• Suffolk County Council - Various Locations in Suffolk - Hybrid
• £33,366 per annum (rising to £36,124 per annum) (pro rata for part time)
• Plus a joining payment of £1,500
• Plus £4,000 retention payment upon successful completion of the ASYE (Assessed and Supported Year in Employment) programme
• Full time or part time hours available
• Permanent

At Suffolk County Council, we believe that when our people grow, our communities thrive. That is why we are looking for a passionate Newly Qualified Social Workers (NQSW), to join our team. Here, you will find more than just a job, you will discover opportunities to develop your skills, make a meaningful impact, and reimagine what's possible.

Are you ready to reimagine what your social work career could be?

We are passionate about providing exceptional care and support to children and young people in need, and understand that to provide an outstanding service, our Newly Qualified Social Workers need to be at their best. Here, you will find a supportive atmosphere where you will be fully supported to achieve your goals and reach your full potential during your Assessed and Support Year in Employment (ASYE), whilst maintaining a healthy work-life balance.

Hear from our Social Work teams and find out more information (careers.suffolk.gov.uk).

How Suffolk supports Newly Qualified Social Workers to grow, develop and progress (pagetiger.com).

Shaping Careers and Learning

We understand that being a Newly Qualified Social Worker can be a challenging role, which is why we offer :

• regular supervision to ensure you feel supported within your role
• provide the necessary training to enhance your career development
• a structured career Progression Scheme (pdf) to foster your growth
• the commitment and full support from our management team and colleagues within the service to ensure you achieve your goals and get the best out of your ASYE
• protected development and time for reflection, regular supervision with your Practice Manager, including ongoing CPD (Continuing Professional Development) and PDP (Personal Development Plan) to enable professional growth and a reduced caseload (from 15 cases in the first 6 months
• clinical supervision by a seasoned professional. This does not only benefit your personal wellbeing but directly affects the experience of the children and young people within our care.

This way, you can be confident in your abilities and provide the best possible care to those in need.

Additional Benefits

• up to 29 days annual leave plus bank holidays per annum, pro rata for part time
• an uplift of 3 additional annual leave days, pro rata for part time
• 3 protected CPD days per annum
• access to a relocation package of up to £8,000, a car leasing scheme and a welcome loan of £2,000 for all new social workers moving to Suffolk
• free on-site car parking in all council buildings
• flexible working options and our commitment to supporting health and wellbeing
• detailed induction programme, including mandatory Signs of Safety training
• staff networks which are open to staff, councillors and partners that share similar characteristics, life experiences, values and beliefs.

What you need

• You will need a relevant social work qualification and Social Work England registration
• hold a full and current driving licence and have access to personal transport or meet the mobility requirements of the role through other reasonable and suitable means.

You can view a full list of requirements in the Job and Person Profiles below, if you believe you can succeed in this role, please apply. We would appreciate the opportunity to consider your application.

We have opportunities available for Newly Qualified Social Workers across the following teams:

• social care teams working with children subject to s17 and s47 assessment, a child in need, and child protection plans.

Find out where these teams are based around Suffolk (ppt).

Locality map, to understand where our 13 social care teams are based around Suffolk (ppt).

If you have a preference in terms of a location in Suffolk, then please state this within your application form.

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 (suffolk.gov.uk).

Discover More

• Hear from our staff about our Social Work teams (suffolkjobsdirect.org)
• Social Work within Children and Young Peoples Services (careers.suffolk.gov.uk)
• Find out about our beautiful county of Suffolk and see what a wonderful place it is to live and work, please visit welcome to Suffolk (visitsuffolk.com).
• Further information on what we will offer you (careers.suffolk.gov.uk).
• Sponsorship for a visa may be available for current UK residents. This role is based in Suffolk.

For more information

For an informal discussion about the role/s, please email: cypsocialworkenquiries@suffolk.gov.uk or contact Steve Blaney, Social Care Service Manager, by calling 07742 505342.

Ready to reimagine what's possible in social work? Apply now and let's shape Suffolk's future together!

How to apply

Step 1 - Before applying for this job, please read the Job and Person Profile (docx) and our Progression Scheme (pdf)

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

Step 3 - Upload a supporting statement answering the following questions below (no more than 300 words per question). Please use this Supporting Statement template to answer these questions.

1. Reflect on how your placement experiences have prepared you for this Newly Qualified Social Worker role. What were your placements? What key skills and insights did you gain?
2. Give an example of when you had to conduct an assessment for a family during a placement. What framework did you use and how did you ensure it was thorough and child-centered?

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

Please note: Without a supporting statement and CV, your interest will not be progressed. Any supporting documents must be in either PDF or MS Word format. Please also state in your application the role/s, location, and team you are applying for).

Closing date: 11.30pm, 30 April 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 checks or police vetting will be required for relevant posts. We are also committed to flexible working.

For the types of flexible or part-time working available for specific roles, please see the Job and Person Profile.

Suffolk County Council - welcoming diversity.

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).