Senior Social Worker - Children In Care

Opus People Solutions Ltd; Mid Suffolk; On-site; GBP 55,000 - 56,000; Part time

Job summary

Suffolk County Council is seeking an experienced Senior Social Worker to join the Parenting Together South / Children in Care Team on a temporary basis. You will support children in care and young people preparing for adulthood, promoting stability and independence throughout their care journey.

Location: Ipswich, with a two-day per week office presence during onboarding. Rate up to £40.50 per hour (Umbrella), and a temporary contract.

Qualifications

• Hold a recognised Social Work qualification.
• Be registered with Social Work England.
• Minimum two years' post-qualified experience within Children's Services.
• Experience with Children in Care, Leaving Care or similar statutory teams.
• Strong knowledge of safeguarding, care planning and statutory responsibilities.
• Confident managing complex cases and multi-agency partnerships.
• Experience supporting positive outcomes for vulnerable children and young people.
• Strong assessment, communication and relationship-building skills.

Responsibilities

• Manage a caseload of Children in Care and young people preparing to leave care.
• Build strong, meaningful relationships with children, young people and their families.
• Complete assessments, care planning and statutory visits.
• Support pathway planning and preparation for independence.
• Work closely with partner agencies to ensure coordinated support.
• Promote positive outcomes in education, training, employment and accommodation.
• Support younger or less experienced colleagues and contribute to good practice within the team.
• Ensure safeguarding responsibilities are met and risks are appropriately managed.
• Maintain accurate and timely case recording and reporting.

Skills

Communication

Relationship-building

Assessment

Teamwork

Education

Social Work degree / equivalent

Job description

About the Role

Suffolk County Council is seeking an experienced Senior Social Worker to join the Parenting Together South / Children in Care Team on a temporary basis. This is an opportunity to work with children in care and young people preparing for adulthood, supporting them throughout their care journey and into leaving care services. The role focuses on achieving positive outcomes for young people by promoting stability, independence and long-term success.

Location: Beacon House, Landmark Business Park, White House Road, Ipswich, IP1 5PB

Rate: Up to £40.50 per hour (Umbrella)

Contract: Temporary

Office Requirement: 2 days per week, with increased office attendance during the initial onboarding and induction period

Key Responsibilities

• Manage a caseload of Children in Care and young people preparing to leave care
• Build strong, meaningful relationships with children, young people and their families
• Complete assessments, care planning and statutory visits
• Support pathway planning and preparation for independence
• Work closely with partner agencies to ensure coordinated support
• Promote positive outcomes in education, training, employment and accommodation
• Support younger or less experienced colleagues and contribute to good practice within the team
• Ensure safeguarding responsibilities are met and risks are appropriately managed
• Maintain accurate and timely case recording and reporting

About You

• Hold a recognised Social Work qualification
• Be registered with Social Work England
• Have a minimum of two years' post-qualified experience within Children's Services
• Have experience working with Children in Care, Leaving Care or similar statutory teams
• Demonstrate strong knowledge of safeguarding, care planning and statutory responsibilities
• Be confident managing complex cases and working with multi-agency partners
• Have experience supporting positive outcomes for vulnerable children and young people
• Possess strong assessment, communication and relationship-building skills

This role is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975. A DBS check may be applicable for this role, applicants are required to declare any cautions and convictions that are not protected under current filtering rules