Senior Social Workers

• Suffolk County Council
• Address:Various locations across Suffolk
• Salary:41502 - 47054 per annum (pro rata for part time) plus retention payments for2 3and 5 years of serviceofand 2000
• Hours:Full Time or Part time hours available
• Contract:Various contracts available

We are recruiting countywide forSenior Social WorkersinAdult Social Care.

With Suffolk you can enjoy a great career for yourself and support vulnerable adults. We are always looking for new ways to deliver even better Workers working with Suffolk County Council play an integral role in our preventative approach to Social Care. We encourage our multi-disciplinary teams to share their ideas and experience. We work together to get things done. Bring your positive proactive attitude and well empower you to make the most of your experience.

Reimagine the possibilities.

Senior Social Workersare passionate in demonstrating expert and effective practice in complex situations. Managing your own complex caseload as well as supporting your colleagues with theirs you will be a source of specialist advice and enable the mitigation of high levels of risk. You will also bring professional expertise to contribute to the development of practice will have experience in developing strong working relationships with partners other agencies and the voluntary sector to deliver improved outcomes.

What you will need

You will bring significant experience of social work modelling good practice and providing advice and guidance in complex situations. We are also looking for your ability to mentor both newly qualified and experienced team members. As a subject matter expert in relevant professional practice you should have a comprehensive understanding of current legislation regulations and guidance.

Youll also need:

• to be a qualified registered social worker and have completed your Assessed and Supported Year in Employment
• evidence of 2 years continued professional development and capability of practice in accordance with current professional standards
• an in-depth understanding of the financial implications of commissioned care packages
• the ability to make clear decisions to highlight and limit potential risks associated with intervention.
• valid driving licence and access to personal transport.

You can view a full list of requirements in theJob and Person Profile (Word)ifyou 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.

About us

Our staff are our greatest asset and with you in our team we can achieve the authoritys priorities of enabling everyone to live long healthy fulfilling lives whilst safeguarding the most vulnerable people in Suffolk. All our staff are provided with Information Technology and devices to allow more flexibility in the role and access to systems like the LiquidLogic Adults System when working with clients.

We work to a strength-based practice model and would encourage you to apply for our roles if you think you have the same values so we can continue with this approach to help empower Suffolk residents.

In Suffolk were transforming how we deliver Adult Social Care through ourPeople at the Heart of Careprogramme. This puts people at the centre of their own care choices and decisions from initial advice to assessments and self-commissioning. Find out aboutour plans to transform Adult Social Care by putting people at the heart of care.

If youre considering applying we encourage you to watch our video onReimagining a Career in Adult Social Work. It offers valuable insight into the impact you can make and the support youll receive as part of our team.

The teams

Integrated Neighbourhood and Area Locality

Adult social work in Suffolk supports individuals aged 18 and over who may need help due to: Physical health conditions Mental health challenges Age-related needs Substance misuse or Caring responsibilities. We uphold our strategic responsibilities under theCare Act 2014 ensuring people receive theright support at the right time. Through ourIntegrated Neighbourhood and Area Locality Teams we work closely with health professionals to help people live independently stay safe and maintain their well-being within their homes and communities. Our teams carry outholistic assessments provideadvice and guidance and signpost individuals to local resources. We collaborate with key stakeholders voluntary organisations and social enterprises to promotechoice independence andperson-centred care - placing people at the heart of everything we do.

Mental Health

The ASC Mental Health Service is a county wide service and therefore has bases across Suffolk. We are a creative service evolving to work in the best way for the people of Suffolk. As a specialist service supporting those with functional mental health conditions the teams are full of knowledge skills experience and a passion to encourage and promote independence and wellbeing. The service works closely with local system partners to provide high standards of social work to the people of Suffolk who are also receiving a service from NHS Mental Health Services including carrying out both statutory duties under the Care Act 2014 and those under the Mental Health Act 1983 (2007).

Learning Disabilities and Autism

We are recruiting Social Workers to join our Learning Disability and Autism this role you will work with individuals with learning disabilities and autism providing personalised support that helps them achieve their goals and thrive in their community. Every day is different - whether you are helping a young person transition from hospital to their first home or creating a tailored reablement plan to connect someone within local community youll have the chance to make a profound difference

Hospital to Home

This is an exciting and unique opportunity for a Senior Social Workerto support the development of a specialist team dedicated to Adults with Organic Mental Health difficulties in Later Lifewho qualify for Section 117 Aftercare.

In this role you will:

• Play a key role in discharge planningwithin the mental health unit at Woodlands Hospital ensuring seamless transitions for adults with Organic Mental Health diagnoses.
• Lead proactive Section 117 reviews ensuring the highest standards of care and support.
• Develop person-centred care plans finding creative and innovative solutions to enhance independence within the Ipswich & East Locality.

We are seeking a passionate and experienced professionalwith a strong background in supporting adults with cognitive difficulties (e.g. Dementia). You will be committed to helping individuals live as independently as possible leveraging community resources personal networks and digital care solutionsto enhance well-being.

As part of a small dedicated team you will be responsible for case management of adults receiving Section 117 Aftercarein Ipswich East overseeing hospital dischargesand aftercare reviews. This role offers a balance between fast-paced work and the rewarding experience of building strong relationships with service users in complex situations.

Additionally you will play a crucial role in developing partnershipswith care providers NSFT and the wider multidisciplinary team (MDT)to enhance service provision and improve outcomes for individuals in need.

Career development

Having developed and established an excellent career development pathway we will support you in your career development and choices. To ensure we offer our staff the best opportunities to progress we offer a minimum of six protected days for Social Workers to undertake continuous professional development; ensuring that you are given sufficient time and support to maintain registration with Social Work England.

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

For an informal discussion about these roles please contactBeverly Chambersbyeither emailingor by calling.

Visit ourSocial work in Adult Social Care careers pages.

How to apply

Step 1 -Read the JPP (Job and Person Profile) (Word).

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

Step 3 - Upload a supporting statement answering the following questions below (no more than 400 words per question). You should use the Supporting Statement template.

1. Can you describe a time when you promoted personalisation and independence for an adult with care and support needs What approach did you use and what was the outcome

2. Tell us about a time when you worked with statutory private or voluntary agencies to deliver a joint response to health and social care needs. What challenges did you face and how did you overcome them

3. Describe your experience supervising or mentoring junior staff. How do you ensure high standards and support their development

4. Please specify what team you are interested in working in.

Please note:Without a supporting statement your interest will not be progressed. Any supporting documents must be in either PDF or MS Word format.

We value authentic applications that showcase your genuine skills and experiences. Applications suspected of being generated by AI may be rejected. We encourage you to present your own work and ideas throughout the application process.

Do you need any reasonable adjustments to help you to applyIf you are disabled and/or have additional support needs you can request reasonable adjustments. You can do this by contacting our Recruitment Team at: or.

You can find examples of possible adjustments on our Reasonable Adjustment pages. If youre invited to the next stage youll have another chance to request adjustments.

Closing date:11.30 pm 8 February 2026.

Promoted as FJ (Featured Job) on Suffolk Jobs Direct.

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