Social Worker - Changing Futures Programme Sussex

About the Role

Changing Futures is a Pan Sussex system change programme focussing on improving the system for people experiencing multiple disadvantage. It is one of 15 national Programme's bringing together public and community sector partners to redesign ways that local systems and services are delivered, designed and commissioned to better meet the needs for adults experiencing multiple disadvantage. Multiple disadvantage is defined by the national Changing Futures Programme as 'people who experience three or more of: homelessness, current or historical offending, substance misuse, domestic violence and mental ill health'. To find out more please visit Social Care | Changing Futures Sussex.

The Changing Futures Programme Sussex aims to create an environment where individuals experiencing multiple complex needs, who repeatedly fall through the net of service provision, receive flexible, trauma informed, person-centred support. The Programme aims to enable positive changes in services; to make them better connected, and easier to access. Changing Futures Sussex works in partnership and is embedded across the three Local Authority areas: East Sussex, West Sussex, and Brighton & Hove

About The Job

Salary: £38,626 to £41,511 per annum
Working Pattern: Full-time, 37 hours per week
Contract Type: Fixed-term until March 2026*
Location: Office-based in Shoreham, covering the Adur, Arun, and Worthing areas
Interview Date: Week commencing 19th May

*If you are an internal candidate, this position may be available as a secondment. Please ensure you discuss this with your manager before applying.

We are excited to offer an opportunity for a Social Worker to join the Changing Futures Programme Sussex, as part of a dynamic multi-disciplinary team (MDT) within the Communities Directorate at West Sussex County Council.

You will work within a newly developed MDT alongside colleagues from the Communities Directorate, Adult Social Care, and third-sector partners. The team combines a broad range of skills and expertise in multi-disciplinary assessments and support services. Together, we take a holistic, assertive outreach approach to support a small caseload of clients across West Sussex who are facing homelessness (or insecure housing), involvement with the criminal justice system, substance misuse, domestic violence, and mental health challenges.

As a Social Worker, your role will be twofold:

• Providing intensive, person-centred support to help clients lead meaningful, independent lives.

• Undertaking traditional social work duties such as assessments, support planning, and reviews.

A key part of this role is identifying systemic challenges, working flexibly, and drawing on creative solutions and best practices to overcome barriers faced by people with multiple disadvantages. There is a strong emphasis on continuous learning and practice development.

Experience and Skills

Key Skills (please cover with examples within your application as these are the short listing criteria):

• Ability to apply a risk enablement approach and use evidence-based practice.
• Ability to analyse and interpret people related information and data to prioritise needs and formulate plans for intervention and service provision.
• Ability to provide informal supervision and develop the capabilities of less experienced social care practitioners, and to mentor and coach students and apprentices.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to interact effectively with a range of stakeholders to provide clear advice and guidance and interventions.
• Ability to recognise the limits of own accountability and responsibility, know when to seek appropriate support, advice and supervision, and to prioritise and organise work and meet agreed performance expectations.
• Sound and accurate IT skills to ensure effective record keeping, compliant with data protection and respecting confidentiality.
• Degree in Social Work, or a recognised equivalent Social Work qualification, e.g. Diploma in Social Work.
• Registered with Social Work England.
• Experience of undertaking assessments and social work intervention planning, implementation and review by means of creative and pragmatic solutions.
• Good up-to-date working knowledge of relevant legislation, e.g. Care Act (2014), Mental Capacity Act (2005) etc.
• Valid, full driving licence - Desirable

Further Information

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. This post is subject to Social Work 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.