Do you want to make a real difference to adults with mental health and substance misuse difficulties? If so, join us!

At East Sussex County Council, we have a commitment to empowering adults. Our aim is to maximise their independence and help them play a full part in the decisions that affect them. Joining our Adult Social Care Mental Health East Team, based in Hastings is a chance to change your world and theirs. You will be supported by a team that cares for you, just as much as it cares for our community.

You will have a varied caseload, providing social care for adults with mental health and substance misuse issues. This includes investigating safeguarding concerns, carrying out statutory assessments, commissioning support and presenting your reports to panels or in court.  You will also work with partner agencies, carers, and families to build networks of support that can help people maintain their independence. As part of your responsibilities, you will train as an Approved Mental Health Professional (AMHP) and take part in AMHP rotas when required. With an increased demand for our services, we have to adapt and be creative, so there are plenty of opportunities to learn and innovate.

The role involves working with adults between the ages of 18 – 70 with severe and enduring mental needs and adults over the age of 18 with no upper age limit with substance misuse needs.

Hybrid working arrangements are applicable to the role this includes elements of office-based working, client visits and working from home. You will need to demonstrate you can meet the travel requirements of the role. 

The required experience:

•  Social Worker registered with Social Work England, please include your registration number on your application.
• You will have completed your assessed & supported year in employment (ASYE).
• Experience working directly with vulnerable adults and their families.
• Experience completing assessments, using legal frameworks, and creating care plans. 
• A good knowledge of psychological development, systemic approaches, and interventions. 

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 in person at Cavendish House, Hastings. Interviews will be taking place week commencing 16 February. If you are unavailable on these dates let us know and we may be able to schedule an alternative date to interview you.

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

We will recognise and value your contribution and will invest in your future with us. We ensure a fully supported introduction to employment, competitive pay, rewards, and benefits.

There are many rewards working for East Sussex County Council, some of these include:

• Generous pension scheme
• Hybrid working
• Access to training
• Lease car scheme (subject to qualifying criteria)
• Access to our extensive wellbeing and wellness training
• Annual registration fee with Social Worker England will be reimbursed.

 For more information about our diverse range of benefits please click on the link provided benefits page.

For an informal discussion about this opportunity contact Tara O'Connor, Practice Manager via tara.o'[email protected].

For work that makes a difference, choose East Sussex!