Start your social work career where you can truly make a difference. At East Sussex County Council, we’ll support you every step of the way as you transition from learning to practice. With a structured ASYE programme, dedicated Professional Educator, and opportunities to grow, you’ll help transform lives while building a rewarding future for yourself.

Hi, I’m Katie and I’m the Principal Social Worker for Children’s Services.

I’m always pleased to welcome new NQSWs to East Sussex. It’s a route I took myself, but more importantly, every year our NQSWs bring fresh ideas, energy and diversity to the service.

People often ask why I’ve stayed at East Sussex throughout my career. The answer is simple: I value the people I work with, and there’s always been opportunity to grow. On paper, my career looks traditional, from NQSW to Principal Social Worker, but that’s only part of the story. Along the way, I had the chance to work in specialist services and develop our Connected Families intervention Practitioner service, focusing on bringing skilled help for families as early and as quickly as possible. Opportunities like these are what make working in East Sussex different. 

My journey isn’t unique. Many of our senior staff started through the ASYE programme. But the ASYE programme isn’t about us, it’s about you. That’s why, at interview, we focus on having an open conversation. We also know this is a big decision, so if you’d like to chat before applying, I’m happy to make time. You can also join one of our online open evenings to learn more about a career with us.

I’m passionate about social work, and working for East Sussex County Council gives me the stability and resources to make a real difference for children and families. We have a clear vision, strong leadership and a commitment to creating an environment of stability and security. We prioritise the quality of social work practice, not just processes.

Social work is rewarding but challenging, and we recognise the importance of supporting our staff. That’s why we offer an excellent wellbeing programme, great benefits and a clear career pathway. We want our staff to achieve their goals and feel valued.

I hope to work with you soon.

Katie Smee-Giles
Principal Social Worker, ESCC

Salary: £38,872 (Grade 10) rising to £44,120 (Grade 11) on successful completion of Assessed and Supported Year in Employment (ASYE) (includes market supplement reviewed annually on the basis that you remain in your team or move to another frontline team)

Our teams and Locations:

• Multi-agency Safeguarding Hub (MASH)
• Duty and Assessment Teams
• Family and Youth Support Teams
• Children’s Disability Service
• Looked After Children
• Single Point of Advice (SPoA)
• Through Care Team
• Fostering
• Adoption

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.

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

For guidance on how to write an application see our how to apply page and our statement on the use of AI.

 Interviews will take place face to face on week commencing 27 April 2026 at County Hall, Lewes.

Candidates who meet certain criteria are given priority when we shortlist. See our priority status page for details.  

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

For more information regarding this role please contact Samantha Cole, Recruitment and Retention Manager (Children’s Services) via Children’[email protected].

For excellent training and development, choose East Sussex.