Social Worker – Family Support and Protection
We have an exciting opportunity for a Social Worker to join our Family Solutions Team. You will share the same commitment, dedication, care, and support as we do.
Location and Hours
* Address: Beacon House, Landmark Business Park, Whitehouse Road, Ipswich, Suffolk IP1 5PB – Hybrid
* Salary: £34,434 – £40,777 per annum, plus retention payment (pro rata for part time)
* Hours: 37 hours per week – flexible working options available
* Contract: Permanent
Your Role and Responsibilities
You will work with families and provide an intensive, solution-focused, strength-based, trauma informed intervention. We collaborate with case responsible social workers using one of the three models:
* Edge of Care – 12 week intervention to prevent children entering the care system where assessed as safe.
* Reunification – up to 20 week intervention to support children in care to return home to parents or connected network.
* Restore and Prevent – 12 week intervention to sustain placements for Children in Care where potential breakdown exists.
Qualifications and Requirements
* Relevant social work qualification and Social Work England registration.
* Full and current driving licence and access to personal transport or meet mobility requirements through other reasonable means.
You can view a full list of requirements in the Job and Person Profile (Word).
The Team
The team comprises Senior Social Workers, Social Workers, and Family Support Practitioners. Partnership working is a particular strength, and there is scope to build meaningful working relationships across services.
This team is countywide across Suffolk, with teams based in Lowestoft, Ipswich, and Bury St Edmunds.
Benefits
* Up to 29 days annual leave entitlement (pro rata), plus UK bank holidays and two paid volunteering days.
* Competitive Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS).
* Travel, lifestyle, health and wellbeing benefits.
* Performance-related annual pay progression, plus annual cost-of-living increase.
* Training and encouragement to expand knowledge.
* A variety of career development opportunities across the organisation.
* Diverse and active staff networks.
* Flexible working options, request from first day.
Application Process
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 (no more than 400 words per question). Use the Supporting Statement template.
* Describe a time when you worked intensively with a family to prevent a child from entering care. What approach did you take, and what was the outcome?
* Describe a time when you identified a safeguarding concern. What actions did you take, and how did you ensure the child’s safety?
* Tell us about a complex case you managed. How did you balance the needs of the child, the family, and statutory responsibilities?
Contact
For a casual conversation, contact Emma Orchard, Practice Manager.
Phone: 01728 652373
Email: emma.orchard@suffolk.gov.uk
For reasonable adjustments to the application process, email recruitment@suffolk.gov.uk or call 03456 014412.
Closing Date
Closing date: 14 October 2025 at 11:30 pm.
Equal Opportunities
We welcome applications from all individuals, especially those from groups that are currently underrepresented, as shown in our Workforce Equality Report.
Hiring Details
* Seniority level: Entry level
* Employment type: Full-time
* Job function: Other
* Industries: Government Administration
DBS checks or police vetting will be required for relevant posts.
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.
J-18808-Ljbffr