Social Worker - Children In Care Team

Opus People Solutions Ltd; Mid Suffolk; On-site; GBP 44,000 - 63,000; Full time

Job summary

Suffolk County Council is seeking an experienced Social Worker to join the Next Steps West / Children in Care Team on a temporary basis. Location is West Suffolk House, Bury St Edmunds, with a requirement to attend the office 2 days per week during onboarding. Rate is £39 per hour (Umbrella).

The role focuses on supporting young people in care aged 16+ to develop life skills and transition to adulthood, including care leavers. A DBS check may be applicable.

Qualifications

• Must hold a recognised Social Work qualification.
• Must be registered with Social Work England.
• Experience in Children’s Social Care, especially Children in Care/Leaving Care/Through Care is preferred.
• Strong safeguarding, assessment and care planning knowledge.
• Ability to manage risk with complex cases and work independently within a team.

Responsibilities

• Manage a caseload of Children in Care and Care Leavers.
• Support pathway planning and independence preparation for young people.
• Build effective relationships with young people, families and partner agencies.
• Complete assessments, reviews and statutory visits.
• Collaborate with housing, education, health and other professionals.
• Promote positive outcomes in education, employment and training.
• Ensure smooth transition from care into adulthood.
• Maintain accurate case records and reports per statutory requirements.

Skills

Social Work qualification

Social Work England registration

Experience in Children’s Social Care

Safeguarding

Risk management

Job description

About the Role

Suffolk County Council is seeking an experienced Social Worker to join the Next Steps West / Children in Care Team on a temporary basis.

This is an excellent opportunity to support young people in care as they prepare for adulthood, independence and leaving care. The team works closely with young people aged 16+ to help them achieve positive outcomes, develop life skills and successfully transition into adulthood. The role also includes working with care leavers and ensuring they continue to receive the support they need beyond their time in care.

Location: West Suffolk House, Bury St Edmunds

Rate: £39 per hour (Umbrella)

Contract: Temporary

Office Requirement: 2 days per week (with additional office attendance required during the initial onboarding and induction period)

Key Responsibilities

• Managing a caseload of Children in Care and Care Leavers
• Supporting young people through pathway planning and preparation for independence
• Building effective relationships with young people, families and partner agencies
• Completing assessments, reviews and statutory visits
• Working collaboratively with housing, education, health and other professionals
• Promoting positive outcomes in education, employment and training
• Ensuring young people receive appropriate support as they transition from care into adulthood
• Maintaining accurate case records and reports in line with statutory requirements

About You

• Hold a recognised Social Work qualification
• Be registered with Social Work England
• Have experience within Children's Social Care, ideally within Children in Care, Leaving Care or Through Care services
• Have a strong understanding of safeguarding, assessment and care planning
• Be confident managing risk and working with complex cases
• Be able to work independently while contributing positively to a supportive team environment
• Hold a full driving licence and have access to transport due to the nature of the role

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