Sussex Partnership NHS Foundation Trust logo

Social Work Professional Lead for CAMHS


Location
To be advised and discussed with candidates
Salary
£66,582 - £77,368 pro rata
Profession
Manager and corporate
Grade
Band 8
Deadline
27 Aug 2026
Contract Type
Permanent
Posted Date
13 Aug 2026
Medical Protection — the side of locally employed doctors from £83

Job overview

We are looking for a very experienced Social Worker, with a proven track record of leading at a senior level, to provide expert professional and clinical leadership across the Social Work workforce and multidisciplinary teams for our Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS). In this post the successful applicant will work collaboratively with their job share colleague, and the CAMHS Senior Leadership Team, including the Associate Clinical Director and other professional leads. They will be supporting the quality of the service user experience by providing high level training and supervision to develop social work staff and multi professional staff knowledge and skills. They will lead within the service on promoting clinical innovation and delivering continual development of social work practice based upon evidence and relevant research. They will advise and liaise with the Director of Social Work and Safeguarding, regarding any specialist social work issues from within the care group. CAMHS is currently progressing a large programme of transformation to ensure the most effective and needs-led service provision across all areas of Sussex for children and young people with moderate to severe mental health difficulties. The postholder will lead in collaboration with the senior team, as a new model of care is implemented and continues to be evaluated.

Main duties of the job

  • Provide expert social work advice to the CAMHS senior leadership team and Triumvirate of the Division.
  • Work closely with other Social Work Leads internally and externally to promote excellent practice and high quality within the Trust. Contribute to the Trusts Social Work strategy and participate with the Trusts overall clinical strategy
  • Deputise for colleagues within the Senior Leadership Team as required.
  • To facilitate relevant work streams to consider provision of social work, staff development, and lead on social work recruitment initiatives.
  • To oversee staff compliance with Social Work professional standards and regulation requirements as set out by relevant professional bodies.
  • To oversee & provide professional supervision, overseeing professional development of social workers and social work students and support the in- house 'assisted and supported year in employment' (ASYE) for newly qualified social workers (NQSW's)

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

Please see job description and person specification attached.

  • Recognised degree level professional qualification in Social Work
  • Registered with the appropriate professional body - Social Work England
  • Evidence of continued professional development.
  • Educated to master's degree level or equivalent.

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.

Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion

SPFT is committed to building a workforce that reflects the communities we serve. We particularly welcome applications from people from Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic backgrounds and from disabled candidates, as these groups are currently underrepresented.

SPFT takes its responsibilities for safeguarding children, young people, and adults at risk very seriously. We expect all staff and bank workers to share this commitment and complete the relevant safeguarding training for their role.

If you have not heard from us within three weeks of the closing date, please assume your application has been unsuccessful.

Applicant requirements

You must have appropriate UK professional registration.

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (Amendment) (England and Wales) Order 2020 and it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service.

Person specification

Qualifications

Essential

  • Qualified Social Worker with current registration appropriate to the job role
  • Evidence of master's level education in related area or equivalent
  • Evidence of significant relevant professional development

Knowledge/Experience

Essential

  • Thorough understanding of relevant legislation
  • Extensive clinical experience and practice in the care group in a range of settings.
  • Expert knowledge of Social Work practice and multidisciplinary team working
  • Evidence of inter-professional collaboration
  • Advanced decision-making skills that reflect a patient/carer focus
  • Evidence of publication experience
  • Evidence of implementing innovative practice
  • Evidence of conducting audit/research
  • Evidence of ability to drive change forwards through
  • excellent leadership and the ability to create strategic vision
  • Able to demonstrate lateral thinking and generate novel solutions to meet the needs of this client group
  • Promotion of best practice through clinical governance mechanisms
  • Demonstrate evidence of successful change management within complex teams

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Applying for this NHS job

This advert is for Social Work Professional Lead for CAMHS with Sussex Partnership NHS Foundation Trust in To be advised and discussed with candidates. It is listed as a Band 8 Manager and corporate role. The advertised salary is £66,582 - £77,368 pro rata. The contract type is Permanent. The application deadline is 27 Aug 2026.

Before you apply, compare the job description with the person specification and mirror the employer's essential criteria in your supporting information. Use the vacancy title, employer, location, salary, contract type, closing date and posted date (13 Aug 2026) to decide whether this role fits your current NHS job search. If the employer can close applications early, prepare the application before the stated deadline rather than waiting for the final day.

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