South East England

44844 - 57775 GBP Per Year

Children's Services

Permanent

Reference 3020

Social Worker / Senior Social Worker – Assessment Service | West Sussex County Council

Salary: £44,844 – £57,775 per annum
Contract: Permanent / Full-Time
Working Model: Hybrid
Location: West Sussex

Key Highlights

Competitive salary range of £44,844 – £57,775 per annum
Opportunities available at Social Worker and Senior Social Worker levels
Manageable caseloads within a supportive Assessment Service
Hybrid working model to support work-life balance
Strong management oversight and reflective supervision
Clear career progression and professional development pathways

The Role

West Sussex County Council is recruiting Social Workers and Senior Social Workers to join its Assessment Service, working at the front door of children’s services. This is a fast-paced and rewarding role focused on completing timely, high-quality assessments to ensure children and families receive the right support at the right time.

You will work with children and families from initial referral through assessment, managing risk, identifying strengths, and making proportionate, well-informed decisions in line with statutory guidance.

About West Sussex County Council

West Sussex County Council is committed to delivering child-centred, strengths-based practice, with a strong focus on early intervention and effective safeguarding. The council invests heavily in its workforce, offering strong leadership, high-quality supervision, and a culture that promotes learning, collaboration, and staff wellbeing.

The Assessment Service is supported by experienced managers, clear pathways, and well-established multi-agency partnerships.

Key Responsibilities

Undertake statutory assessments following referrals
Complete Section 17 and Section 47 enquiries where required
Identify risk, protective factors, and appropriate interventions
Undertake direct work with children and families during assessment
Make clear threshold and planning decisions in line with statutory guidance
Work collaboratively with partner agencies
Maintain high-quality, timely case recording and reporting

Candidate Requirements

Qualified Social Worker with Social Work England registration
Experience within Assessment, Referral & Assessment, or Front Door services
Strong assessment, analytical, and decision-making skills
Ability to manage risk and complex safeguarding concerns
Confident working in a fast-paced statutory environment
For Senior Social Worker roles: ability to support and mentor less experienced staff