Senior Practitioner

Suffolk County Council; Ipswich; Hybrid; GBP 36,000 - 44,000; Full time

Job summary

A local government authority in Ipswich is seeking a Senior Practitioner for its Central Adult Safeguarding Team. This role involves undertaking complex safeguarding enquiries, implementing safeguarding plans, and collaborating with partners to promote safety. The ideal candidate will have a relevant qualification, a solid understanding of safeguarding legislation, and experience in managing safeguarding cases. Benefits include flexible working options, professional development opportunities, and membership in the local government pension scheme. Applications close on December 15, 2025.

Benefits

Up to 29 days annual leave entitlement

Membership of the local government pension scheme

Flexible working options

Travel, lifestyle, health and wellbeing benefits

Qualifications

• Hold a relevant professional qualification.
• Strong understanding of safeguarding legislation, including the Mental Capacity Act.
• Experience in managing complex safeguarding cases and creating effective plans.
• Commitment to the Signs of Safety practice model.

Responsibilities

• Undertake complex safeguarding enquiries for individuals and organisations.
• Develop and implement safeguarding plans that reduce risk.
• Build strong relationships with partners for long-term outcomes.
• Provide guidance and support best practice in adult safeguarding.

Skills

Understanding of safeguarding legislation

Excellent communication skills

Experience managing complex safeguarding cases

Commitment to the Signs of Safety practice model

Supervising and supporting staff

Education

Relevant professional qualification

Job description

Job Description

We are looking for a Senior Practitioner for our Central Adult Safeguarding Team at Suffolk County Council.

Location & Details

• Address: Landmark House, Ipswich, IP1 5PB — Hybrid
• Salary: £43,273 per annum (pro rata)
• Hours: 15 hours per week
• Contract: Permanent

What you will do

• Undertake complex safeguarding enquiries for individuals and organisations
• Develop and implement safeguarding plans that reduce risk and promote safety
• Build strong relationships with partners to achieve long‑term outcomes
• Provide guidance and up‑to‑date research to support best practice in adult safeguarding

What you will bring

You’ll hold a relevant professional qualification and have:

• A strong understanding of safeguarding legislation, including the Mental Capacity Act and Human Rights Act
• Experience in managing complex safeguarding cases and creating effective plans
• Commitment to the Signs of Safety practice model
• Excellent communication skills for challenging conversations and partnership building
• Experience supervising and supporting staff to deliver high‑quality practice

What we offer

• Tailored induction, guidance and ongoing professional development
• Supportive supervision and a collaborative team environment
• Opportunities to achieve your own development goals while making a real impact
• Up to 29 days annual leave entitlement (pro rata), plus UK bank holidays and two paid volunteering days
• Membership of the local government pension scheme (LGPS)
• Travel, lifestyle, health and wellbeing benefits
• Performance‑related annual pay progression and an annual cost‑of‑living increase
• Training and encouragement to expand your knowledge
• Diverse and active staff networks
• Flexible working options, with the right to request flexible work from your first day

Contact

Contact Kim Elvin by phone [phone] or email [e-mail].

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. Use Arial, font size 11 and keep your statement to a maximum of two sides of A4.

Step 4 - Upload a CV (without name and personal details).

We value authentic applications that showcase your genuine skills and experiences. Applications suspected of being generated by AI may be rejected.

Without a supporting statement and CV, 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 email [e-mail] or call 03456 014412. If you are invited to the next stage of selection, you will have another opportunity to request adjustments for the subsequent stages of the process.

Closing date: 11.30pm, 15 December 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 checks or police vetting will be required for relevant posts.