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- Tasks: Lead and support a team of Social Workers in child protection casework.
- Company: Join Suffolk County Council, a modern council dedicated to making a positive 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 developing your career in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Must have a relevant Social Work qualification and registration with Social Work England.
- Other info: We welcome diverse applicants and offer training for career progression.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 48000 £ per year.
Join to apply for the Consultant Social Worker role at Suffolk Jobs Direct.
1 week ago Be among the first 25 applicants.
- Suffolk County Council – The Mix, Stowmarket, Suffolk IP14 1BB / Hybrid
- Retention payment of up to £3,500 per annum (pro rata for part time)
- 37 hours per week, Flexible working options available
- Permanent
Job Description
- £42,367 – £45,595 per annum (pro rata for part time)
- Retention payment of up to £3,500 per annum (pro rata for part time)
- 37 hours per week, Flexible working options available
- Permanent
When you join the Central Child in Need Team as a Consultant Social Worker with Children and Young Peoples Services (CYP), we’ll support your development from the start. We’ll help you to play to your strengths, diversify your skills and build an influential and impactful career. With a variety of career paths and learning opportunities to explore, if you’re motivated and passionate there’s no limit to how far your ambition could take you.
Reimagine the possibilities.
We have a great opportunity for you to join Suffolk County Council\’s Child in Need team based at The Mix in Stowmarket.
You will form part of our management team and will:
- work alongside the Practice Manager in advising, supporting and supervising a team of Social Workers
- deputise for the Practice Manager
- confidently make management decisions regarding case work
- communicate effectively with a range of agencies
- be at the forefront of using the Signs of Safety development – this is the government-backed, national innovative, strengths-based, safety-organised approach to child protection casework.
You will need:
- a relevant Social Work qualification
- a Social Work England registration (essential)
- substantial social work experience of working with children and families
- management and leadership qualification desirable.
You can view a full list of requirements in the Job and Person Profile (docx). 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
Responsibilities of the team include undertaking social work assessments, S47 investigations and supporting families where a child is in need or there is a child protection plan. The team works directly with children and families who present with a range of complex needs with intervention from pre-birth to eighteen years old.
There is an emphasis on trauma informed and relationship-based practice underpinned by Suffolk’s Signs of Safety + framework, alongside well embedded partnership working in the local community. There are opportunities for training and career progression with a strong team and learning culture. The team is very welcoming and led by an experienced, supportive manager.
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 (suffolk.gov.uk).
For more information
Please contact Laura Goldsmith for a casual conversation. You can reach them by calling 01449 745155 or emailing laura.goldsmith@suffolk.gov.uk.
How To Apply
- Read the Job and Person Profile (docx).
- Start your online application using “Apply Now”.
- Upload a Supporting Statement (docx) indicating how you meet each of the criteria in the ‘Person Profile’ section of the Job and Person Profile.
For your supporting statement, please use Arial font size 11 and keep your statement to a maximum of two sides of A4.
Please note: Without a supporting statement, your interest will not be progressed. Any supporting documents must be in either PDF or MS Word format. If you would like an adjustment to this process due to a disability, please contact us at 03456 014412 or recruitment@suffolk.gov.uk.
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.
Closing date: 11.30 pm, 20 March 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.
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).
Seniority level
Mid-Senior level
Employment type
Full-time
Job function
Other
Industries
Government Administration
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Consultant Social Worker employer: Suffolk Jobs Direct Careers
Contact Detail:
Suffolk Jobs Direct Careers Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Consultant Social Worker
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the Signs of Safety framework, as it's a key part of the role. Understanding this approach will not only help you in interviews but also demonstrate your commitment to the methodologies used by Suffolk County Council.
✨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 discussions during the interview process.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your management experience in detail, especially how you've supported and supervised teams in the past. Highlight specific examples where your leadership made a positive impact on casework or team dynamics.
✨Tip Number 4
Be ready to articulate your understanding of trauma-informed and relationship-based practices. This is crucial for the role, so think about how you've applied these principles in your previous work and be prepared to share those experiences.
We think you need these skills to ace Consultant Social Worker
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 qualifications required for the Consultant Social Worker position at Suffolk County Council.
Craft a Strong Supporting Statement: Your supporting statement is crucial. Clearly indicate how you meet each criterion listed in the person profile. Use specific examples from your experience to demonstrate your skills and suitability for the role.
Follow Formatting Guidelines: Ensure your supporting statement is formatted correctly. Use Arial font size 11 and limit your statement to a maximum of two sides of A4. This attention to detail shows professionalism and respect for the application process.
Submit All Required Documents: When you're ready to apply, make sure to upload all necessary documents in PDF or MS Word format. Remember, without a supporting statement, your application will not be progressed, so double-check that everything is included before hitting submit.
How to prepare for a job interview at Suffolk Jobs Direct Careers
✨Understand the Signs of Safety Framework
Familiarise yourself with the Signs of Safety approach, as it is central to the role. Be prepared to discuss how you would apply this framework in your practice and share examples from your experience.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Consultant Social Worker, you'll be part of the management team. Highlight your leadership experience and how you've successfully supported and supervised other social workers in the past.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that assess your decision-making skills in complex situations. Think of specific cases where you had to make tough calls and be ready to explain your thought process.
✨Emphasise Your Commitment to Diversity
Suffolk County Council values diversity and inclusion. Be ready to discuss how you have worked with diverse communities and how you can contribute to creating an inclusive environment within the team.
