At a Glance
- Tasks: Support young people at risk of homelessness and ensure they receive vital early assistance.
- Company: Suffolk County Council, dedicated to improving lives and communities.
- Benefits: Flexible working hours, competitive salary, and a chance to make a real difference.
- Other info: Dynamic, multi-agency environment with opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Join a passionate team and help shape the future for vulnerable young people.
- Qualifications: Experience with children and families, knowledge of safeguarding, and strong communication skills.
The predicted salary is between 34434 - 34434 £ per year.
Suffolk County Council
Address: Landmark House, Ipswich IP1 5PB - Community-based
Salary: £34,434 per annum (pro rata for part time)
Hours: 37 hours, flexible working options available
Contract: Permanent
This post is open to current Suffolk County Council staff on redeployment only.
We’re passionate about improving the future for our customers, our communities and the environment. If you are too, join us as a 16-17 Homelessness Practitioner and make a huge and meaningful impact. Your innovation and drive will help us to continue improving and evolving. Our opportunities and support will enable you to make a difference and leave a positive, lasting legacy.
Your role and responsibilities
- Provide specialist early support to young people at risk of, or experiencing, homelessness.
- Work closely with housing services to complete joint assessments and ensure young people receive the right support at the earliest opportunity.
- Gather and analyse multi-agency information to inform safeguarding decisions, ensuring the voice, needs and safety of the young person remain central at all times.
- Complete joint homelessness assessments for 16 and 17 year-olds alongside housing colleagues.
- Build strong working relationships with housing authorities and partner agencies.
- Gather, analyse and share safeguarding information in line with statutory guidance.
- Contribute to multi-agency decision-making, including offering professional advice and challenge.
- Record and present information that informs risk and support planning.
- Support safeguarding processes and work flexibly across the IFD as required.
- Ensure the voice of the child is central to all decision-making.
You will also manage your own workload, identify and respond to safeguarding risks, and maintain accurate, timely records in line with service requirements.
You will need
- Experience of working directly with children, young people and families.
- Knowledge of safeguarding, early intervention and relevant legislation.
- Experience of multi-agency working and partnership collaboration.
- The ability to identify risk, assess needs and support positive outcomes.
- Strong communication skills, with the ability to influence and engage others.
- Experience of working with families where safeguarding concerns exist.
- To be committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people.
You’ll hold a relevant Level 5 qualification (or equivalent experience) and demonstrate a clear commitment to improving outcomes for children and families.
If you believe you can succeed in this role, apply. Even if you don't meet all requirements, please still apply. We would appreciate the opportunity to consider your application.
The team
At Suffolk County Council, we aspire for every child to live their best life. The Integrated Front Door is a fast-paced, multi-agency environment bringing together professionals from across the partnership – including social care, police, health and education – to ensure concerns are responded to quickly, consistently and effectively.
You’ll be part of a service that:
- Supports early decision-making and earlier help.
- Works within a shared safeguarding framework and statutory duties.
- Promotes joined-up, high-quality responses for children and families.
- Plays a key role in Suffolk’s Families First approach.
This role is county wide with office base in Ipswich. The expectation is that staff are office-based aside from arranged visits.
We believe that being together matters. Visible leadership supports better decision-making, stronger oversight, professional development and a culture where practitioners feel supported to do their best work.
For more information
For an informal conversation, please contact Milly Clarke by calling 01473 263139 or emailing milly.clark2@suffolk.gov.uk or Sean Segal by calling 01473 260673 or sean.segal@suffolk.gov.uk.
How to apply
- Read the Job and Person Profile (JPP).
- Click ‘Apply Now’ to start your online application.
- Upload a supporting statement answering specific questions.
Please note: Without a supporting statement, your interest will not be progressed. Any supporting documents must be in either PDF or MS Word format.
Closing date: 11.30pm, 13 September 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.
Homelessness Practitioner (Redeployment 24612) 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 Homelessness Practitioner (Redeployment 24612) 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 Homelessness Practitioner (Redeployment 24612) 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.
