At a Glance
- Tasks: Support vulnerable adults and manage complex cases in a collaborative environment.
- Company: Suffolk County Council, dedicated to empowering communities.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, retention payments, flexible hours, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Join a supportive team focused on innovative care solutions and personal growth.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while advancing your social work career.
- Qualifications: Qualified social worker with experience in complex case management and mentoring.
The predicted salary is between 41502 - 47054 £ per year.
We are recruiting countywide for Senior Social Workers in Adult 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.
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.
- Ability to mentor both newly qualified and experienced team members.
- Comprehensive understanding of current legislation, regulations, and guidance.
- 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.
- In-depth understanding of the financial implications of commissioned care packages.
- Ability to make clear decisions, to highlight and limit potential risks associated with intervention.
- Valid driving licence and access to personal transport.
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.
In Suffolk, we're transforming how we deliver Adult Social Care through our "People at the Heart of Care" programme. This puts people at the centre of their own care choices and decisions, from initial advice to assessments and self-commissioning.
If you're considering applying, we encourage you to watch our video on Reimagining 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.
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.
Flexible Care and Support Team
The Flexible Care and Support Team plays a vital role in supporting adults to live as independently as possible. Working flexibly across services, the team provides responsive, person‐centred care and support tailored to individual needs, often at times of change or transition.
Career development
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 our Workforce Equality Report.
For more information
For an informal discussion about these roles, please contact Beverly Chambers by either emailing: beverly.chambers@suffolk.gov.uk or by calling 01394 605058.
How to apply
To apply, please follow the 'Apply on website' button. Closing date: 11.30 pm, 29 June 2026.
Senior Social Worker in Lowestoft employer: Suffolk County Council
Suffolk County Council is an exceptional employer that prioritises the well-being and professional growth of its staff, offering competitive salaries and retention payments for long-term service. With a strong commitment to a collaborative work culture, employees are empowered to make meaningful contributions in supporting vulnerable adults across various locations in Suffolk. The council provides ample opportunities for continuous professional development, ensuring that social workers can thrive in their careers while making a positive impact in the community.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Social Worker in Lowestoft
✨Dive into Local Community Groups
Social work thrives on community connections, so get involved in local groups or forums specific to your interests. Whether it’s volunteering at local shelters or joining community action boards, these are great ways to boost your visibility and make direct contacts that could lead to opportunities like the one at Suffolk County Council.
✨Attend Social Work Events and Workshops
Keep an eye out for workshops, seminars, or conferences in social work. These events are fantastic for meeting professionals in the field, learning about emerging trends, and spotting job openings. Plus, you might just bump into someone from Suffolk County Council!
✨Showcase Your Passion and Expertise
Use platforms like Instagram or LinkedIn to share your journey and insights into the social work sector. Whether it’s writing about your experiences or sharing relevant articles, this helps to establish you as an engaged professional. Potential employers, like Suffolk County Council, will notice your enthusiasm!
✨Leverage Your Network
Don’t hesitate to reach out to professors, mentors, or even past colleagues who are in social work. They might have inside knowledge about openings at Suffolk County Council or be able to connect you with someone who’s hiring. Networking is key, especially in a full-time role where relationships matter.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Social Worker in Lowestoft
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Social Work:In your cover letter, let us see your passion for social work shine through! Talk about the experiences that made you want to pursue this career—whether it’s volunteering, personal experiences, or academic projects. We want to know why this field matters to you.
Emphasise Relevant Qualifications:Make sure your CV highlights any relevant qualifications, like degrees in social work or certifications like a DBS check. If you've done any workshops or training, don’t forget to include those as well. We're keen to see your commitment to your professional development!
Detail Your Experience with Clients:Since this is a hands-on field, detailing any direct experience you have with clients is crucial. Whether it's internships, volunteer roles, or previous jobs, highlight those experiences in your CV to show us you've got the practical skills necessary for the job!
Tailor Your Application to Suffolk County Council:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Suffolk County Council! Research our mission and values, and refer to them in your cover letter. This shows us that you understand our work and are genuinely interested in being a part of our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Suffolk County Council
✨Understanding the Role of Empathy
In social work, understanding and demonstrating empathy is key. Be prepared to share personal experiences or scenarios where you effectively showed compassion and support. This helps show that you genuinely care about the well-being of others, which is crucial in social work.
✨Demonstrating Knowledge of Frameworks
Familiarise yourself with the frameworks and models used in social work, such as the Strengths-Based Approach or the Ecological Perspective. Be ready to discuss how these frameworks apply to your work, especially if you can tie them into real-world examples or case studies you've encountered.
✨Showcasing Your Multi-Disciplinary Skills
In a full-time social work role, you'll often collaborate with healthcare professionals, educators, and law enforcement. Be prepared to describe your teamwork experiences and how you've effectively communicated with other disciplines to achieve the best outcomes for clients.
✨Preparing for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that put you in hypothetical social work situations, such as dealing with a crisis or managing a complex case. Think through your thought process for these scenarios beforehand, considering how you'd assess the situation and what steps you'd take, as this demonstrates your critical thinking and problem-solving abilities.
