscape. We have offices for the team based in both Hastings and Uckfield.
You'll be part of a supportive, multidisciplinary team committed to strengths-based practice and person-centred care. Whether you’re seeking to expand your skills in legal frameworks, safeguarding, or mental capacity work, or looking for a place to grow your career, East Sussex is the place to do it.
You'll be managing complex caseloads, prioritising cases with Court of Protection deadlines and safeguarding needs, and acting as Lead Enquiry Officer in Section 42 Safeguarding Enquiries under the Care Act 2014. You will apply the Mental Capacity Act (MCA) in practice and making Best Interests decisions, and will contribute to community DoL assessments and applications to the Court of Protection (s21A/s16). The role will involve working collaboratively with partner agencies, legal teams, and health professionals, as well as attending court where required and potentially applying transferable legal experience such as Mental Health Tribunals or Magistrates Court warrants.
Why join us?
A strong focus on person-centred, strengths-based social work.
Opportunities to shape decision-making in areas such as Best Interests, community Deprivation of Liberty (DoL), and the Mental Capacity Act.
The chance to work on Court of Protection (COP) applications, including Section 21A and Section 16.
Hybrid working arrangements.
A supportive team and professional development opportunities, including pathways to roles such as Best Interests Assessor (BIA) and Practice Educator Professional Standards (PEPS).
We are looking for candidates who;
Are a registered Social Worker with proven post-qualifying experience in adult social care.
Have an in-depth understanding of the Mental Capacity Act, Best Interests decision-making, and legal authority in tenancy and finances.
Have familiarity with Court of Protection processes and timelines.
Desirable experience: BIA trained or PEPS accredited, knowledge of the Mental Health Act 1983.
Can demonstrate resilience and flexibility to manage a dynamic and complex caseload.
Are able to meet the travel requirements of the role. You will be required to travel across East Sussex, including rural areas.
Join East Sussex County Council’s Community Learning Disability Service, where your professional expertise will help adults live independent, fulfilled lives within their communities. We are currently recruiting for 5 experienced and committed Social Workers who are confident working in a complex legal and safeguarding landscape. We have offices for the team based in both Hastings and Uckfield.
You'll be part of a supportive, multidisciplinary team committed to strengths-based practice and person-centred care. Whether you’re seeking to expand your skills in legal frameworks, safeguarding, or mental capacity work, or looking for a place to grow your career, East Sussex is the place to do it.
You'll be managing complex caseloads, prioritising cases with Court of Protection deadlines and safeguarding needs, and acting as Lead Enquiry Officer in Section 42 Safeguarding Enquiries under the Care Act 2014. You will apply the Mental Capacity Act (MCA) in practice and making Best Interests decisions, and will contribute to community DoL assessments and applications to the Court of Protection (s21A/s16). The role will involve working collaboratively with partner agencies, legal teams, and health professionals, as well as attending court where required and potentially applying transferable legal experience such as Mental Health Tribunals or Magistrates Court warrants.
Why join us?
A strong focus on person-centred, strengths-based social work.
Opportunities to shape decision-making in areas such as Best Interests, community Deprivation of Liberty (DoL), and the Mental Capacity Act.
The chance to work on Court of Protection (COP) applications, including Section 21A and Section 16.
Hybrid working arrangements.
A supportive team and professional development opportunities, including pathways to roles such as Best Interests Assessor (BIA) and Practice Educator Professional Standards (PEPS).
We are looking for candidates who;
Are a registered Social Worker with proven post-qualifying experience in adult social care.
Have an in-depth understanding of the Mental Capacity Act, Best Interests decision-making, and legal authority in tenancy and finances.
Have familiarity with Court of Protection processes and timelines.
Desirable experience: BIA trained or PEPS accredited, knowledge of the Mental Health Act 1983.
Can demonstrate resilience and flexibility to manage a dynamic and complex caseload.
Are able to meet the travel requirements of the role. You will be required to travel across East Sussex, including rural areas.
Proud member of the Disability Confident employer scheme
Disability Confident
About Disability Confident
A Disability Confident employer will generally offer an interview to any applicant that declares they have a disability and meets the minimum criteria for the job as defined by the employer. It is important to note that in certain recruitment situations such as high-volume, seasonal and high-peak times, the employer may wish to limit the overall numbers of interviews offered to both disabled people and non-disabled people. For more details please go to Disability Confident.