About the Role
Suffolk County Council is seeking an experienced Social Worker to join the Forest Heath Social Care Team based in Bury St Edmunds.
This is a fast-paced frontline role working across a range of statutory social work functions, including Child in Need, Child Protection, Looked After Children, Child Assessments, and Support & Prevention. The successful candidate will be confident managing complex cases and delivering timely interventions to safeguard and improve outcomes for children and families.
Location: Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk
Rate: Up to £42.50 per hour (Umbrella)
Hours: Full-time
Working Pattern: Hybrid working (3 days per week office-based)
Flexible Working: Condensed hours over 4 days considered
Key Responsibilities
- Undertake assessments under Section 17 and Section 47 of the Children Act 1989.
- Manage and progress Child in Need and Child Protection plans.
- Complete high-quality assessments, reports, and statutory documentation within required timescales.
- Work effectively with children, young people, and families to identify needs and develop appropriate support plans.
- Collaborate with partner agencies to ensure coordinated and effective service delivery.
- Maintain accurate case records and contribute to positive outcomes through effective case management.
- Participate in team duties and support the wider service as required.
About You
To be successful in this role, you will have:
- Qualified Social Worker status and current Social Work England registration.
- Significant experience within Children's Social Care, particularly in assessment and frontline safeguarding teams.
- Proven experience undertaking Section 17 and Section 47 assessments.
- Strong knowledge of Child in Need, Child Protection, and Looked After Children procedures.
- The ability to work effectively in a busy, fast-paced environment.
- Excellent assessment, analytical, and communication skills.
- A commitment to safeguarding children and promoting their welfare.
Working Arrangements
- Hybrid working model with a requirement to attend the office three days per week.
- Flexibility for condensed working hours across four days will be considered.
- Current average caseload is approximately 30 cases.
This role is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975. As this role is eligible for an Enhanced DBS check, applicants are required to declare any cautions and convictions that are not protected under current filtering rules.
This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced social worker looking to make a real difference in the lives of children and families across Suffolk while working within a supportive and collaborative team environment.
