At a Glance
- Tasks: Support children and families, making a positive impact every day.
- Company: Suffolk County Council, a modern and flexible organisation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, up to 29 days leave, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Dynamic environment with excellent career growth and support.
- Why this job: Join a team that empowers communities and changes lives.
- Qualifications: Relevant social work qualification and registration required.
The predicted salary is between 38510 - 48607 £ per year.
Suffolk County Council is a modern, flexible, and forward-thinking organisation that's constantly evolving to meet the changing needs of our communities. We are passionate about providing exceptional care and support to children and young people in need, and understand that to provide an outstanding service, our Social Workers need to be at their best.
As a social worker, you will be part of a regulated, highly skilled team making a positive impact every day. While supporting children and their families, you will help people find solutions, promote their rights, and empower them to thrive.
We value the unique experiences and dedication our Social Workers bring, and we are committed to sharing the real, positive stories of social work in our community.
We offer:
- Regular supervision sessions to provide guidance and assistance
- Comprehensive training opportunities to boost your professional skills
- A structured career progression scheme to foster your growth
Additional 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
What you will need:
- A relevant social work qualification and Social Work England registration
- To hold a full and current driving licence and have access to personal transport or meet the mobility requirements of the role through other reasonable and suitable means
Opportunities are available across our Family Help, Next Steps and Parenting Together teams:
- Family Help North – Based at Riverside, Lowestoft
- Family Help South – Based at Beacon House, Ipswich and Felixstowe, Ipswich
- Family Help West – Based at West Suffolk House, Bury St Edmunds and The Mix, Stowmarket
- Next Steps South – Based at Beacon House, Ipswich
- Senior Social Worker Vacancies: Family Help South – Based at Beacon House, Ipswich
- Family Help West – Based at West Suffolk House, Bury St Edmunds and The Mix, Stowmarket
- Next Steps West – Based at West Suffolk House, Ipswich
- Next Steps North – Based at Riverside, Lowestoft
- Parenting Together West – Based at West Suffolk House, Bury St Edmunds
For more information, please either email cypsocialworkenquiries@suffolk.gov.uk or contact Steve Blaney by calling 01502 674649.
Closing date: 11.30 pm, 30 November 2026. 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.
Children's Social Workers and Senior Social Workers in Ipswich employer: Suffolk Jobs Direct
King Edward VI School is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and collaborative work environment where you can make a meaningful impact on students' lives. With opportunities for professional development and a comprehensive benefits package through Suffolk County Council, including a Local Government Pension Scheme, you will be part of a dedicated team committed to enhancing the educational experience. Located in the heart of Bury St Edmunds, the school provides convenient access to public transport and on-site parking, making it an ideal workplace for those passionate about supporting young people.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Children's Social Workers and Senior Social Workers in Ipswich
✨Dive into Local Community Groups
Social work thrives on community connections, so get involved in local groups or forums specific to your interests. Whether it’s volunteering at local shelters or joining community action boards, these are great ways to boost your visibility and make direct contacts that could lead to opportunities like the one at Suffolk Jobs Direct.
✨Attend Social Work Events and Workshops
Keep an eye out for workshops, seminars, or conferences in social work. These events are fantastic for meeting professionals in the field, learning about emerging trends, and spotting job openings. Plus, you might just bump into someone from Suffolk Jobs Direct!
✨Showcase Your Passion and Expertise
Use platforms like Instagram or LinkedIn to share your journey and insights into the social work sector. Whether it’s writing about your experiences or sharing relevant articles, this helps to establish you as an engaged professional. Potential employers, like Suffolk Jobs Direct, will notice your enthusiasm!
✨Leverage Your Network
Don’t hesitate to reach out to professors, mentors, or even past colleagues who are in social work. They might have inside knowledge about openings at Suffolk Jobs Direct or be able to connect you with someone who’s hiring. Networking is key, especially in a full-time role where relationships matter.
We think you need these skills to ace Children's Social Workers and Senior Social Workers in Ipswich
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Social Work:In your cover letter, let us see your passion for social work shine through! Talk about the experiences that made you want to pursue this career—whether it’s volunteering, personal experiences, or academic projects. We want to know why this field matters to you.
Emphasise Relevant Qualifications:Make sure your CV highlights any relevant qualifications, like degrees in social work or certifications like a DBS check. If you've done any workshops or training, don’t forget to include those as well. We're keen to see your commitment to your professional development!
Detail Your Experience with Clients:Since this is a hands-on field, detailing any direct experience you have with clients is crucial. Whether it's internships, volunteer roles, or previous jobs, highlight those experiences in your CV to show us you've got the practical skills necessary for the job!
Tailor Your Application to Suffolk Jobs Direct:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Suffolk Jobs Direct! Research our mission and values, and refer to them in your cover letter. This shows us that you understand our work and are genuinely interested in being a part of our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Suffolk Jobs Direct
✨Understanding the Role of Empathy
In social work, understanding and demonstrating empathy is key. Be prepared to share personal experiences or scenarios where you effectively showed compassion and support. This helps show that you genuinely care about the well-being of others, which is crucial in social work.
✨Demonstrating Knowledge of Frameworks
Familiarise yourself with the frameworks and models used in social work, such as the Strengths-Based Approach or the Ecological Perspective. Be ready to discuss how these frameworks apply to your work, especially if you can tie them into real-world examples or case studies you've encountered.
✨Showcasing Your Multi-Disciplinary Skills
In a full-time social work role, you'll often collaborate with healthcare professionals, educators, and law enforcement. Be prepared to describe your teamwork experiences and how you've effectively communicated with other disciplines to achieve the best outcomes for clients.
✨Preparing for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that put you in hypothetical social work situations, such as dealing with a crisis or managing a complex case. Think through your thought process for these scenarios beforehand, considering how you'd assess the situation and what steps you'd take, as this demonstrates your critical thinking and problem-solving abilities.
