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- Tasks: Lead a passionate team supporting adults with learning disabilities and autism.
- Company: Suffolk County Council, committed to inclusive and impactful social care.
- Benefits: Up to 29 days leave, flexible working, and career development opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while growing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: Social work qualification and experience in learning disability services required.
- Other info: Join a supportive team that values diversity and innovation.
The predicted salary is between 42000 - 50000 £ per year.
This job is brought to you by Jobs/Redefined, the UK\’s leading over-50s age inclusive jobs board.
Job Description
- Suffolk County Council
- Address: Kingsfield Centre, Chilton Way, Stowmarket IP14 1SZ
- Salary: £48,163- £58,850 per annum (pro rata for part time)
- Hours: 37 hours per week, flexible working options available
- Contract: Permanent
We\’re looking for a passionate and experienced Team Manager to lead our Learning Disability and Autism East Team. Whether you\’re a Senior Practitioner or Social Worker ready to progress, or an established Team Manager seeking a new challenge, we want to hear from you.
Your role and responsibilities
Our Learning Disability and Autism Team and Transitions Team are part of a dynamic and evolving service that puts people first. We work creatively and collaboratively to support adults with learning disabilities and autism to live fulfilling, independent lives.
This role leads area social work teams and supports senior management in delivering high-quality, integrated adult social care across Suffolk. You\’ll work with key partners to ensure joined-up, accessible services and better outcomes.
Collaborating with Operations and Partnerships Managers, Area Directors, County Councillors, and health leaders, you\’ll help deliver strategic priorities. You\’ll lead to deliver the highest standards of social care, reablement, mental health, and therapy services for the people of Suffolk.
As Team Manager, you\’ll
- lead and support a dedicated team of social care professionals and other multidisciplinary teams to deliver evidence-based, accessible, high-quality care
- promote a culture of continuous learning and development
- ensure statutory duties are met under the Care Act 2014, Mental Capacity Act 2005, and Mental Health Act 1983 (2007)
- work closely with partners across health, advocacy, and community services.
You will need
- a recognised social work qualification and valid Social Work England registration
- proven experience in learning disability and autism services and multi-agency collaboration
- strong leadership skills and the ability to guide teams through change
- a commitment to risk-positive, strengths-based practice
- an interest in innovative approaches, including digital solutions.
You can view a full list of requirements in the Job and Person Profile (Word) (JPP). If you believe you can succeed in this role, apply. Even if you don\’t meet all requirements, still apply. We would appreciate the opportunity to consider your application.
The team
The team embraces a strengths-based approach, guided by the Signs of Safety and Wellbeing model. We focus on empowering individuals by building on their existing strengths, helping them achieve their goals and live more independently.
Our teams include a Team Manager, Senior Practitioner, Social Workers, and Senior Independence and Wellbeing Practitioners – a group of passionate, supportive, and welcoming professionals. We currently operate a hybrid working model, offering flexibility between home and office-based work.
Empowering Everyone
We\’re big believers in potential, possibility and the power of different ideas. We\’re 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
Please contact Fiona Raffe (she/her) for a casual conversation about the Learning Disability and Autism (East) Team. You can reach her by calling 01473 263246 or emailing fiona.raffe@suffolk.gov.uk
How to apply
Step 1 – Read the Job and Person Profile (JPP) (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.
- Please use Arial font size 11 and keep your statement to a maximum of two sides of A4.
We value authentic applications that showcase your genuine skills and experiences. Applications suspected of being generated by AI may be rejected. We ask you to present your own work and ideas throughout the application process.
Please note: Without a supporting statement, 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 emailing recruitment@suffolk.gov.uk or calling 03456 014412. If you are invited to the next stage of selection, you will have another opportunity to request adjustments for the next stages of the process.
Closing date: 11.30pm, 1 October 2025.
Interview date: 9 October 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. #LI-Hybrid
About Us
As a modern and effective council, we offer a wide variety of careers to suit people with a range of skills, abilities and ambitions. We offer working options that flex to reflect the way people work today and take the time to understand and support your individual needs. We\’re driven to make a positive difference to the world around us and encourage everyone with drive and focus to join us and build an influential and impactful career. Reimagine the possibilities.
In return, you\’ll 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
Plus lots more!
If you want to know more about our benefits, values and equality commitments please visit our Suffolk County Council careers website (careers.Suffolk.gov.uk).
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Team Manager employer: Suffolk County Council
Contact Detail:
Suffolk County Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Team Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in your field, especially those already working at Suffolk County Council. A friendly chat can give you insider info and maybe even a referral!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by researching the Learning Disability and Autism Team. Understand their values and how they empower individuals. This will help you show that you're not just a fit for the role, but also for the team culture.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your responses to common interview questions, especially around leadership and collaboration. Use examples from your past experiences to demonstrate your skills and commitment to high-quality care.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after your interview! A quick thank-you email can leave a lasting impression and shows your enthusiasm for the role. Plus, it keeps you on their radar!
We think you need these skills to ace Team Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Read the Job and Person Profile: Before diving into your application, take a good look at the Job and Person Profile (JPP). It’s packed with info on what we’re looking for, so make sure you understand the key criteria and how you fit in.
Craft Your Supporting Statement: Your supporting statement is your chance to shine! Use it to clearly demonstrate how you meet each criterion in the JPP. Keep it concise, use Arial font size 11, and stick to two sides of A4. Authenticity is key, so let your personality come through!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s straightforward and ensures your application gets to us without any hiccups. Plus, you’ll find all the necessary resources there to help you along the way.
Don’t Stress About Meeting Every Requirement: If you think you can succeed in this role, go for it! Even if you don’t tick every box, we want to hear from you. We value diverse experiences and perspectives, so don’t hesitate to showcase what makes you unique.
How to prepare for a job interview at Suffolk County Council
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you’re well-versed in the Care Act 2014, Mental Capacity Act 2005, and Mental Health Act 1983. Brush up on your knowledge of learning disabilities and autism services, as well as multi-agency collaboration. This will show that you’re not just a candidate, but someone who understands the landscape of social care.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples that highlight your leadership experience. Think about times when you guided a team through change or implemented innovative approaches. Be ready to discuss how you promote a culture of continuous learning and development within your teams.
✨Emphasise Collaboration
Since this role involves working closely with various partners, be prepared to talk about your experience in collaborative settings. Share specific instances where you’ve successfully worked with health leaders, advocacy groups, or community services to achieve better outcomes for individuals.
✨Be Authentic
When crafting your supporting statement, let your personality shine through. Use it as an opportunity to showcase your genuine skills and experiences. Remember, they want to see the real you, so avoid generic phrases and focus on what makes you unique in the field of social care.
