Adult Social Workers

Suffolk County Council; Ipswich; Hybrid; GBP 39,000 - 42,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible working

Hybrid working options

Retention payments

Six CPD days

Comprehensive training

Job summary

Suffolk County Council is recruiting Adult Social Workers and Newly Qualified Social Workers (NQSWs) to join our countywide Adult Social Care teams. We offer the ASYE scheme, comprehensive training and a clear path for development across Suffolk.

Roles include Learning Disability and Autism, Mental Health, and Integrated Neighbourhood work. Flexible and hybrid working options are available, with permanent and temporary contracts across several locations including Ipswich.

Qualifications

• You will deliver innovative, strengths-based assessments and care planning for adults.
• ASYE training available and growth opportunities within Suffolk.
• Commitment to safeguarding and working with local communities.

Responsibilities

• Deliver strengths-based assessments and care planning for individuals, carers and networks.
• Work within Integrated Neighbourhood and Area Locality Teams to provide holistic social work support.
• Participate in training, supervision and development opportunities.

Job description

• Suffolk County Council - Various locations countywide in Suffolk


• Salary: £38,510 per annum (pro rata for part time hours) rising to£39,481 - £42,123per annum after successful completion of your ASYE (Assessed and Supported Year in Employment) Plus a£500additional payment and retention payments


• Hours: Full or part time hours available


• Contract: Permanent and temporary contracts available


• Post 1-2: Learning Disability and Autism, East (Ipswich) 37 hours per week, based at Endeavour House


• Post 3: West (Mildenhall), 37 hours per week, based at Mildenhall Hub


• Post 4: Optimising Care and Support Team (Bury St Edmunds) 37 hours per week, based at West Suffolk House

Suffolk’s Adult Social Care Services are looking for passionate Adult Social Workers and Newly Qualified Social Workers (NQSWs) to join our team.

Whether you are an experienced practitioner or about to qualify, if you are committed to supporting local communities and building strong networks, we want to hear from you. Suffolk offers a comprehensive training programme, including the ASYE scheme for NQSWs, designed to give you the best start and lay the foundation for a rewarding long-term career.

Your role

You will bring the skills and experience to deliver innovative, strengths-based assessments and care planning for individuals, carers, and their support networks. We are looking for someone who is adaptable, confident, and committed to strengthening social work, ambitious about what people can achieve and eager to explore creative ideas that lead to positive outcomes.

If you are considering applying, we encourage you to watch our video on Reimagining a Career in Adult Social Work . It offers valuable insight into the impact you can make and the support you'll receive as part of our team.

This is your chance to develop your career while making a meaningful impact in Suffolk’s communities. You will be supported by a team dedicated to your professional growth and success. We welcome early applications and will guide you through the registration process.

We offer:

• Full-time and part-time hours


• Permanent and temporary roles across Suffolk


• Flexible and hybrid working options


• Retention payments at 2, 3 and 5 years (£1,000, £1,500 and £2,000)


• Six protected CPD days


• A strong and diverse training offer


• Supportive, experienced teams


• Clear pathways for development and progression across the council


• An inclusive, creative culture

If successful in joining the organisation, you will:

• havean excellent induction to the role


• receive support from peers and mentors


• be able to accessextensivetrainingopportunities available,to support your personal and professional development


• join a cohort of NQSW'swho are also completingtheirASYE training allowing you to provide and receive support from otherNQSWs.

Further opportunities with career development

Following successful completion of your ASYE you could progressin the following roles:

Signs of Safety

It is an exciting time to join Adult Social Care in Suffolk, with our ambition titled People at the heart of Care, setting out how we will work to support people to live fulfilling and independent lives in Suffolk.Using our Signs of Safety model as a foundation throughout our service- workingwith people and their networks using a safety, solution building and trauma responsive approach.

This is your chance to become one of the select few Social Workers worldwide that are trained practicing professionals in Signs of Safety; this will see you stand out from other Social Workers and enable you to develop and progress in your career.

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.

ThroughourIntegrated 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.

Learning Disabilities and Autism

We are recruiting Social Workers to join our Learning Disability and Autism Service. In 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're helping a young person transition from hospital to their first home or creating a tailored reablement plan to connect someone within local community, you will have the chance to make a profound difference.

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).

Optimising Care and Support Team

The Optimising Care and Support Team is a supportive and collaborative team focused on helping people maintain their independence. We work closely with health professionals and partner organisations to review care and support needs, find person-centred solutions and help ensure people receive the right support. We value teamwork, shared learning and continued development, working together to achieve positive outcomes for people across Ipswich and East Suffolk.

Closing date: 11.30 pm, 8 November 2026.

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 checks or police vetting will be required for relevant posts.

More Information

We offer a fantastic working environment including diverse and active staff networks, great flexible working options and many benefits, as well as the opportunity to improve the lives of Suffolk residents.

Our WE ASPIRE values set out the behaviours we expect from everyone in the organisation regardless of who they are, what their role or grade is or where they work. The values have been developed through feedback and input from employees at the council and underpin how we go about our everyday work. They define us and help us to be the best we can be.

If you would like to know more about our benefits, values and equality commitments please visit the Suffolk County Council Jobs website and view the information within the tabs at the top of the screen.