At a Glance
- Tasks: Support children and families in need, ensuring their safety and well-being.
- Company: Join Suffolk County Council's dedicated Children's Services team.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, manageable caseloads, and flexible working options.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while developing your social work skills.
- Qualifications: Social Work qualification and experience with Children in Need and Child Protection.
- Other info: Enjoy regular supervision and professional development opportunities.
The predicted salary is between 42000 - 46800 £ per year.
Location: West Suffolk House
Salary: £35-£39 Umbrella per our £36-£39 PAYE
Contract: Permanent / Full-Time / 3 month contract - potential to be extended
Service Area: Children’s Services – Duty & Assessment
About the Role
Working on behalf of Suffolk County Council, we are seeking a committed and motivated Children’s Social Worker to join their Duty and Assessment Team, working with children and families where there are concerns regarding Children in Need (CIN) and Child Protection (CP). This is a fast-paced and rewarding role where you will be responsible for receiving and responding to referrals, undertaking timely assessments, and making informed decisions to ensure children are safeguarded and supported effectively. You will work closely with partner agencies, families, and internal teams to identify risk, assess need, and determine appropriate interventions to improve outcomes for children.
Key Responsibilities
- Receive and respond to safeguarding referrals regarding children and young people.
- Undertake statutory assessments under relevant legislation within required timescales.
- Carry out Section 17 (Children in Need) and Section 47 (Child Protection) enquiries.
- Assess risk, protective factors, and family functioning to inform decision-making.
- Develop and implement child-focused plans to safeguard and promote welfare.
- Work collaboratively with multi-agency partners including police, health, education, and early help services.
- Maintain accurate and timely case recordings in line with statutory guidance.
- Present cases at strategy discussions, child protection conferences, and other professional meetings.
- Ensure the voice of the child is central to all assessments and interventions.
About You
We are looking for a passionate and resilient practitioner who is committed to making a difference in the lives of children and families. You will have:
- A Social Work qualification (BA/MA Social Work, DipSW, or equivalent).
- Registration with Social Work England.
- Experience working with Children in Need and Child Protection cases.
- Strong assessment and analytical skills.
- The ability to manage a fast-paced duty environment and prioritise effectively.
- Excellent communication and partnership working skills.
- A sound understanding of safeguarding legislation, policies, and statutory guidance.
Why Apply
- Competitive salary and benefits package.
- Manageable caseloads and supportive management.
- Regular supervision and professional development opportunities.
- Flexible and hybrid working opportunities (where applicable).
How to Apply
You can apply directly, send me your most recent up to date CV to or call me to find out more on.
Children\'s Social Worker in Ipswich employer: Service Care Solutions - Social Work
Contact Detail:
Service Care Solutions - Social Work Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Children\'s Social Worker in Ipswich
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the social work field, attend local events, and join relevant online groups. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by practising common questions related to safeguarding and child protection. We recommend role-playing with a friend or using mock interview platforms to boost your confidence and refine your answers.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your passion for making a difference! During interviews, share specific examples of how you've positively impacted children and families in your previous roles. This will help you stand out as a committed candidate.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search!
We think you need these skills to ace Children\'s Social Worker in Ipswich
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your experience with Children in Need and Child Protection cases. We want to see how your skills match the role, so don’t be shy about showcasing your relevant qualifications and experiences!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you’re passionate about working with children and families. We love seeing genuine enthusiasm, so let your personality come through while keeping it professional.
Showcase Your Skills: In your application, emphasise your strong assessment and analytical skills. We’re looking for someone who can manage a fast-paced environment, so give examples of how you’ve successfully prioritised tasks in previous roles.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the easiest way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, you’ll get all the latest updates on your application status!
How to prepare for a job interview at Service Care Solutions - Social Work
✨Know Your Legislation
Make sure you brush up on the relevant safeguarding legislation and statutory guidance before your interview. Being able to discuss how these laws apply to real-life scenarios will show that you’re not just knowledgeable but also ready to make informed decisions in your role.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare specific examples from your past work with Children in Need and Child Protection cases. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers, highlighting your assessment skills and how you’ve effectively managed challenging situations.
✨Emphasise Collaboration
Since this role involves working closely with multi-agency partners, be ready to discuss your experience in collaborative settings. Share examples of how you’ve successfully worked with other professionals, like police or health services, to achieve positive outcomes for children and families.
✨Keep the Child's Voice Central
Demonstrate your commitment to ensuring the voice of the child is central to your assessments and interventions. Prepare to talk about how you’ve engaged with children and families in the past, and how you plan to continue doing so in this role.