Senior Social Worker
| Posting date: | 09 June 2025 |
|---|---|
| Salary: | £40,215 per year |
| Hours: | Full time |
| Closing date: | 23 June 2025 |
| Location: | Suffolk, IP1 2DH |
| Company: | Suffolk County Council |
| Job type: | Permanent |
| Job reference: | 19354 |
Summary
- Suffolk County Council - Various locations across Suffolk - Hybrid
- £40,215 - £45,595 per annum (pro rata for part time)
- Retention payments for 2, 3 and 5 years service of £1,000, £1,500 and £2,000
- 37 hours per week - Flexible working options available
- Permanent
Are you a passionate and experienced social worker ready to take the next step in your career? At Suffolk County Council, we’re looking for Senior Social Workers to join our Mental Health, Learning Disabilities and Autism Service. This is your opportunity to work in a supportive, forward-thinking environment where your expertise will help shape lives and strengthen communities.
We've recently created a video that offers a glimpse into what it's like to pursue a career in social work—watch it to learn more about the role and what it involves.
Why Join Us?
- Impactful Work: Support adults with complex needs, helping them live fulfilling, independent lives.
- Collaborative Culture: Work alongside experienced professionals in a multidisciplinary setting.
- Innovative Practice: Be part of our “People at the Heart of Care” transformation programme.
- Flexible Working: Hybrid options and IT tools provided for agile working.
- Career Development: Mentoring opportunities and a clear path for progression.
Your role and responsibilities
As a Senior Social Worker, you’ll:
- lead on complex cases and safeguarding enquiries
- conduct Care Act assessments and facilitate hospital discharges
- provide reablement support and uphold best practices under the Care Act, Mental Capacity Act, and Mental Health Act
- mentor colleagues and contribute to the development of practice standards
- build strong partnerships with external agencies and the voluntary sector.
You will need
- a recognised Social Work qualification and Social Work England registration
- completion of your ASYE and at least 2 years of post-qualification experience
- a deep understanding of adult social care legislation and financial implications of care packages
- strong decision-making skills and the ability to manage risk
- a valid driving licence and access to personal transport.
You can view a full list of requirements in the Job and Person Profile (docx). If you believe you can succeed in this role, apply. Even if you don't meet all requirements, still apply. We would appreciate the opportunity to consider your application.
The team
At Suffolk County Council, we believe our people are our greatest strength. By joining our team, you’ll play a vital role in helping us achieve our mission: enabling everyone in Suffolk to live long, healthy, and fulfilling lives, while ensuring the most vulnerable are protected and supported.
To help you thrive in your role, we provide all staff with the latest IT equipment and digital tools, including access to the LiquidLogic Adults' System (LAS), enabling flexible and efficient working whether you're in the office, at home, or out in the community.
We are proud to work within a strengths-based practice model, focusing on what individuals can do, not just what they need. If you share these values and are passionate about empowering people, we’d love to hear from you.
We’re also leading the way in transforming Adult Social Care through our “ People at the Heart of Care” programme. This initiative puts individuals at the centre of their care journey—from initial advice and assessments to self-directed support—ensuring they have choice, control, and dignity every step of the way.
Empowering Everyone
We’re big believers in potential, possibility and the power of different ideas. We’re always searching for ways to encourage, respect and enable everyone to be the best they can be. We want to represent the diverse communities we serve. We welcome applications from all individuals, especially those from groups that are currently underrepresented in the organisation, as shown in our Workforce Equality Report.
For more information
Please contact Libby Nightingale for a casual conversation. You can reach them by calling 01473 263398 or emailing libby.nightingale@suffolk.gov.uk
How to apply
Step 1 - Read the Job and Person Profile (JPP) (docx).
Step 2 - Click ‘Apply Now’ to start your online application.
Step 3 - Upload a supporting statement indicating how you meet each of the criteria in the ‘Person Profile’ section of the JPP.
You should use the Supporting Statement template.
Please use Arial font size 11 and keep your statement to a maximum of two sides of A4.
Step 4 - Upload a CV (without name and personal details).
Please note: Without a supporting statement and CV, your interest will not be progressed. Any supporting documents must be in either PDF or MS Word format. If you would like an adjustment to this process due to a disability, please contact us at 03456 014412 or recruitment@suffolk.gov.uk
We value authentic applications that showcase your genuine skills and experiences. Applications suspected of being generated by AI may be rejected. We ask you to present your own work and ideas throughout the application process.
If you require any reasonable adjustments to the application process before the next selection stage, please contact our Recruitment Team by emailing recruitment@suffolk.gov.uk or calling 03456 014412. If you are invited to the next stage of selection, you will have another opportunity to request adjustments for the next stages of the process.
Closing date: 11.30pm, 23 June 2025.
This authority is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) checks or police vetting will be required for relevant posts. #LI-Hybrid
As a modern and effective council, we offer a wide variety of careers to suit people with a range of skills, abilities and ambitions. We offer working options that flex to reflect the way people work today and take the time to understand and support your individual needs. We’re driven to make a positive difference to the world around us and encourage everyone with drive and focus to join us and build an influential and impactful career. Reimagine the possibilities.
In return, you’ll enjoy:
up to 29 days annual leave entitlement (pro rata), plus UK bank holidays and two paid volunteering days
membership of a competitive Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS)
travel, lifestyle, health and wellbeing benefits
performance-related annual pay progression, in addition to an annual cost-of-living pay increase
training and encouragement to expand your knowledge
a variety of career development opportunities across our organisation
diverse and active staff networks
flexible working options, with the right to request flexible working from your first day
Plus lots more!
If you want to know more about our benefits, values and equality commitments please visit our Suffolk County Council careers website (careers.Suffolk.gov.uk).
- £40,215 - £45,595 per annum (pro rata for part time)
- Retention payments for 2, 3 and 5 years service of £1,000, £1,500 and £2,000
- 37 hours per week - Flexible working options available
- Permanent
Are you a passionate and experienced social worker ready to take the next step in your career? At Suffolk County Council, we’re looking for Senior Social Workers to join our Mental Health, Learning Disabilities and Autism Service. This is your opportunity to work in a supportive, forward-thinking environment where your expertise will help shape lives and strengthen communities.
We've recently created a video that offers a glimpse into what it's like to pursue a career in social work—watch it to learn more about the role and what it involves.
Why Join Us?
- Impactful Work: Support adults with complex needs, helping them live fulfilling, independent lives.
- Collaborative Culture: Work alongside experienced professionals in a multidisciplinary setting.
- Innovative Practice: Be part of our “People at the Heart of Care” transformation programme.
- Flexible Working: Hybrid options and IT tools provided for agile working.
- Career Development: Mentoring opportunities and a clear path for progression.
Your role and responsibilities
As a Senior Social Worker, you’ll:
- lead on complex cases and safeguarding enquiries
- conduct Care Act assessments and facilitate hospital discharges
- provide reablement support and uphold best practices under the Care Act, Mental Capacity Act, and Mental Health Act
- mentor colleagues and contribute to the development of practice standards
- build strong partnerships with external agencies and the voluntary sector.
You will need
- a recognised Social Work qualification and Social Work England registration
- completion of your ASYE and at least 2 years of post-qualification experience
- a deep understanding of adult social care legislation and financial implications of care packages
- strong decision-making skills and the ability to manage risk
- a valid driving licence and access to personal transport.
You can view a full list of requirements in the Job and Person Profile (docx). If you believe you can succeed in this role, apply. Even if you don't meet all requirements, still apply. We would appreciate the opportunity to consider your application.
The team
At Suffolk County Council, we believe our people are our greatest strength. By joining our team, you’ll play a vital role in helping us achieve our mission: enabling everyone in Suffolk to live long, healthy, and fulfilling lives, while ensuring the most vulnerable are protected and supported.
To help you thrive in your role, we provide all staff with the latest IT equipment and digital tools, including access to the LiquidLogic Adults' System (LAS), enabling flexible and efficient working whether you're in the office, at home, or out in the community.
We are proud to work within a strengths-based practice model, focusing on what individuals can do, not just what they need. If you share these values and are passionate about empowering people, we’d love to hear from you.
We’re also leading the way in transforming Adult Social Care through our “ People at the Heart of Care” programme. This initiative puts individuals at the centre of their care journey—from initial advice and assessments to self-directed support—ensuring they have choice, control, and dignity every step of the way.
Empowering Everyone
We’re big believers in potential, possibility and the power of different ideas. We’re always searching for ways to encourage, respect and enable everyone to be the best they can be. We want to represent the diverse communities we serve. We welcome applications from all individuals, especially those from groups that are currently underrepresented in the organisation, as shown in our Workforce Equality Report.
For more information
Please contact Libby Nightingale for a casual conversation. You can reach them by calling 01473 263398 or emailing libby.nightingale@suffolk.gov.uk
How to apply
Step 1 - Read the Job and Person Profile (JPP) (docx).
Step 2 - Click ‘Apply Now’ to start your online application.
Step 3 - Upload a supporting statement indicating how you meet each of the criteria in the ‘Person Profile’ section of the JPP.
You should use the Supporting Statement template.
Please use Arial font size 11 and keep your statement to a maximum of two sides of A4.
Step 4 - Upload a CV (without name and personal details).
Please note: Without a supporting statement and CV, your interest will not be progressed. Any supporting documents must be in either PDF or MS Word format. If you would like an adjustment to this process due to a disability, please contact us at 03456 014412 or recruitment@suffolk.gov.uk
We value authentic applications that showcase your genuine skills and experiences. Applications suspected of being generated by AI may be rejected. We ask you to present your own work and ideas throughout the application process.
If you require any reasonable adjustments to the application process before the next selection stage, please contact our Recruitment Team by emailing recruitment@suffolk.gov.uk or calling 03456 014412. If you are invited to the next stage of selection, you will have another opportunity to request adjustments for the next stages of the process.
Closing date: 11.30pm, 23 June 2025.
This authority is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) checks or police vetting will be required for relevant posts. #LI-Hybrid
As a modern and effective council, we offer a wide variety of careers to suit people with a range of skills, abilities and ambitions. We offer working options that flex to reflect the way people work today and take the time to understand and support your individual needs. We’re driven to make a positive difference to the world around us and encourage everyone with drive and focus to join us and build an influential and impactful career. Reimagine the possibilities.
In return, you’ll enjoy:
up to 29 days annual leave entitlement (pro rata), plus UK bank holidays and two paid volunteering days
membership of a competitive Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS)
travel, lifestyle, health and wellbeing benefits
performance-related annual pay progression, in addition to an annual cost-of-living pay increase
training and encouragement to expand your knowledge
a variety of career development opportunities across our organisation
diverse and active staff networks
flexible working options, with the right to request flexible working from your first day
Plus lots more!
If you want to know more about our benefits, values and equality commitments please visit our Suffolk County Council careers website (careers.Suffolk.gov.uk).
Proud member of the Disability Confident employer scheme
Disability Confident
About Disability Confident
A Disability Confident employer will generally offer an interview to any applicant that declares they have a disability and meets the minimum criteria for the job as defined by the employer. It is important to note that in certain recruitment situations such as high-volume, seasonal and high-peak times, the employer may wish to limit the overall numbers of interviews offered to both disabled people and non-disabled people. For more details please go to Disability Confident.