Senior Practitioner

Suffolk County Council; Lowestoft; Hybrid; GBP 42,000 - 46,000; Full time

Job summary

Suffolk County Council is seeking a Senior Practitioner for its North Learning Disabilities and Autism Team in Lowestoft. This role emphasizes leadership in social work, striving to enhance well-being and independence for individuals with care needs. Join a collaborative and supportive team to drive positive change in the community, contributing to the Independent Lives programme and transforming social care services.

Benefits

Annual leave entitlement up to 29 days

Local Government Pension Scheme membership

Travel and health benefits

Flexible working options

Qualifications

• Experience in Adult Social Care.
• Current registration with Social Work England.
• Strong leadership and mentoring skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead complex cases and support team management.
• Conduct person-centred assessments for individuals.
• Champion independence and well-being for service users.

Skills

Leadership

Collaboration

Person-centred approach

Education

Social Work qualification

Job description

• Suffolk County Council - Riverside, Lowestoft, Suffolk, NR33 0EQ - Hybrid
• £42,367 - £45,595 per annum (pro rata for part time)
• 37 hours per week - Flexible working options available
• Permanent

Are you a creative and experienced Social Worker with a passion for adult social care and a flair for leadership?

We're looking for a Senior Practitioner to join our North Learning Disabilities and Autism Team, based in Lowestoft and covering the Waveney area. This is a fantastic opportunity to take the next step in your career within a supportive and forward-thinking service.

Are you a creative, experienced/seniorSocial Worker who has worked in Adult Social Care with leadership experience?

Why join us?

You'll be part of a dynamic team within Suffolk's Adult Social Care Learning Disability and Autism Service, working closely with colleagues across the county. We're proud of our collaborative culture and strong links with Mental Health Services, all under the same directorate.

This is an exciting time to join us as we deliver our Independent Lives programme and drive forward our transformation agenda. You'll play a key role in shaping services and improving outcomes for the people we support.

Your role and responsibilities

• Work collaboratively with individuals, their families, and service providers to carry out person-centred assessments and reviews, ensuring that support is tailored to meet each individual's needs.
• Champion interventions that promote independence, strengthen support networks, and enhance wellbeing-while contributing to positive outcomes through effective multi-agency safeguarding and risk management.
• Lead on the most complex cases within the team, applying your expertise to deliver high-quality, impactful social work.
• Provide leadership support by deputising for the Team Manager when required.
• Offer case supervision and mentoring to colleagues, fostering a culture of continuous learning and reflective practice.
• Actively promote Suffolk County Council's vision, values, and strategic priorities to customers, partners, and the wider community-leading by example and inspiring others.
• Ensure the team fulfils its statutory responsibilities in line with relevant legislation and guidance for adults with care and support needs, as well as their carers.
• Facilitate effective collaboration with statutory, voluntary, and private sector partners to deliver joined-up support-ensuring people receive the right information, advice, and enablement to achieve their goals.

You will need

• A Social Work qualification recognised by Social Work England and current registration
• Strong leadership and mentoring skills
• A collaborative, person-centred approach
• Confidence in managing risk and supporting others to do the same
• A flexible mindset and enthusiasm for innovation and digital tools

You can view a full list of requirements in the Job and Person Profile (docx) . 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 Learning Disability and Autism Team operates with a strengths-based approach, guided by the Signs of Safety and Wellbeing model. We focus on empowering individuals by building on their existing strengths and support networks to help them achieve their goals and live more independently.

Our team includes a Team Manager, Senior Practitioner, Social Workers, and Independence and Wellbeing Practitioners. We are a passionate, welcoming, and supportive group, committed to making a positive difference.

We currently offer a hybrid working model, combining the flexibility of working from home with the benefits of office collaboration. Our management team is cohesive, forward-thinking, and dedicated to continuous professional development. With a strong reputation for service improvement, we believe our people are our greatest asset. By joining us, you'll help us deliver on our shared mission: enabling everyone in Suffolk to live long, healthy, and fulfilling lives while safeguarding those most in need.

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 Catherine Score for a casual conversation.You can reach them by calling 01502 718319 or emailing [e-mail]

How to apply

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

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

Step 3 - Upload asupporting statement indicating how you meet each of the criteria in the Person Profile' section of theJPP.

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.

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

Please note: Without a supporting statement and CV, your interest will not be progressed. Any supporting documents must be in either PDF or MS Word format. If you would like an adjustment to this process due to a disability, please contact us at 03456 014412 or [e-mail]

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.

If you require any reasonable adjustments to the application process before the next selection stage, please contact our Recruitment Team by emailing [e-mail] or calling 03456 014412. 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, 17June 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

As a modern and effective council, we offer a wide variety of careers to suit people with a range of skills, abilities and ambitions. We offer working options that flex to reflect the way people work today and take the time to understand and support your individual needs. We're driven to make a positive difference to the world around us and encourage everyone with drive and focus to join us and build an influential and impactful career. Reimagine the possibilities.

In return, you'll enjoy:

• up to 29 days annual leave entitlement (pro rata), plus UK bank holidays and two paid volunteering days
• membership of a competitive Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS)
• travel, lifestyle, health and wellbeing benefits
• performance-related annual pay progression, in addition to an annual cost-of-living pay increase
• training and encouragement to expand your knowledge
• a variety of career development opportunities across our organisation
• diverse and active staff networks
• flexible working options, with the right to request flexible working from your first day

Plus lots more!

If you want to know more about our benefits, values and equality commitments please visit our Suffolk County Council careers website (careers.Suffolk.gov.uk) .