SOCIAL workers are being encouraged to find out more about working for the county council at two recruitment events later this month.

The events, which are taking place during Social Work Week, will offer newly qualified and experienced social workers the opportunity to learn more about a career in social work in East Sussex.

An in-person event will be taking place at County Hall in Lewes from 6pm on Wednesday, March 20. The second event will be virtual, taking place via MS Teams between 5pm and 6pm on Thursday, March 21.

Sofia, a Children’s Services social worker, is now in her second year of professional practice, having recently completed the council’s Assessed and Supported Year in Employment (ASYE) for newly qualified social workers.

Sofia said: “The team at the county council really supported me during my ASYE.

“I took my degree during the pandemic, and as a result, I could only complete placements in the voluntary sector. I had lots of knowledge and skills from my studies, but not much experience working directly with social workers. The council understood that and gave me the opportunity to get the experience I needed.

“It’s incredible to see the changes the young people I work with have made and to think ‘I did that’.”

Sofia moved to East Sussex to take up her position and received a lot of support from her managers to help her adjust to a new area as well as a new job.

Sofia added: “There’s so much I can do in the future and great opportunities for my development at the council. I’ve seen my colleagues advance in their roles, and I feel very confident about my career.”

The county council provides a strong support system for its social work teams, with a culture of learning and improvement, to help social workers develop their practice.

Harriet, a Senior Practitioner in one of the Adult Social Care Neighbourhood Support Teams, has been working for the county council for 11 years, during which time she has had opportunities to access in-house training, undertake Masters level academic studies and to progress her career.

Harriet said: “I wanted to achieve a Master of Laws post graduate degree to support my personal and career development. The team supported me, and my managers made adjustments to my work schedule to enable me to realise this dream. I was able to balance the expectations of my family, work and studies due to the immense support from my team.

“Working for the council, I feel valued and inspired to give my best.”

Sophie was supported by her managers at the council to complete a degree level social work apprenticeship and is now a social worker in a Neighbourhood Support team, enabling adults to live independently.

Through her work Sophie has been able to change the perception of adult social work and make a difference to people’s lives.

Sophie said: “People think our primary purpose is to place people in residential care and that really is not the case. It’s about working with the individual with respect and empathy, and this role allows you to do that.

“My favourite part of the job is when you meet someone and hear about their life and their story. I feel it is such a privilege to be able to do that.”

Sophie was fully supported by her managers and colleagues during her studies and is excited about her future career at the council.

She continued: “I would encourage people to consider working in East Sussex. There’s real room for growth for newly qualified social workers at the county council and great support.  I’ve always been glad to work here and would recommend it.”

A recent Ofsted inspection of the council’s Children’s Services praised the dedication and efforts of East Sussex social workers and found that social workers love working in East Sussex because they ‘feel valued and supported’. Inspectors also highlighted the range and frequency of learning and development opportunities available which help East Sussex social workers develop their professional skills and progress their careers into more senior roles.

The recruitment events will include the chance to hear from social workers and managers from the council’s Children’s Services and Adult Social Care teams, find out about the supported employment programme for newly qualified social workers, and ask any questions about working for a local authority.

The county council has a streamlined recruitment process in place for experienced social workers, which allows applicants to apply quickly and easily and if successful, be interviewed almost straight away.

Places for the recruitment events should be booked online in advance.

To book a place at the in-person event please visit www.tickettailor.com/events/eastsussexcountycouncil1/1133144

To book to join the virtual event please visit www.tickettailor.com/events/eastsussexcountycouncil1/1133145

More information about a career in children’s social work at the county council is available online at www.eastsussex.gov.uk/jobs/working-in-childrens-social-care/childrens-social-work

Details about working in adult social care, including the latest job vacancies, can be found at www.eastsussex.gov.uk/jobs/working-in-adult-social-care/types-of-roles/social-workers