Are you qualifying as a Social Worker and looking for that first step in your career? Becoming a Newly Qualified Social Worker is only the first part of your social work journey here at West Sussex County Council...

We're hiring Newly Qualified Social Workers (NQSWs) to join our Adults' teams across the county to commence the Assessed and Supported Year in Employment from September 2024.

Why not have a look at our dedicated careers in adults social work webpage and Adult social care strategy to learn more!

About the job

Salary: £33,945

*salary progression after completing ASYE to £37,336

Working Pattern: Full time (37 hours per week)

Contract Length: Permanent

Location: Various locations across West Sussex (Horsham, Crawley, Worthing, Chichester)

Interview Date: interviews will take place mid-July

We are looking for individuals who possess the ability to communicate effectively and use initiative to provide support and consider how needs impact a person's wellbeing and the quality of their life.

As a Newly Qualified Social Worker you will manage a varied caseload, carrying out assessments of people's needs focusing on the strengths of the person, their families, carers and local communities to promote independence and make decisions in their best interests. West Sussex County Council is proud to have an established programme in growing and developing our own Social Workers by providing the tools, knowledge and skills needed to succeed in this challenging yet highly rewarding career.

Once you have successfully completed your ASYE there will be continued support and development opportunities. We are passionate about career progression and have a range of opportunities from specialist roles to Senior Social workers.

Why choose West Sussex County Council?

• We will provide you with a full Assessed and Supported Year in Employment (ASYE) which includes academic modules jointly delivered with our local partner University. These modules are specifically designed to provide the right support at the right time and are accredited at post graduate level.
• You will receive quality supervision within your team, fantastic peer support and opportunities to share learning with others at the same point in their career as you.
• You will be able to access support from specialists when you need it and a varied training offer to complement your 1-1 and peer supervision sessions. Our comprehensive programme of support for your ASYE will help you build firm foundations for a successful career in social work.
• Reflective and Best Practice groups held monthly and weekly.
• We promote Smarter Working practices, to empower staff as to how and when individuals work to meet their key responsibilities within the requirements and demands of their role.
• An opportunity to join us as Assistant Care Manager prior to your Social Work England Registration!

Why not join us and let's make a difference to our communities together!

A full job description is attached at the bottom of the advert with key skills listed.

Reward and benefits

Why choose us as your next employer?

Here at West Sussex County Council we recognise that it is our employees that are central to everything we do. We aim to create a supportive and dynamic working environment where employees can achieve their full potential, achieve a healthy work-life balance and are rewarded for the work they do.

For a full list of the benefits offered to you as a West Sussex County Council employee you can find them on our Rewards and Benefits page.

Further information

The reference number for this role is CAFHE04982.

For an informal conversation or for further information regarding the role, please contact Andrew Parkes (Head of Service) at / for an informal conversation regarding the application process, please contact Kirsten Hilliard (Resourcing Advisor)

How to Apply:

Upload your CV and complete the application form ensuring that in your application form you explain how your skills and experience directly relate to the key skills listed on the application form - this is how we shortlist applicants so is really important.

Please ensure you have saved the job description attached to the main advert on our website as, once the job has closed, you may not have the opportunity to download again.

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. This post is subject to Social Worker England registration, an enhanced DBS check, 5 years referencing and a health check.

West Sussex County Council is an equal opportunities employer committed to promoting an environment that is inclusive and free from all forms of unlawful or unfair discrimination and values the diversity of its people. We actively welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and take every possible step to ensure that no individual will be disadvantaged.

For information regarding your eligibility to apply for this role under our Disability or Veteran's Guaranteed Interview Scheme, this can be found on our application help page.