Social Worker and Senior Social Worker Jobs at Suffolk County Council

Suffolk County Council is recruiting Social Workers and Senior Social Workers to join its Children and Young People's Services teams across Suffolk, England. These permanent positions offer salaries of up to £48,607 per year, additional retention payments and opportunities for career development.

Full-time and part-time opportunities are available in Bury St Edmunds, Ipswich, Lowestoft and Stowmarket. Successful candidates will help children, young people and families access the support they need while contributing to better outcomes across local communities.

Job Details

Employer	Suffolk County Council
Job Titles	Social Worker and Senior Social Worker
Location	Suffolk, England
Social Worker Salary	£38,510–£42,123 per year
Senior Social Worker Salary	£42,872–£48,607 per year
Retention Payment	Up to £4,000 annually for Social Workers and £3,500 for Senior Social Workers, pro rata for part-time staff
Contract	Permanent
Working Hours	Full-time or part-time
Working Arrangement	Hybrid and community-based
Closing Date	30 November 2026 at 11:30 pm

About Suffolk County Council

Suffolk County Council works with children, young people and families to improve outcomes throughout the county. Its Children and Young People's Services bring together social workers and other professionals to provide support based on individual needs and circumstances.

The council aims to create a supportive workplace where social workers can develop their skills, receive regular supervision and maintain a healthy work-life balance. Employees have access to training, professional development and opportunities to progress in their careers.

Social Worker Vacancies

Social Worker positions are available across the following teams:

• Family Help North: Riverside, Lowestoft.
• Family Help South: Beacon House, Ipswich, covering opportunities in Ipswich and Felixstowe.
• Family Help West: West Suffolk House, Bury St Edmunds, and The Mix, Stowmarket.
• Next Steps South: Beacon House, Ipswich.

The salary ranges from £38,510 to £42,123 per year, plus a retention payment of up to £4,000 annually. The retention payment is adjusted for part-time employees.

Senior Social Worker Vacancies

• Family Help South: Beacon House, Ipswich.
• Family Help West: West Suffolk House, Bury St Edmunds, and The Mix, Stowmarket.
• Next Steps West: Check the official vacancy listing for the precise location.
• Next Steps North: Riverside, Lowestoft.
• Parenting Together West: West Suffolk House, Bury St Edmunds.

Senior Social Workers can earn between £42,872 and £48,607 per year, plus a retention payment of up to £3,500 annually, pro rata for part-time working.

Applicants can specify their preferred posts and teams during the application process.

About the Teams

Family Help Teams

Family Help teams bring together social workers and other practitioners to support children, young people and families across Suffolk. They work to understand individual circumstances, identify support needs and help families achieve better outcomes.

Next Steps Teams

Next Steps teams support young people in care from the age of 14 as they prepare for adulthood and leaving care. Support can continue until the age of 25, helping young people develop independence and access appropriate guidance.

Parenting Together Teams

Parenting Together teams support children in care and their families throughout the care journey, providing continuity until young people are ready to transfer to the Next Steps service.

Key Responsibilities

• Work with children, young people and families to understand their needs and circumstances.
• Assess risks and contribute to plans that safeguard children's welfare.
• Help families access suitable services and support.
• Work collaboratively with colleagues and partner organisations.
• Maintain accurate case records and prepare reports in accordance with professional standards.
• Participate in supervision, case discussions and professional development.
• Support young people in care as they prepare for independent living, where relevant to the position.
• Follow safeguarding procedures and promote the welfare of children and vulnerable adults.
• Contribute to effective teamwork and positive outcomes for families.

Qualifications and Requirements

Applicants must have a relevant social work qualification and meet the professional registration requirements specified in the vacancy details.

• A recognised social work qualification.
• Social Work England registration, as stated in the advert.
• A full and current driving licence.
• Access to personal transport or another reasonable and suitable way to meet the role's mobility requirements.
• Good communication, organisation and professional record-keeping skills.
• A commitment to safeguarding children and supporting families.

Applicants should review the relevant Job and Person Profile to confirm the requirements for their chosen position. More information about the professional regulator is available on the official Social Work England information page.

Training and Career Development

The council understands the demands of social work and provides opportunities for staff to strengthen their professional skills.

• Regular supervision and professional guidance.
• Comprehensive training opportunities.
• A structured career progression scheme.
• A detailed induction programme, including mandatory Signs of Safety training.
• Three protected continuing professional development days each year.

Salary and Employee Benefits

In addition to the advertised salaries and retention payments, eligible employees can access a range of benefits.

• Up to 29 days of annual leave, pro rata for part-time staff, plus bank holidays.
• Three additional annual leave days, subject to the applicable terms.
• Two paid volunteering days.
• A relocation package of up to £8,000 for eligible new Social Workers moving to Suffolk.
• A £2,000 welcome loan for new Social Workers relocating to Suffolk, subject to the applicable conditions.
• Access to a car leasing scheme, subject to eligibility.
• Free on-site parking at council buildings.
• Membership of the Local Government Pension Scheme.
• Performance-related annual pay progression and a cost-of-living pay increase, as described in the advert.
• Flexible working options, subject to service requirements.
• Travel, lifestyle, health and wellbeing benefits.
• Staff networks and opportunities for professional development.

Benefits and eligibility conditions may vary. Applicants should confirm the applicable arrangements with the council.

Visa Sponsorship and Right to Work

The vacancy advert states that visa sponsorship may be available for current UK residents. Sponsorship is not guaranteed, and applicants should confirm eligibility directly with the council.

Applicants who require sponsorship should review the official UK Skilled Worker visa guidance to understand the relevant immigration requirements.

Applicants should also check the official guidance on proving the right to work in the UK. Eligibility depends on individual circumstances and the applicable rules. These resources do not guarantee sponsorship for this vacancy.

Safeguarding and Background Checks

Suffolk County Council is committed to safeguarding children, young people and vulnerable adults. Staff and volunteers are expected to share this commitment.

DBS checks or police vetting will be required for relevant positions. Further information about criminal record checks is available from the official Disclosure and Barring Service website.

How to Apply

Step 1: Read the Job and Person Profile

Review the relevant Social Worker or Senior Social Worker profile to understand the qualifications, experience and responsibilities required.

Step 2: Complete the Online Application

Visit the council's recruitment website and select Apply Now. You can specify which vacancies and teams you would like to be considered for.

Step 3: Upload Your CV

The council requires a CV without your name and personal details. The advert states that applications without a CV will not be progressed. Supporting documents must be in PDF or Microsoft Word format.

Step 4: Check Your Application

Ensure your qualifications, professional registration and experience are accurately described. If you use AI tools, your application must still reflect your own skills, experience and ideas and comply with the council's guidance.

Reasonable Adjustments

Applicants