Senior Practitioner (Redeployment) in Ipswich

Suffolk County Council

Address: Constantine House, Ipswich, IP1 2DH - Hybrid

Salary: £43,723- £47,054 per annum (pro rata for part time)

Hours: 37 hours per week - Flexible working options available

Contract: Permanent

Are you a creative, experienced/senior Social Worker who has worked in Mental Health, Learning Disability and Autism Services with leadership experience? We are looking to recruit a Senior Practitioner for our developing Transitions Team. The Transitions Team is based at Constantine House in Ipswich and works countywide. The Transitions service is a creative and innovative space, evolving to work in the best way for the young people of Suffolk.

You will bring specialist knowledge, skills and passion with the ability and experience to encourage independence, undertake and oversee innovative strengths-based assessments with individuals, carers and their support networks. The team work predominantly to the Care Act 2014 and Mental Capacity Act 2005 with 16–24-year-olds but operate with an awareness of relevant Children’s and Mental Health legislation. The team is part of the Adult Social Care Mental Health, Learning Disability and Autism Service. There are locality teams within each service, a forensic team, a review team and a specialist team. There is a strong sense of togetherness within the service.

You will support the Team Manager and the Senior Management Team, who will be responsible for the operational delivery within it. You will provide support and advice to frontline staff delivering social work services, reablement services, adult mental health and learning disability services. You will be expected to hold a small caseload to ensure that you maintain your professional focus.

Your role and responsibilities:

• Advise, support and supervise a team, encouraging a culture of continued learning
• Ensure the team meet Suffolk County Council’s statutory duties under the relevant legislation and guidance for adults with support needs and their carers
• Oversee collaboration with statutory, private and voluntary services to deliver an effective joint response, providing the right information, advice and enablement to young people to support them in achieving their outcomes in life
• Promote intervention that strengthens independence and support networks, maintains wellbeing and contributes to desired outcomes including multiagency safeguarding and risk management

You will need:

• Social Work qualification recognised by Social Work England and Social Work England registration
• The ability to adopt a collaborative approach through effective partnership working with people, families and wider services to address concerns
• The ability to adapt to changing priorities and service developments
• Passion to embrace new/innovative ways of working including digital technology
• To be skilled at assessing and working with risk, being risk positive where appropriate

You can view a full list of requirements in the Job and Person Profile (JPP), which you can find in the ‘How to apply’ section towards the bottom of this advert.

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 Transitions Team is built upon a strengths-based approach using the Signs of Safety and Wellbeing model of practice. We make use of existing strengths and support to enable the people we support to achieve their outcomes and live more independently. The team comprises of a Team Manager, Senior Practitioner, Social Workers and Senior Independence and Wellbeing Practitioners and is passionate, supportive and welcoming. We are currently offering a hybrid model of working from home and the office, with our usual office days on Wednesday and Thursday. We have a strong, cohesive and supportive management team who are committed to continuous professional development and hold a reputation for developing services for the better. Our staff are our greatest resource and with you in our team, we can achieve the authority's priorities of enabling everyone to live long, healthy, fulfilling lives whilst safeguarding the most vulnerable people in Suffolk.

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:

For an informal discussion, please contact: Jessica Pooley (she/her) via email at Jessica.Pooley@suffolk.gov.uk or telephone 01473 26322.

How to apply:

• Step 1 - Read the Job and Person Profile (Word).
• Step 2 - Click ‘Apply Now’ to start your online application.
• Step 3 - Upload a supporting statement answering the following questions below (no more than 400 words per question). You should use the Supporting Statement template.

Give an example of how you have promoted equality, diversity and inclusion when working with adults from diverse backgrounds or with complex needs.
Tell us about a time you improved a process, intervention or outcome for adults receiving care by identifying and implementing a better way of working.
Tell us about a time you worked in partnership with other professionals (e.g. health, housing, or voluntary sector) to achieve the best outcome for an individual.
Describe an example of where you have balanced individual needs with service pressures, resources or budget constraints while ensuring safe and effective care.

For guidance on completing your application, please see our How to Apply page. We value authentic applications that showcase your genuine skills and experiences, so we encourage you to present your own work and ideas throughout the process. You can also read our Using AI in Your Application and Interview guidance to understand acceptable and unacceptable use of AI. If AI is used inappropriately, your application may not be progressed.

Closing date: 21 May 2026, 11:30pm

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.