Join to apply for the Social Worker role at Suffolk County Council
We’re looking for a Social Worker to join the Fostering Team in Suffolk. If you share our values, apply to help shape brighter futures for children and young people in Suffolk.
Overview
The Fostering Team works to supervise foster carers, including Staying Put arrangements, to provide safe, secure care for young people transitioning to independence. This role involves collaboration with the Leaving Care Service and the wider Fostering Service.
You will be responsible for
* Supervising foster carers offering Staying Put arrangements and supporting safe, secure care for young people transitioning to independence.
* Undertaking annual reviews and completing all statutory checks on fostering households in line with Fostering Standards Regulations and guidance.
* Maintaining regular communication with childcare professionals and attending meetings to support children in Staying Put arrangements.
* Producing high-quality, analytical recordings and reports.
* Facilitating support groups and learning opportunities for foster carers/Staying Put carers.
* Participating in monthly team supervision and receiving individual supervision.
* Occasionally conducting supervision visits outside standard office hours.
You will need
* A relevant Social Work qualification and Social Work England registration.
* Commitment to the role and enthusiasm for supporting young people.
* Strong communication and negotiation skills, with the ability to lead and inspire.
* Understanding of the improvement journey and transformation process in children’s services.
* Ability to analyse performance and implement improvements.
* Willingness to engage in statutory and role-specific training.
You can view a full list of requirements in the Job and Person Profile (Word). 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 Fostering Team plays a vital role in supporting and supervising foster carers, particularly those offering Staying Put arrangements. These arrangements enable carers to continue providing safe, secure, and nurturing environments for children and young people they have previously fostered, helping them to achieve their full potential.
This social work role involves:
* Supervising fostering households that offer emergency, short break, short term, and long-term placements.
* Supporting foster carers to ensure the needs of Children in Care are effectively promoted.
* Working collaboratively across the wider Fostering Service to achieve stability and positive outcomes for children and young people.
The role also includes close partnership working with the Leaving Care Service, fostering strong relationships between the child/young person, the fostering agency, and the leaving care team. As a social worker in this team, you will act as an enabler and supporter, ensuring the best possible outcomes for young people living with Staying Put carers.
Equality, diversity and inclusion
We’re committed to empowering everyone and represent the diverse communities we serve. We welcome applications from all individuals, especially those from groups currently underrepresented in the organisation, as shown in our Workforce Equality Report.
How to apply
Please contact Cathy Biedul (she/her) for a casual conversation. You can reach them by calling 01473 265816 or emailing catherine.biedul@suffolk.gov.uk.
Step-by-step application process
1. Step 1 - Read the Job and Person Profile (JPP) (Word).
2. Step 2 - Click ‘Apply Now’ to start your online application.
3. Step 3 - Upload a supporting statement indicating how you meet each of the criteria in the ‘Person Profile’ section of the JPP.
Tips: Use the Supporting Statement template and Arial font size 11. Keep your statement to a maximum of two sides of A4.
Note: Applications suspected of being generated by AI may be rejected. Without a supporting statement, your interest will not be progressed. If you require any reasonable adjustments to the application process before the next selection stage, please contact our Recruitment Team by emailing recruitment@suffolk.gov.uk or calling 03456 014412. If invited to the next stage, you will have another opportunity to request adjustments for later stages.
Closing date: 11.30pm, 4 November 2025
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 checks or police vetting will be required for relevant posts.
About us and benefits
As a modern and effective council, we offer a wide variety of careers to suit different skills and ambitions. We provide flexible working options and support your individual needs. We offer benefits including:
* 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 and cost-of-living pay increases
* training and career development opportunities
* diverse and active staff networks
* flexible working options, with the right to request flexible working from day one
For more information about our benefits, values and equality commitments please visit our Suffolk County Council careers website (careers.Suffolk.gov.uk).
Seniority level: Entry level
Employment type: Part-time
Job function: Other | Industries: Government Administration
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