Experienced Social Worker

We are looking for experienced and dedicated social workers to provide statutory social care service to “Children in Need”, children subject to Child Protection Plans and Children “Looked After”.

As a social worker, you will act as a catalyst for change, working directly alongside children, young people and their families in North Suffolk in a permanent role.

• To work directly alongside children, young people, parents and families where there are early signs of social, emotional, health or behavioural issues to bring about sustainable improvement using the Suffolk Signs of Safety and Wellbeing framework,
• Where the role require, to act as Lead Professional for named families, being the key contact with the family and liaising with other professionals to provide a joined up response,
• Experienced Social workers may be required to mentor less experienced colleagues and/or co-work complex cases,
• Provide consultancy or some direct input to other professionals and to children and families receiving Early Help services such as within a “Team around the Child/Family” approach,
• To participate in CAF, multi-agency assessment, Statutory Assessment and other relevant assessment processes and offer management oversight where required,
• To support colleagues and partners to develop evidenced based practice,
• Where the role requires, to have responsibility for effective supervision, PDR and mentoring of colleagues,
• To offer consultation to support colleagues with complex cases where required.

• Access to a relocation package of up to £8,000,
• Flexible working; part-time hours, job-share, compressed hours (e.g. 9-day fortnight), use of flexi-time and time off in lieu, home working, flexibility for personal commitments.
• An excellent Professional Development framework and access to other learning and development needs,
• A supportive and friendly staff team who will help you settle in,
• A stable and approachable management team,
• Affordable housing,
• Free parking,
• Opportunities for career breaks without losing benefits in continuous service,
• Strong links to University of East Anglia and University Campus Suffolk,
• Low and manageable caseloads,
• An excellent annual leave package of up to 36 days (including bank holidays), subject to length of service.

• A minimum of two years relevant post qualifying Social Work experience is require in CP, CIN or LAC,
• Suitable professional qualification at graduate level or equivalent experience in a relevant area of work,
• Commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and ability to recognise Child Protection and risk issues and take appropriate action
• Advanced organisational skills and the ability to prioritise work of self and others and meet deadlines,
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills,
• Experience of supervising and coaching staff,
• Current enhanced DBS certificate valid to work with children, or willingness to complete,
• HCPC registration

“Suffolk is a great local authority to work for, with new opportunities encouraged and supportive management. I have worked for Suffolk as a Social Worker in a Child in Care team and as a Consultant Social Worker. Most recently, I have become an Independent Reviewing Officer/Conference Chair and enjoying learning a new role.”

-VG Consultant Social Worker based in Lowestoft.

“Working in Suffolk has given me opportunities for career progression but has also been a positive place to work thanks to the huge efforts of a committed and skilled workforce. Suffolk’s recent Outstanding Ofsted inspection is a deserved result for the brilliant work done improving the lives of some of the most vulnerable young people in Suffolk.

Throughout my time in Suffolk I have worked in Lowestoft. I remain drawn to working in Lowestoft by the benefits of working in a smaller office, with a tight knit community of social workers and other professionals. I found this environment extremely helpful in my early days as a social worker, when you’re trying hard to navigate your way around a vast network of professionals and services. ”

-SB Team Manager based in Lowestoft