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, retention payments, generous leave, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Flexible working options and a supportive environment for career growth.
- Why this job: Join a passionate team dedicated to empowering children and young people.
- Qualifications: Relevant social work qualification and registration required.
The predicted salary is between 37280 - 47054 £ per year.
Suffolk County Council Address: Various locations in Suffolk - Hybrid and Community based - Bury St Edmunds IP33 3YU, Ipswich IP1 2BX, Lowestoft NR33 0EQ
Salary: £37,280 - £47,054 per annum (pro rata for part time) Plus, retention payment of up to £4,000 per year (pro rata for part time)
Hours: Full time or part time hours available
Contract: Permanent
Job roles available:
- Social Workers: £37,280 - £40,777 per annum, plus £4,000 annual retention payment (pro rata for part time)
- Senior Social Workers: £41,502 - £47,054 per annum, plus £3,500 annual retention payment (pro rata for part time)
Suffolk County Council (SCC) is different. We are a modern, flexible, and forward-thinking organisation that's constantly evolving to meet the changing needs of our communities. We are also 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. Here, you will find a supportive atmosphere designed to help you flourish professionally whilst maintaining a healthy work-life balance.
Join a profession that changes lives. 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. Are you ready to reimagine what your social work career could be?
As a Social Worker with us, you will enjoy a dynamic work environment where your ideas are valued, your potential is nurtured, and your work makes a tangible difference.
Shaping Careers and Learning
We understand that being a social worker can be a challenging role, which is why 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.
This way, you can be confident in your abilities and provide the best possible care to those in need.
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 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.
Take a look at what makes our Ideal Worker, shaped by the voices of young people: find out more. You can view a full list of requirements in the Job and Person Profiles below, if you believe you can succeed in this role, please apply. We would appreciate the opportunity to consider your application.
Discover More: A day in the life of a Children's Social Worker. Find out about our beautiful county of Suffolk and see what a wonderful place it is to live and work, please visit welcome to Suffolk.
Further information on what we will offer you. Sponsorship for a visa may be available for current UK residents. This role is based in Suffolk.
The team: You’ll join one of our dedicated Family Help Teams - multi‑disciplinary groups of social workers and practitioners committed to improving outcomes for children and young people across Suffolk. We work creatively, collaboratively and with compassion, always striving to ensure every child can live their best life. Hybrid working, community engagement and flexible approaches are all part of how we operate.
Empowering Everyone: We are big believers in potential, possibility and the power of different ideas. We are 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 a casual chat about the role/s, please email: cypsocialworkenquiries@suffolk.gov.uk or contact Steve Blaney by calling 07742 505342.
How to apply:
- Step 1 - Read the Job and Person Profile: Social Worker JPP (Word) Senior Social Worker JPP (Word)
- Step 2 - Click ‘Apply Now’ to start your online application.
- Step 3 - Upload a CV (Curriculum Vitae) (without name and personal details). Please note: Without a CV, your interest will not be progressed. Any supporting documents must be in either PDF or MS Word format.
For guidance on completing your application, please see our How to Apply page. Planning to use Artificial Intelligence (AI)? Please ensure your application still reflects your own skills, experience and ideas. If used inappropriately, your application may not be processed. Please read our guidance for using AI to understand what’s acceptable.
Do you need any reasonable adjustments to help you to apply? If you are disabled and/or have additional support needs, you can request reasonable adjustments. You can do this by contacting our Recruitment Team at recruitment@suffolk.gov.uk or 03456 014412. You can find examples of possible adjustments on our Reasonable Adjustment pages.
For internal staff only, please complete our Statement of Interest (Word) and return this by emailing: cypsocialworkenquiries@suffolk.gov.uk
Closing date: 11.30pm, 10 June 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 - Redeployment 23651 in Lowestoft employer: Suffolk Jobs Direct
Suffolk County Council is an exceptional employer that prioritises the well-being and professional growth of its Social Workers. With a supportive work culture, flexible working options, and comprehensive training opportunities, employees are empowered to make a meaningful impact in the lives of children and families across Suffolk. The council also offers attractive benefits, including generous annual leave, retention payments, and a commitment to diversity and inclusion, making it a rewarding place to build a fulfilling career.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Children's Social Workers and Senior Social Workers - Redeployment 23651 in Lowestoft
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current social workers or professionals in the field. They can give you insider info about the role and even put in a good word for you. Plus, it shows you're genuinely interested in the community.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by practising common questions. Think about your experiences and how they relate to the job. We want to hear your stories about making a difference in children's lives!
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your passion for social work! During interviews, share why you chose this career path and what drives you. Your enthusiasm can really set you apart from other candidates.
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to connect with us directly.
We think you need these skills to ace Children's Social Workers and Senior Social Workers - Redeployment 23651 in Lowestoft
Some tips for your application 🫡
Read the Job and Person Profile:Before diving into your application, take a moment to read through the Job and Person Profile. This will give you a clear understanding of what we're looking for and help you tailor your application to match our needs.
Craft a Standout CV:Your CV is your first impression, so make it count! Highlight your relevant experience and skills that align with the role. Remember, we want to see how you can make a positive impact in our community.
Be Authentic:When writing your application, let your personality shine through. We value genuine stories and experiences, so don’t hesitate to share what makes you unique and how you can contribute to our team.
Apply Through Our Website:Make sure to apply through our website for a smooth process. It’s straightforward, and we’ll be able to track your application easily. Plus, it shows you're serious about joining us!
How to prepare for a job interview at Suffolk Jobs Direct
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you’re familiar with the key responsibilities of a Children's Social Worker. Brush up on relevant legislation, frameworks, and best practices in social work. This will show that you’re not just interested in the role but also committed to making a positive impact.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare specific examples from your past work that demonstrate your skills in supporting children and families. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers, making it easy for the interviewers to see how you’ve made a difference in previous roles.
✨Emphasise Teamwork
Since you'll be working in multi-disciplinary teams, highlight your ability to collaborate effectively. Share experiences where you’ve worked with other professionals to achieve common goals, showing that you value teamwork and can contribute positively to the Family Help Teams.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare some insightful questions about the role and the organisation. This could include inquiries about the support available for professional development or how the team approaches community engagement. Asking questions shows your genuine interest and helps you assess if the role is the right fit for you.
