Social workers are being encouraged by to find out more about working for the Conservative-led county council at two recruitment events.
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.
Conservative councillor Bob Bowdler (Lead Member for Children & Families) throws his backing behind the initiative:
“Come along to our event at County Hall, or drop into our virtual event, to find our more about opportunities within ESCC for Social Work, and the benefits and the real difference you can make to those accessing our service. Our beautiful county is a great place to live and work, so come and find out more, you’ll be glad you did”!
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’.”
Carl Maynard is the county's Lead Member for Adult Social Care and Health. The Conservative councillor fully-supports the events to promote social work in East Sussex:
"Clearly we want a very able team of social workers to ensure that residents of East Sussex are well supported and kept safe. Our council is an excellent place to work and there are exciting and rewarding career prospects for those interested in joining us. Moreover East Sussex is a great place to live if people need to relocate to this area. I hope we can recruit talented people to grow their careers here in East Sussex."
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.”
GLOWING OFSTED
A recent Ofsted inspection of the Conservative-led 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
