Senior Social Worker

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Job Description

• Suffolk County Council - Landmark House, Ipswich, IP1 5PB - Hybrid
• £40,215 - £45,595 per annum (pro rata for part time)
• Plus retention payment of up to £4,000 per year (pro rata for part time)
• 37 hours per week - Flexible working options available
• Fixed Term or Secondment - up to August 2025

At Suffolk County Council, every role is a chance to create positive change. We are not just a local authority; we're a team of dedicated individuals working together to improve lives across our diverse communities. As our new Senior Social Worker, you will have the unique opportunity to see the direct impact of your work on the people and places that make Suffolk special. Your contributions will help build a brighter future for all. If you are passionate about making a real, tangible difference, it's time to reimagine your career with us. Join Suffolk County Council and turn your passion for positive change into action.

Your role and responsibilities

You will:

• work directly with children, young people and families using the Suffolk Signs of Safety and Wellbeing framework
• to act as Lead Professional for named families, being the key contact with the family and liaising with other professionals to provide a joined up response, where required
• undertake direct observation of practice, with effective feedback to offer quality assurance
• support colleagues and partners to develop evidenced based practice
• offer consultation to support colleagues with complex cases where required
• maintain up to date records and data using electronic devices and systems and provide reports for a range of audiences.

You will need

• Social Work professional qualification
• Social Work England Registration

You can view a full list of requirements in the Job and Person Profile (docx). 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

CHRIS is a risk support service which focuses on the rapid assessment and stabilisation of risk in line with THRIVE and the Signs of Safety framework. As such, interventions and approaches will be focused upon risk assessment, formulation, management and stabilisation as opposed to providing longer-term therapeutic treatment, which is more appropriate for children and young people and families to access within other services.

CHRIS provides a psycho-social risk support service for children and young people who may be demonstrating various risk behaviours, emotional distress, and networks (professional and family) struggling to 'contain' them. Examples of the kinds of risks CHRIS may be able to offer additional support with include (but are not limited to):

• externalising risks e.g., behaviour which challenges, offending and ASB (with accompanying high levels of emotional distress)
• internalising risk e.g., self-harm, suicidal thoughts and behaviours
• contextual risk e.g., acute PTSD reactions, emotional distress as a result of experiencing harm from others (e.g., CCE/CSE)
• professionals and networks feeling overwhelmed or concerned about how best to respond to risk behaviours.

This role will include a combination of support and supervision for colleagues within the team, in addition to providing the full range of CHRIS functions, namely: consultation, training, joint work, attendance at professionals' meetings, and direct intensive work with CFYP, subject to the evolving needs of the service. The operational hours of the service will be 8am to 8pm Monday to Friday, and 9am to 1pm at weekends and bank holidays. You will participate in the shift rota (details of this to be confirmed) which may involve working some evenings in addition to one in four weekends. Enhancements will be paid for working unsociable hours.

Empowering Everyone

We are big believers in potential, possibility and the power of different ideas. We are 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 Kirsty Catchpole (Practice Manager) for a casual conversation. You can reach them by calling 07717302250 or emailing: kirsty.catchpole@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) (docx).

Step 2 - Click 'Apply Now' to start your online application.

Step 3 - Upload a CV (without name and personal details).

Please note: Without a CV, your interest will not be progressed. Any supporting documents must be in either PDF or MS Word format. If you would like an adjustment to this process due to a disability, please contact us at 03456 014412 or: recruitment@suffolk.gov.uk

We value authentic applications that showcase your genuine skills and experiences. Applications suspected of being generated by AI may be rejected. We encourage you to present your own work and ideas throughout the application process.

Closing date: 11.30pm, 12 January 2025

Interview date: 20 January 2025

Promoted as JOTW (Job of the Week) on Suffolk Jobs Direct.

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).