Jobs in children's social work
"As hard as it is for us, it’s never going to be as hard or as difficult as it is for that child who needs our help. That child who every day wants things to be better and just needs the opportunity to tell someone and for someone to act."
Working in Children's Services at West Sussex County Council
A message from our Executive Director
This is an exciting time to join us. We are committed to putting Children First and improving the services we provide to children, young people and families across West Sussex.
Living in West Sussex
West Sussex is an English county based on the south coast. With the picturesque South Downs to the north and beautiful beaches to the south there is lots to see and do in West Sussex.
Find out more about living in West Sussex
Upcoming events
View our latest events.
Hear from some of our social workers, what people tell us about their jobs and staff stories.
What people tell us.
Frequently asked questions
At the regular events we hold, we get asked a wide variety of questions about joining and working with us in West Sussex.
Below are some answers to the most popular questions. If you have a question that hasn't been answered, why not join our next event or contact us below.
-
Support for returning social workers
Whilst we’re not currently advertising for our 'Return to Social Work' scheme, we’re always happy to receive individual enquiries and would be more than happy to speak to you about your previous experience, practice knowledge and what support we would be able to provide you.
Our Professional Practice team create a tailored, personalised pathway just for you to give you exactly what you need to re-register with Social Work England and return to practice as a social worker. For further information, please contact us at Professional.Practice@westsussex.gov.uk.
-
Interviews
Where possible we like to conduct interviews face to face, we feel that it is beneficial for an interviewee to have an opportunity to meet the hiring panel and to see the location in person. It also enables us to obtain copies of the required identification documents which in turn makes the onboarding process much smoother.
In exceptional circumstances, a video interview could be offered, this would be considered on a case-by-case basis and we would always be happy to discuss this with you.
-
BA (hons) Social Work Apprenticeship
Currently our BA (hons) Social Work Apprenticeship is offered internally for staff within our Children, Young People and Learning directorate. This gives a clear progression path for any of our internal employees who wish to learn and train to become a fully qualified social worker.
We currently have no plans to open this externally as yet, but will announce on our website if and when we do so. If you would be interested in this apprenticeship, please keep an eye out for vacancies such as our Child and Family Workers, Family Support Keyworkers and Residential Childcare Workers.
View all our vacancies -
Contacting us before you apply
We would love to talk to you! We’re always happy to hear from people who are interested in our roles and help answer any questions you may have. The contact details for our hiring managers can be found at the bottom of all of our job adverts.
We also hold regular Children, Young People and Learning recruitment events where you can speak to social workers from within our service and ask any questions you may have. If you have questions about anything else, feel free to contact us at hrrecruitment@westsussex.gov.uk.
Contact us
If you'd like to chat to us about any vacancies, or any other questions you may have on joining us in Children's Services, please call: