Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Support foster carers and children, ensuring quality care and collaboration within a dedicated team.
- Company: Join Suffolk County Council, a leading social work authority committed to making a positive community impact.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, up to 29 days leave, and a competitive pension scheme.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while growing professionally in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: A relevant social work qualification and registration with Social Work England are essential.
- Other info: Relocation package available, plus opportunities for career development and diverse staff networks.
The predicted salary is between 30100 - 35100 £ per year.
Suffolk County Council - West Suffolk House, Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk IP33 3YU
Community based £36,124 - £39,513 per annum plus £4000 retention payment and 3 days extra annual leave per annum (pro rata for part time)
37 hours per week - flexible working options available
Permanent
We are focused on making a meaningful difference to communities across Suffolk. How? By listening to our people, learning from what they say and creating a culture of mutual respect, where everyone works together to achieve great things. As a Social Worker in the Short Term and Therapeutic Fostering Team, you will be keen to collaborate and build a bright future.
Your responsibilities:
- Working directly with foster carers
- Providing statutory supervision and support to foster carers to ensure they are able to provide good quality care which can meet the needs of our children in care
- Working within the fostering standard regulations and supporting foster carers to demonstrate that they can meet all national minimum standards
- Facilitating support groups and learning opportunities for foster carers
- Contributing creative and innovative ideas to improve practice in a well-established and supportive team
- Working closely with the Therapeutic team to promote trauma-informed care alongside our Therapeutic Social Workers and our Clinicians
- Working in partnership with the Placements team to match and place children needing foster care and ensuring maximum use of in-house foster care placements
You will need a relevant social work qualification and Social Work England registration is essential.
The team provides supervision to foster carers across the county as well as therapeutic support services to Suffolk foster carers. We work in partnership with child in care Social Workers in care planning for children to achieve permanence, whether this be reunification, fostering, special guardianship or adoption.
We offer a supportive and pioneering practice where you can make a real difference while enjoying the benefits of living in Suffolk. There are opportunities to grow professionally and further your career in social work through supportive career pathways if you wish to progress and develop in front line practice as well as specific interests.
All new social workers moving to Suffolk have access to a relocation package of up to £8,000 and a car leasing scheme and a welcome loan of £2,000.
We welcome applications from all individuals, especially those from groups that are currently underrepresented in the organisation.
For more information, please contact Cathy Biedul (she/her) for a casual conversation. You can reach her by calling 01473 265816.
Closing date: 11.30pm, 18 June 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 (Disclosure and Barring Service) checks or police vetting will be required for relevant posts.
In return, you will 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.
Social Worker employer: Suffolk County Council
Contact Detail:
Suffolk County Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Social Worker
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the Signs of Safety framework mentioned in the job description. Understanding this approach will not only help you align with the team's values but also demonstrate your commitment to family-focused practice during any discussions.
✨Tip Number 2
Reach out to current or former employees of Suffolk County Council, especially those in social work roles. They can provide valuable insights into the team culture and expectations, which can help you tailor your approach when connecting with the hiring team.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your experience with foster care and trauma-informed practices. Highlighting specific examples of how you've supported foster carers or children in care will showcase your relevant skills and passion for the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Consider attending any local workshops or seminars related to social work or fostering. This not only enhances your knowledge but also shows your proactive approach to professional development, making you a more attractive candidate.
We think you need these skills to ace Social Worker
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Before applying, make sure you thoroughly understand the responsibilities and requirements of the Social Worker position. Familiarise yourself with the Job and Person Profile to tailor your application effectively.
Craft a Strong Supporting Statement: Your supporting statement is crucial. Clearly indicate how your skills and experiences meet each criterion in the Person Profile. Use specific examples from your past work to demonstrate your capabilities.
Follow Formatting Guidelines: Adhere to the specified formatting guidelines for your supporting statement. Use Arial font size 11 and limit your statement to a maximum of two sides of A4. This shows attention to detail and professionalism.
Be Authentic: Ensure 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
✨Understand the Role
Make sure you thoroughly read the job description and understand the responsibilities of a Social Worker in the Short Term and Therapeutic Fostering Team. Be prepared to discuss how your skills and experiences align with these responsibilities during the interview.
✨Showcase Your Collaborative Skills
Since the role involves working closely with foster carers, children, and various teams, be ready to provide examples of how you've successfully collaborated in previous roles. Highlight any experience you have in building relationships and working as part of a team.
✨Demonstrate Your Commitment to Child Welfare
Suffolk County Council is focused on making a positive difference in children's lives. Prepare to discuss your passion for child welfare and any relevant experiences that demonstrate your dedication to supporting vulnerable children and families.
✨Prepare Questions
Interviews are a two-way street. Prepare thoughtful questions about the team dynamics, support available for social workers, and the specific challenges faced in the role. This shows your genuine interest in the position and helps you assess if it's the right fit for you.
