Description Suffolk County Council Address: West Suffolk House, Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk IP33 3YU - Hybrid Salary: £37,280 per annum (pro rata for part time hours) rising to £38,220 - £40,777 per annum after successful completion of your ASYE (Assessed and Supported Year in Employment) Plus a £500 additional payment and retention payments Hours: 24 hours per week, flexible working options available Contract: Fixed Term or Secondment up to 12 months Join Suffolk's Adult Social Care Services as an Adult Social Worker or Newly Qualified Social Worker (NQSW), We're actively seeking experienced and recent graduates (or those approaching qualification) who demonstrate a strong commitment to supporting local communities and building effective networks. Suffolk provides a comprehensive training programme including ASYE if required to support your first year in practice, designed to be the foundation for a rewarding long-term career with us. This is your opportunity to develop your career while making a meaningful difference in Suffolk's communities, supported by a team committed to your professional growth and success. We welcome early applications and will support you through the registration process. We could offer: full or part-time hours permanent and temporary posts across Suffolk flexible working and hybrid working options retention payments for 2,3 and 5 years (£1000, £1500 and £2000) 6 protected days CPD a strong and diverse training offer supportive and experienced teams opportunities for development and career progression across the council inclusive and creative culture. If successful in joining the organisation, you will: have an excellent induction to the role receive support from peers and mentors be able to access extensive training opportunities available, to support your personal and professional development join a cohort of NQSW's who are also completing their ASYE training allowing you to provide and receive support from other NQSWs. Further opportunities with career development Following successful completion of your ASYE you could progress in the following roles: Approved Mental Health Practitioner Practice Educator. Your role You will have the ability and experience to undertake innovative strengths-based assessments and care planning with individuals, carers, and their personal support networks. You will also be open to change, innovative and confident with a focus on strengthening social work; be ambitious about what people can achieve and keen to explore ideas for positive outcomes. There are opportunities in integrated neighbourhood teams, mental health teams and learning disability and autism teams across the county. Please state your preference in your application. If you're considering applying, we encourage you to watch our video on Reimagining a Career in Adult Social Work. It offers valuable insight into the impact you can make and the support you'll receive as part of our team. 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 Optimising Care and Support Team (OCST) is a dynamic and forward-thinking team within Suffolk County Council’s Adult Social Care service. Working across the West locality, the team plays a vital role in delivering proactive, person-centred care through targeted reviews and discharge planning - particularly for individuals with S117 aftercare rights. OCST is committed to integrated partnership working with health professionals and the wider community. Social workers are empowered to develop creative, strengths-based solutions that promote independence and long-term wellbeing, all within a supportive and inclusive team culture that values professional growth and continuous improvement. Signs of Safety It is an exciting time to join Adult Social Care in Suffolk, with our ambition titled People at the heart of Care, setting out how we will work to support people to live fulfilling and independent lives in Suffolk. Using our Signs of Safety model as a foundation throughout our service- working with people and their networks using a safety, solution building and trauma responsive approach. This is your chance to become one of the select few Social Workers worldwide that are trained practicing professionals in Signs of Safety; this will see you stand out from other Social Workers and enable you to develop and progress in your career. For more information about Signs of Safety, visit: ACS introduction ( pagetiger.com ) What is Signs of Safety ( signsofsafety.net ) Our approach Partnership working is strong and through joint care planning, we strive for a person-centred approach that supports people to be independent, resilient, and have choice and control. We have strong, cohesive, and supportive management teams, who are committed to continuous professional development and have a reputation for changing services for the better. For more information For an informal discussion about any of these roles please contact us by emailing ASCrecruitment@suffolk.gov.uk and we will give you a call at your convenience. How to apply Step 1 - Read the Job and Person Profile (JPP) 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. Tell me about a situation where you had to manage a complex caseload. How did you prioritise your work and ensure compliance with good practice requirements? Describe a time when you had to exercise autonomous professional judgement and risk evaluation. What factors did you consider and what actions did you take? Can you provide an example of how you have supported unqualified staff or contributed to service development and good practice? How do you keep up to date with changes in health and social care policy and ensure your practice remains evidence-informed? We value authentic applications that showcase your genuine skills and experiences. Applications suspected of being generated by AI may be rejected. We ask you to present your own work and ideas throughout the application process. Please note: 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 you are invited to the next stage of selection, you will have another opportunity to request adjustments for the next stages of the process. Closing date: 11.30pm, 9 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. LI-Hybrid