East Sussex County Council
Senior Social Worker - Under 25's Substance Misuse Service
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Are you an experienced Senior Social Worker looking to make a lasting difference to the lives of young people? If so, apply now!
The Role
The Senior Social Worker plays a key role within the East Sussex Under 25s Substance Misuse Service, providing specialist support to young people, young adults, and families affected by substance misuse.
The postholder will manage complex cases, deliver evidence-based interventions, and promote positive outcomes that improve wellbeing and reduce harm. As a senior social worker, you will provide professional supervision, guidance, and support to colleagues, helping to maintain high standards of social work practice. Working closely with Children’s Services, Adult Services, Health partners, and other agencies, you will strengthen multi-agency collaboration and contribute to effective safeguarding and risk management.
We are particularly interested in applicants with an interest in dual diagnosis, mental health, and substance misuse, and we will support your ongoing professional development, including undertaking Approved Mental Health Professional (AMHP) training.
Requirements
We are looking for candidates who have:
- A recognised Social Work qualification and current registration with the professional regulatory body
- The ability to anticipate, assess, manage, and address risks
- Knowledge of appropriate legal and policy frameworks
- Experience of completing complex assessments
- Ability to take on a lead role to support team Social Workers and other team members delivering substance misuse services
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Application
Please see the Job Description and Person Specification for further information.
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.
For guidance on how to write an application see our how to apply page [https://fa-euru-saasfaprod1.fa.ocs.oraclecloud.com/hcmUI/CandidateExperience/en/sites/External/pages/10005] and our statement on the use of AI [https://fa-euru-saasfaprod1.fa.ocs.oraclecloud.com/hcmUI/CandidateExperience/en/sites/External/pages/23001].
Interviews will take place in person in Eastbourne on Thursday 3 September 2026. 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 [https://fa-euru-saasfaprod1.fa.ocs.oraclecloud.com/hcmUI/CandidateExperience/en/sites/External/pages/10009] for details.
Benefits
This is a unique and rewarding opportunity to help people make tangible and meaningful changes that will improve their lives.
We offer a diverse range of benefits to help and support you during your employment. More information can be found on our benefits page [https://www.eastsussex.gov.uk/jobs/working-here/benefits].
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Contact
For an informal discussion about this opportunity, contact Mark Menning, Practice Manager at mark.menning@eastsussex.gov.uk to request a MS teams call or phone call.
"I’ve worked with the council for over 10 years, and I stay here because I find it really rewarding. I know that I’m making a difference." – Joe, Information Analyst
Choose East Sussex!
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 https://www.gov.uk/dbs-check-applicant-criminal-record. 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 sponsorship to work in the UK, please let the hiring manager know this in your application so we can check eligibility for sponsorship for the role. For further information, please go to https://www.gov.uk/browse/visas-immigration/work-visas.
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.
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