Senior Social Workers

Suffolk County Council; Ipswich; Hybrid; GBP 42,000 - 47,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

29 days annual leave (pro rata)

LGPS pension

Flexible working

Career development opportunities

Job summary

Suffolk County Council in Ipswich is recruiting Senior Social Workers in Adult Social Care. You will manage complex cases and mentor colleagues, contributing to safeguarding and service improvement.

We offer varied contracts with pro rata salaries of £41,502–£47,054 per year, plus retention payments; flexible hours and supportive teams to help you develop in your role.

Qualifications

• You will be a qualified, registered social worker with current registration.
• Evidence of 2 years of continued professional development and capability of practice.
• Understanding of financial implications of commissioned care packages.
• Ability to make clear decisions and identify potential risks.

Responsibilities

• Manage your own complex caseload and provide expert advice to colleagues.
• Develop and maintain professional practice standards and strong partner relationships.

Skills

Mentoring

Case management

Legislation knowledge

Risk assessment

Decision making

Education

Qualified and registered social worker

Job description

• Salary:£41,502 - £47,054 per annum (pro rata for part time), plus retention payments for2, 3and 5 years of serviceof £1,000, £1,500and £2,000
• Hours:Full Time or Part time hours available
• Contract:Various contracts available
• Post 1: Learning Disabilities and Autism, South, Endeavour House, Ipswich
• Post 2: Mental Health, Learning Disabilities and Autism, Forensic, Endeavour House, Ipswich (16.5 hours per week)

We are recruiting forSenior Social WorkersinAdult Social Care.

With Suffolk, you can enjoy a great career for yourself and support vulnerable adults. We are always looking for new ways to deliver even better services.Social Workers working with Suffolk County Council play an integral role in our preventative approach to Social Care. We encourage our multi-disciplinary teams to share their ideas and experience. We work together to get things done. Bring your positive, proactive attitude and we’ll empower you to make the most of your experience.

Reimagine the possibilities.

Senior Social Workers

are passionate in demonstrating expert and effective practice in complex situations. Managing your own complex caseload, as well as supporting your colleagues with theirs, you will be a source of specialist advice and enable the mitigation of high levels of risk. You will also bring professional expertise to contribute to the development of practice standards.You will have experience in developing strong working relationships with partners, other agencies, and the voluntary sector to deliver improved outcomes.

What you will need

You will bring significant experience of social work, modelling good practice and providing advice and guidance in complex situations. We are also looking for your ability to mentor both newly qualified and experienced team members. As, a subject matter expert in relevant professional practice, you should have a comprehensive understanding of current legislation, regulations, and guidance.

You will also need:

• to be a qualified, registered social worker and have completed your Assessed and Supported Year in Employment.
• evidence of 2 years continued professional development and capability of practice in accordance with current professional standards.
• an in-depth understanding of the financial implications of commissioned care packages.
• the ability to make clear decisions, to highlight and limit potential risks associated with intervention.
• valid driving licence and access to personal transport.

You can view a full list of requirements in theJob and Person Profile (Word) ,ifyou 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.

About us

Our staff are our greatest asset and with you in our team, we can achieve the authority's priorities of enabling everyone to live long, healthy, fulfilling lives whilst safeguarding the most vulnerable people in Suffolk. All our staff are provided with Information Technology and devices to allow more flexibility in the role and access to systems like the LiquidLogic Adults' System when working with clients.

We work to a strength-based practice model and would encourage you to apply for our roles if you think you have the same values so we can continue with this approach to help empower Suffolk residents.

If you are considering applying, we encourage you to watch our video onReimagining a Career in Adult Social Work . It offers valuable insight into the impact you can make and the support you'll receive as part of our team.

The teams

Mental Health

The ASC Mental Health Service is a county wide service and therefore has bases across Suffolk. We are a creative service, evolving to work in the best way for the people of Suffolk. As a specialist service supporting those with functional mental health conditions, the teams are full of knowledge, skills, experience and a passion to encourage and promote independence and wellbeing. The service works closely with local system partners to provide high standards of social work to the people of Suffolk, who are also receiving a service from NHS Mental Health Services, including carrying out both statutory duties under the Care Act 2014 and those under the Mental Health Act 1983 (2007).

Learning Disabilities and Autism

We are recruiting Social Workers to join our Learning Disability and Autism Service. In this role, you will work with individuals with learning disabilities and autism, providing personalised support that helps them achieve their goals and thrive in their community. Every day is different - whether you are helping a young person transition from hospital to their first home or creating a tailored reablement plan to connect someone within local community, you’ll have the chance to make a profound difference.

Having developed and established an excellent career development pathway we will support you in your career development and choices. To ensure we offer our staff the best opportunities to progress we offer a minimum of six protected days for Social Workers to undertake continuous professional development; ensuring that you are given sufficient time and support to maintain registration with Social Work England.

Empowering Everyone

We are big believers in potential, possibility and the power of different ideas. We are 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 ourWorkforce Equality Report .

Closing date

11.30 pm, 30 August 2026.

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

About Us

As a modern and effective council, weoffer a wide variety of careers to suit people with a range ofskills, abilities and ambitions. We offer working options thatflex to reflect the way people work today and take the time tounderstand and support your individual needs. We’re drivento make a positive difference to the world around us andencourage everyone with drive and focus to join us andbuild an influential and impactful career. Reimagine the possibilities.

• 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