Consultant Social Worker

Suffolk County Council; Stowmarket; Hybrid; GBP 43,000 - 48,000; Full time

Job summary

A local government authority in Stowmarket is seeking a Consultant Social Worker. The role involves working with children and families to promote their welfare and safety. Candidates should have a relevant qualification, substantial experience, and be registered with Social Work England. Competitive salary and flexible working options are offered.

Qualifications

• Substantial social work experience of working with children and families.
• Social Work England registration is required.

Responsibilities

• Work directly with children and families for meaningful improvements.
• Provide support to children in need and ensure their safety.
• Take responsibility for high-risk and complex cases.
• Offer guidance to less experienced social workers.
• Use research to inform care and decision-making.
• Coordinate care with other professionals.

Skills

Child protection knowledge

Case management

Communication skills

Education

Relevant Social Work qualification

Management and leadership qualification

Job description

Overview

- Suffolk County Council

- Address: The MiX, 127 Ipswich Street, Stowmarket or Beacon House, Landmark Business Park, Ipswich - Hybrid

- Salary: £43,723 - £47,054 plus a retention payment of up to £3,500 per annum (pro rata for part time)

- Hours: 37 hours per week - flexible working options available

- Contract: Permanent

- Post 1: Central Suffolk, Stowmarket

- Post 2: Ipswich South, Ipswich

When you join the Child in Need Teams as a Consultant Social Worker we’ll support your development from the start. We’ll help you to play to your strengths, diversify your skills and build an influential and impactful career. With a variety of career paths and learning opportunities to explore, if you’re motivated and passionate there’s no limit to how far your ambition could take you.

Reimagine the possibilities.

Your role and responsibilities

• work directly with children, young people and their families to bring about meaningful and sustainable improvements in their lives.
• provide support to children in need, those subject to child protection plans, and looked-after children, ensuring their safety and wellbeing.
• take responsibility for high-risk and complex cases, applying advanced social work knowledge and skills to assess and intervene effectively.
• offer guidance and professional support to less experienced social workers, contributing to team development and quality practice.
• use research and best practice models to inform interventions and decision-making, ensuring high standards of care and safeguarding.
• work closely with other professionals and agencies to coordinate care and support for children and families, promoting integrated working.
• contribute to service development by identifying areas for improvement and supporting innovation in practice and delivery.
• uphold ethical and legal responsibilities, including accurate record-keeping, compliance with policies, and commitment to professional development.
• supervise staff and deputise for the practice manager
• be at the forefront of using the Signs of Safety development (signsofsafety.net) — this is the government-backed, national innovative, strengths-based, safety-organised approach to child protection casework. Having fully embedded this into our practice, this is one of the strongest attributes that our service has to offer and what all of our practitioners possess; this will enable you to become a part of a small, select and skilled group of practitioners working in the UK and across the world.

You will need:

• a relevant Social Work qualification and Social Work England registration.
• substantial social work experience of working with children and families.
• management and leadership qualification.

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

The Teams provide statutory Social Care services to “Children in Need”, children subject to Child Protection Plans, Children “Looked After” and consultancy across Family Support services – a potential broader/flexible role within teams as they progress into fully “multi-agency” teams.

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 & how to apply

Closing date: 11.30pm, 3 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