At a Glance
- Tasks: Support young people in foster care and supervise Staying Put arrangements.
- Company: Suffolk County Council, committed to empowering communities.
- Benefits: Up to 29 days annual leave, flexible working, and relocation package.
- Other info: Join a supportive team with excellent career development opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in young people's lives while enjoying work-life balance.
- Qualifications: Relevant Social Worker qualification and registration with Social Work England.
The predicted salary is between 37280 - 41280 € per year.
Overview
Suffolk County Council Address: Riverside, Lowestoft, Suffolk, NR33 0EQ; Hybrid working.
Salary: £37,280 per annum (pro rata), plus a retention payment of up to £4000 per annum (pro rata).
Hours: 18.5 hours per week, Flexible working options available.
Contract: Permanent.
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, including 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. Additional requirements can be found in the Job and Person Profile.
Benefits
- Up to 29 days annual leave plus bank holidays per annum, pro rata for part time
- An 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 our commitment to supporting health and wellbeing
- Detailed induction programme, including mandatory Signs of Safety training
- Staff networks which are open to staff, councillors and partners that share similar characteristics, life experiences, values and beliefs
Empowering Everyone
We welcome applications from all individuals, especially those from groups that are currently underrepresented in the organisation, as shown in our Workforce Equality Report.
Closing date 11.30 pm, 1 June 2026.
Social Worker in Suffolk employer: Suffolk County Council
Suffolk County Council is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and flexible work environment for Social Workers in the Fostering Team. With benefits such as up to 29 days of annual leave, a generous relocation package, and a commitment to professional development through CPD days and training, employees are empowered to grow and thrive. The council's inclusive culture and focus on health and wellbeing make it a rewarding place to work, especially for those passionate about making a difference in the lives of young people.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Social Worker in Suffolk
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former social workers in the field, especially those who have worked with Suffolk County Council. They can give you insider tips and might even put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for your interview by practising common questions related to fostering and support work. We recommend role-playing with a friend to get comfortable discussing your experiences and how they relate to the job.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your passion for supporting young people! During interviews, share specific examples of how you've made a difference in similar roles. This will help you stand out as a candidate who truly cares.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search.
We think you need these skills to ace Social Worker in Suffolk
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your skills and experiences align with the role of a Social Worker in the Fostering Team. We want to see how you can contribute to supporting young people and foster carers!
Showcase Your Experience:Don’t hold back on sharing your relevant experiences! Whether it’s supervising foster carers or working in multi-agency settings, we love to see examples that demonstrate your ability to handle the responsibilities outlined in the job description.
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, clarity is key! Use straightforward language and structure your thoughts logically. We appreciate well-organised applications that make it easy for us to see your qualifications at a glance.
Apply Through Our Website:Remember to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy to do!
How to prepare for a job interview at Suffolk County Council
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you’re well-versed in the Fostering Services Regulations and National Minimum Standards. Brush up on your knowledge about Staying Put arrangements and how they impact young people. This will show that you’re not just qualified, but genuinely interested in making a difference.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare to discuss specific examples from your past work that demonstrate your ability to supervise and support foster carers. Think about challenges you've faced and how you overcame them, as well as any successful outcomes you achieved. This will help you stand out as a candidate who can deliver results.
✨Be Ready for Teamwork Questions
Since this role involves working closely with internal teams and partner agencies, be prepared to answer questions about your experience in multi-agency planning. Share examples of how you’ve collaborated with others to achieve common goals, highlighting your communication skills and adaptability.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
At the end of the interview, don’t forget to ask insightful questions about the team dynamics, ongoing training opportunities, or the council’s approach to supporting health and wellbeing. This shows your enthusiasm for the role and helps you gauge if it’s the right fit for you.
