Consultant Social Worker

At Suffolk County Council, every role is a chance to create positive change. We're not just a local authority; we're a team of dedicated individuals working together to improve lives across our diverse communities. As our new Consultant Social Worker, you'll have the unique opportunity to see the direct impact of your work on the people and places that make Suffolk special. Your contributions will help build a brighter future for all. If you're passionate about making a real, tangible difference, it's time to reimagine your career with us. Join Suffolk County Council and turn your passion for positive change into action.
Reimagine the possibilities.

Your role and responsibilities
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 (signsofsafety.net) development - this is the government-backed, national innovative, strengths-based, safety-organised approach to child protection casework.
Having fully embedded this into our practice, this is one of the strongest attributes that our service has to offer and what all of our practitioners possess; this will enable you to become a part of a small, select and skilled group of practitioners working in the UK and across the world.

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
The Central Social Care Team is situated in a large rural locality, working with families and their children from 0-18 years of age. The team is responsible for undertaking social work assessments, s47 investigations and supporting families under child in need and child protection planning. This can additionally include welfare reports within private law proceedings, work within the PLO process and with public law proceedings and when children are initially accommodated by the Local Authority until transfer to the child in care team. 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.

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).

Disability Confident
About Disability Confident
A Disability Confident employer will generally offer an interview to any applicant that declares they have a disability and meets the minimum criteria for the job as defined by the employer. It is important to note that in certain recruitment situations such as high-volume, seasonal and high-peak times, the employer may wish to limit the overall numbers of interviews offered to both disabled people and non-disabled people. For more details please go to Disability Confident.

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. #LI-Hybrid
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!