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- Tasks: Lead complex cases and support individuals with learning disabilities and autism to live independently.
- Company: Join Suffolk County Council, a forward-thinking organisation dedicated to improving lives across the community.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, generous leave, training opportunities, and a competitive pension scheme.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in people's lives while working in a supportive and innovative team environment.
- Qualifications: You need a recognised Social Work qualification and strong partnership skills.
- Other info: Hybrid working model available; we value diversity and encourage applications from all backgrounds.
The predicted salary is between 37700 - 40000 £ per year.
Job Description
We are looking for a Senior Practitioner for our Central Adult Safeguarding Team at Suffolk County Council.
Location & Details
- Address: Landmark House, Ipswich, IP1 5PB — Hybrid
- Salary: £43,273 per annum (pro rata)
- Hours: 15 hours per week
- Contract: Permanent
What you will do
- Undertake complex safeguarding enquiries for individuals and organisations
- Develop and implement safeguarding plans that reduce risk and promote safety
- Build strong relationships with partners to achieve long‑term outcomes
- Provide guidance and up‑to‑date research to support best practice in adult safeguarding
What you will bring
You’ll hold a relevant professional qualification and have:
- A strong understanding of safeguarding legislation, including the Mental Capacity Act and Human Rights Act
- Experience in managing complex safeguarding cases and creating effective plans
- Commitment to the Signs of Safety practice model
- Excellent communication skills for challenging conversations and partnership building
- Experience supervising and supporting staff to deliver high‑quality practice
What we offer
- Tailored induction, guidance and ongoing professional development
- Supportive supervision and a collaborative team environment
- Opportunities to achieve your own development goals while making a real impact
- Up to 29 days annual leave entitlement (pro rata), plus UK bank holidays and two paid volunteering days
- Membership of the local government pension scheme (LGPS)
- Travel, lifestyle, health and wellbeing benefits
- Performance‑related annual pay progression and an annual cost‑of‑living increase
- Training and encouragement to expand your knowledge
- Diverse and active staff networks
- Flexible working options, with the right to request flexible work from your first day
Contact
Contact Kim Elvin by phone 01473 263426 or email Kim.Elvin@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 indicating how you meet each of the criteria in the \’Person Profile\’ section of the JPP. You should use the supporting statement template. Use Arial, font size 11 and keep your statement to a maximum of two sides of A4.
Step 4 – Upload a CV (without name and personal details).
We value authentic applications that showcase your genuine skills and experiences. Applications suspected of being generated by AI may be rejected.
Without a supporting statement and CV, your interest will not be progressed. If you require any reasonable adjustments to the application process before the next selection stage, please contact our Recruitment Team by email recruitment@suffolk.gov.uk or call 03456 014412. If you are invited to the next stage of selection, you will have another opportunity to request adjustments for the subsequent stages of the process.
Closing date: 11.30pm, 15 December 2025.
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 checks or police vetting will be required for relevant posts.
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Senior Practitioner employer: Suffolk County Council
Contact Detail:
Suffolk County Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Practitioner
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the Signs of Safety and Wellbeing model, as this is a key approach used by the Learning Disabilities and Autism Team. Understanding this framework will help you demonstrate your alignment with their values during any discussions.
✨Tip Number 2
Reach out to current or former employees of Suffolk County Council to gain insights into the team culture and expectations. This can provide you with valuable information that you can use to tailor your conversations and show your genuine interest in the role.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your experience in managing complex cases and how you've applied professional judgement in past roles. Highlighting specific examples will showcase your expertise and readiness for the responsibilities of a Senior Practitioner.
✨Tip Number 4
Be ready to talk about your commitment to continuous improvement and innovation in social work. Think of instances where you've implemented new ideas or tools that enhanced service delivery, as this aligns with the council's focus on driving service improvement.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Practitioner
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Before applying, make sure to thoroughly read the job description and person profile. Understand the key responsibilities and required qualifications for the Senior Practitioner role at Suffolk County Council.
Craft a Strong Supporting Statement: Your supporting statement is crucial. Use the provided template to clearly demonstrate how your skills and experiences align with the criteria outlined in the Person Profile. Be specific and provide examples from your past work.
Follow Formatting Guidelines: Adhere to the formatting requirements specified in the application instructions. Use Arial font size 11 and limit your supporting statement to a maximum of two sides of A4. This shows attention to detail and professionalism.
Be Authentic: Ensure that your application reflects your genuine skills and experiences. Avoid using AI-generated content, as authentic applications are valued and more likely to resonate with the hiring team.
How to prepare for a job interview at Suffolk County Council
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Senior Practitioner, you'll be expected to lead complex cases and support your colleagues. Be prepared to discuss your previous leadership experiences and how you've successfully mentored others in the past.
✨Demonstrate Your Knowledge of Legislation
Familiarise yourself with the relevant legislation and guidance for adults with care and support needs. During the interview, highlight your understanding of these laws and how they influence your practice.
✨Emphasise Partnership Working
Collaboration is key in this role. Be ready to provide examples of how you've effectively worked with various stakeholders, including families, service providers, and multi-agency teams, to achieve positive outcomes.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving abilities and professional judgement. Think of specific scenarios from your experience where you had to manage risk or make difficult decisions, and be ready to discuss them in detail.
