Social Worker in Lowestoft

Suffolk County Council is passionate about improving the future for our customers, our communities and the environment. Join us as a Social Worker in the Fostering Team within Children and Young Peoples Services (CYP) and make a meaningful impact. Your innovation and drive will help us continue improving and evolving.

Your role and responsibilities

• As a Social Worker within the Fostering Team, you will be responsible for supervising previous foster carers who are supporting young people through Staying Put arrangements.
• You will provide regular supervision and support to Staying Put Carers, undertaking annual reviews and all statutory checks on fostering households in line with Fostering Services Regulations, National Minimum Standards and statutory guidance, ensuring these are completed within required timescales.
• Working closely with internal teams and partner agencies, you will contribute to multi‑agency planning to support young people in their Staying Put arrangements, maintaining regular communication and attending meetings as required.
• You will be expected to produce high‑quality, analytical recording and reports that clearly evidence outcomes and decision‑making.
• The role also offers the opportunity to facilitate support groups and learning opportunities for foster carers and Staying Put Carers.
• You will participate in monthly team supervision, alongside regular individual supervision.
• Occasionally, you will be required to undertake supervisory visits outside of standard office hours to meet service needs.

What you will need

• A relevant Social Worker qualification and Social Work England registration is essential.

The team

The Fostering Team supports and supervises foster carers, including those offering Staying Put arrangements to young people they have previously fostered. This role focuses on enabling carers to provide safe, stable and nurturing homes, supporting young people to remain in a familiar environment and to achieve their full potential as they move into adulthood. The team supervises and supports fostering households offering emergency, short break, short‑term and long‑term placements, ensuring foster carers are well supported and that the needs and outcomes of Children in Care are effectively promoted. Working as part of the wider Fostering Service, the role contributes to achieving stability and positive outcomes for children and young people across Suffolk. The team works closely with Leaving Care services to promote effective partnership working between foster carers, the fostering service and leaving care teams. In relation to Staying Put arrangements, the role acts as a key enabler and source of support, helping to secure the best possible outcomes for young people living with their Staying Put Carer.

Additional benefits:

• Up to 29 days annual leave plus bank holidays per annum, pro rata for part time
• Uplift of 3 additional annual leave days, pro rata for part time
• 3 protected CPD days per annum
• Access to a relocation package of up to £8,000, a car leasing scheme and a welcome loan of £2,000 for all new social workers moving to Suffolk
• Free on‑site car parking in all council buildings
• Flexible working options and commitment to supporting health and wellbeing
• Detailed induction programme, including mandatory Signs of Safety training
• Staff networks open to staff, councillors and partners sharing similar characteristics, life experiences, values and beliefs

Empowering Everyone

We’re big believers in potential, possibility and the power of different ideas. 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.

Contact

Please contact Cathy Biedul (she/her) for a casual conversation. Phone: 01473 265816 or email: catherine.Biedul@suffolk.gov.uk.