Senior Practitioner

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Job Description

• Suffolk County Council
• Address: The Kingsfield Centre, Stowmarket, IP14 1SZ - Hybrid
• Salary: £43,273 per annum (pro rata for part time)
• Hours: 37 hours per week - Flexible working options available
• Contract: Fixed Term or Secondment for 9 months

Are you a creative and experienced Senior Practitioner with a background in Mental Health, Learning Disability and Autism Services? Do you have leadership experience and a passion for empowering others?

We're looking for a Senior Practitioner to join our East Learning Disabilities and Autism Team. You'll be part of a dynamic service that transforms lives through empowerment, independence and community integration.

Your role will include:

• Undertaking and overseeing innovative strengths-based assessments with individuals, carers and their support networks.
• Supporting transitions from hospital to independent living and creating tailored reablement plans.
• Collaborating with health and voluntary sector colleagues to deliver integrated care.
• Championing co-production and ensuring the voices of those you support are heard.
• Actively supporting the delegation and delivery of managerial responsibilities to ensure effective team operations.

You will need:

• A Social Work qualification recognised by Social Work England and current registration.
• A collaborative approach to working with people, families and wider services.
• Adaptability to changing priorities and service developments.
• Passion for embracing innovative ways of working, including digital technology.
• Skills in assessing and working with risk, being risk positive where appropriate.
• Specialist knowledge and experience to encourage independence.
• Experience of supervising team members.

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

Our staff are our greatest resource and with you in our team, we can achieve the authority's priorities of enabling everyone to live long, healthy, fulfilling lives whilst safeguarding the most vulnerable people in Suffolk.

We work to a strength-based practice model and would encourage you to apply for our roles if you think you have the same values so we can continue with this approach to help empower Suffolk residents.

What we offer

Diverse, meaningful work: Support individuals at crucial moments in their lives, fostering independence and personal growth.

Collaborative teamwork: Work within a strong, multidisciplinary team that values your expertise and is committed to delivering outstanding outcomes.

Community focus: Partner with ACE Anglia, an independent advocacy organization in Suffolk, to champion co-production and ensure the voices of those you support are heard.

Personal and professional growth: Develop your skills within an experienced and supportive team that invests in your future.

If you're passionate about social work and ready to bring positive change to those who need it most, we'd love to hear from you! Apply today and be part of something truly rewarding.

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

For more information

Please contact Janette Minns for a casual conversation. You can reach them by calling 01473 263258or emailingjanette.minns@suffolk.gov.uk

If you want to apply for a secondment, read the secondment policy first. Make sure you get permission from your current manager before submitting your application.

How to apply

Step 1 - Read the Job and Person Profile (JPP) (Word)

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.

1. How do you build and maintain effective relationships with partner agencies to support shared learning and service improvement?
2. How do you ensure that your work and the work of others remains compliant with changing legislation and policy?
3. Tell us about a time you had to challenge poor practice. How did you approach the situation and what was the result?

Step 4 - Upload a CV (without name and personal details).

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 and CV, 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, 12 August 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 (Disclosure and Barring Service) checks or police vetting will be required for relevant posts. #LI-Hybrid

About Us

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!

If you want to know more about our benefits, values and equality commitments please visit our Suffolk County Council careers website (careers.Suffolk.gov.uk).