Senior Practitioner

Suffolk Jobs Direct; Ipswich; Hybrid; GBP 44,000; Full time

Job summary

A local authority in the UK is seeking a Safeguarding Senior Practitioner to lead a multi-agency team in Ipswich. You will oversee safeguarding cases, triage concerns, and drive decision-making, while collaborating with professionals from various sectors. Ideal candidates will have a Social Work qualification, experience in safeguarding, and exemplary communication skills. This role offers a competitive salary and supports flexible working arrangements.

Qualifications

• Experience in safeguarding and multi-agency working.
• Ability to manage a fast-paced workload.
• Experience in assessing referrals against statutory criteria.

Responsibilities

• Lead a dynamic multi-agency team.
• Triage incoming safeguarding concerns.
• Allocate and oversee priority work.
• Chair strategy meetings and lead decision-making.
• Interpret data, conduct audits, and identify emerging themes.

Skills

Strong knowledge of Adult Social Care and the Care Act 2014

Excellent communication skills

Negotiation skills

Organisational skills

Confidence in chairing meetings

Ability to prioritise and risk-assess

Resilience and reflective approach

Education

Social Work qualification

Job description

Description

• Suffolk County Council
• Address : Landmark House Ipswich IP1 5PB - Hybrid
• Salary : 43723 per annum (pro rata for part time)
• Hours : 37 hours per week or 18.5 hours per week flexible working options available
• Contract : Permanent

We are focused on making a meaningful difference to communities across Suffolk. By listening to our people, learning from what they say and creating a culture of mutual respect where everyone works together to achieve great things. As a Safeguarding Senior Practitioner in the Multi Agency Safeguarding Hub you’ll be keen to collaborate and build a bright future as we are. So to make a positive impact connect with us and build a fantastic career.

Reimagine the possibilities.

Your role and responsibilities

As a MASH Safeguarding Senior Practitioner you will play a pivotal role in leading a dynamic multi‑agency team that includes professionals from police, health, housing, probation and more.

• triage incoming safeguarding concerns
• allocate and oversee priority work
• chair strategy meetings and lead multi‑agency decision‑making
• assess referrals against the statutory criteria under Section 42 of the Care Act 2014
• provide guidance and signposting for cases not meeting safeguarding statutory criteria
• supervise Social Workers and Safeguarding Independence & Wellbeing Practitioners
• interpret data, conduct audits and identify emerging themes

You will need

• a Social Work qualification and experience in the role
• strong knowledge of Adult Social Care and the Care Act 2014
• experience in safeguarding and multi‑agency working
• excellent communication, negotiation and organisational skills
• the ability to prioritise, risk‑assess and manage a fast‑paced workload
• confidence in chairing meetings and making complex decisions
• a resilient and reflective approach to practice

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

Suffolk MASH is a multi‑agency team which uses excellent cross‑agency communication to identify risk at an early stage and where coordinated timely and proportionate interventions are decided upon in order to keep adults with care & support needs safe. Working in Suffolk MASH provides employees with an opportunity to further knowledge of adult safeguarding and the chance to contribute to decisions that make a real difference to residents of Suffolk. The MASH is a fast‑paced and dynamic environment which is both rewarding and challenging and requires excellent communications skills, experience of safeguarding and a degree of resilience to effectively manage the challenges of this working environment.

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 Sarah Markham (she / her) for a casual conversation. You can reach them by calling or emailing.

If you want to apply for a secondment read the secondment policy first. Make sure you get permission from your current manager before submitting your application.

How to apply

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

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.

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. If you require any reasonable adjustments to the application process before the next selection stage please contact our Recruitment Team by emailing or 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 : 11.30pm 9 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