Staying Close Advisor in Ipswich

Suffolk County Council is passionate about improving the future for our young people. If you are too, join us as a Staying Close Advisor and make a meaningful impact. Your innovation and drive will help us to continue improving and evolving. Our opportunities and support will enable you to make a real difference.

Your role and responsibilities

• Working closely with young people leaving care, and the professionals who support them, you will play a key role in helping them navigate their transition into adulthood.
• You will take a flexible, creative and relationship-based approach, recognising the importance of building trusted, meaningful connections.
• No two days are the same. You may spend time meeting with young people and providing one-to-one support, as well as working behind the scenes to coordinate services, liaise with partner agencies, and contribute to or lead planning meetings.
• You will share our commitment to improving outcomes for young people leaving care and will be able to:
• Build positive, trusting relationships with young people and partner agencies.
• Work both independently and collaboratively within a supportive team.
• Encourage young people to engage with opportunities that develop their skills, confidence and independence.
• Support effective planning for transitions from care alongside young people and professionals.
• Maintain accurate, timely and high-quality case records.
• Coordinate support from a range of partner agencies.
• Chair meetings confidently and professionally.
• Contribute to team discussions and ongoing service development.

What you will need

• We are looking for someone who can build and maintain professional, positive relationships with young people and their networks, with experience of doing so in practice.
• You will be well organised, able to manage competing priorities, and confident in meeting deadlines.
• Strong communication skills are essential. You will be comfortable engaging with young people, their families or networks, and professionals across a range of services.
• You will also be:
• Flexible and adaptable in a fast-paced environment.
• Creative in your approach to problem-solving.
• Motivated to learn and develop.
• Able to bring transferable skills and a fresh perspective.

The team

We are a small, friendly and supportive team working across Suffolk. We regularly connect both virtually and in person, creating a strong sense of collaboration and shared purpose. We are passionate about reducing the cliff edge that young people can experience when leaving care. By listening to their wishes and feelings, we support them to plan for independence and work with partners to coordinate support for a positive transition into adulthood.

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.

For more information

Please contact Hannah Beeton for a casual conversation. You can reach them by calling 01473260121 or emailing: hannah.beeton2@suffolk.gov.uk

How to apply

• Step 1 - Read the Job and Person Profile (Word).
• Step 2 - Click 'Apply Now' to start your online application.
• Step 3 - Upload a supporting statement answering the following questions below (no more than 400 words per question):
• Give an example of how you have built positive relationships with children, young people or families to understand what is important to them.
• Give an example of how you have worked in partnership with other professionals or agencies. What was your role and how did you ensure effective collaboration?
• Provide an example of how you have contributed to safeguarding and managing risk. What actions did you take to ensure safety?
• Describe a time when you had to adapt your approach or be creative to meet the needs of a child, young person or family. What did you do differently and why?

Please note: Without a supporting statement, your interest will not be progressed. Any supporting documents must be in either PDF or MS Word format.

We value authentic applications that showcase your genuine skills and experiences, so we encourage you to present your own work and ideas throughout the process.

If you need any reasonable adjustments to help you to apply, please contact our Recruitment Team by either emailing recruitment@suffolk.gov.uk or calling 03456 014412.

Closing date: 11.30 pm, 29 June 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.

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.

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