Consultant Social Worker

• Suffolk County Council
• Address: Landmark House Ipswich IP1 5PB - Hybrid
• Salary: 43723 - 47054 per annum plus retention payment (pro rata for part time)
• Hours: 37 hours per week - Flexible working options available
• Contract: Permanent

This post is open to current Suffolk County Council staff only.

At Suffolk County Council we believe that when our people grow our communities thrive. Thats why were looking for a passionateConsultant Social Workerto join our team. Here youll find more than just a job youll discover opportunities to develop your skills make a meaningful impact and reimagine whats possible. Are you ready to grow with us and shape the future of Suffolk

Your roleand responsibilities

Suffolk MASH deal with all safeguarding enquiries within Suffolk and the Consultant Social Worker has a key role around initial triage and final outcome in respect of these. It is fast paced and provides practitioners with a unique opportunity to gain experience of multi-agency working.

This role offers a great development opportunity for an existing Consultant/Senior Social Worker looking for new challenges or for an experienced and highly competent Social Worker with good knowledge and experience of child protection to join an established team.

As well as decision making and ensuring children and families receive the best most appropriate advice and service there is a staff management requirement within the role and is therefore an ideal opportunity for those seeking experience of management.

This role is office-based but always dynamic varied fast-paced and times the work can be demanding and stressful so resilience and a strong work ethic are needed to effectively manage the particular challenges of the role. However the MASH prides itself on a strong and supportive team ethos.

You will:

• co-ordinate the routine activities of professionals working in the MASH
• model the highest professional child-focused practice
• chair Strategy Threshold Discussions with colleagues from MASH Police MASH Health and other professionals
• provide management oversight on the progress and quality of work within the MASH
• reach safe decisions on a range of contacts to CYPS ensuring SB thresholds are accurately and consistently applied
• provide information advice or guidance to colleagues and stakeholders
• manage quality assurance processes to support high quality service standards and practice
• contribute to the leadership and management of a busy Multi-Agency team building on effective interagency collaboration and helping to improve quality of practice with the MASH.

You willneed

You will hold a relevant Social Work qualification be registered as a qualified social worker with Social Work England and be suitably experienced in working with children and families.

You will have strong evidence-based assessment skills proven analytical and critical thinking and a sound working knowledge of child development child protection SB thresholds and Signs of Safety principles.

You can view a full list of requirements in theJob and Person Profile (docx).If you believe you can succeed in this role apply. Even if you dont meet all requirements still apply. We would appreciate the opportunity to consider your application.

The team

This role ishybrid working but it is expected that one of your working days is a Monday.

The MASH receives all Child referrals and Adult Safeguarding Referrals gathering relevant partner agency information in order to determine the most appropriate course of action and to ensure referrals are passed to a childrens social care team in a timely way.

Suffolk MASH also provides a Professional Consultation Line for professionals to speak to a qualified social worker or other relevant professional about the most appropriate course of action.

Empowering Everyone

Were big believers in potential possibility and the power of different ideas. Were 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 ourWorkforce Equality Report

For more information

Please contact Milly Clark or Barbara Metcalfe for a casual conversation. You can reach:

• Milly Clarkby callingor emailing
• Barbara Metcalfeby callingor emailing

How to apply

Step 1 -Read theJob and Person Profile (JPP) (docx).

Step 2 -Click Apply Now to start your online application.

Step 3 -Upload asupporting statementanswering the following questions below (no more than 400 words per question). You should use theSupporting Statement template (docx).

1. Share an experience of working collaboratively with multiple agencies to support a child or family. What challenges did you encounter and how did you overcome them
2. Give an example of a complex case where you identified and effectively managed safeguarding risks. What steps did you take to ensure the childs safety
3. Describe a situation where you provided supervision or mentoring to a colleague. How did you support their professional development

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.

Please note:Without a supporting statement 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 ator.

If you require any reasonable adjustments to the application process before the next selection stage please contact our Recruitment Team by emailingor calling.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: 2 November 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