Social Worker - Children in Care

About the Role

Suffolk County Council is seeking an experienced Social Worker to join the Children in Care Team based at Beacon House, Ipswich.This is a rewarding opportunity to support children and young people in care, ensuring their voices are heard and their needs are met through effective care planning and partnership working. You will act as the allocated social worker for children involved in care proceedings, those in long-term care, and children progressing towards permanent alternative care arrangements.

Location: Beacon House, White House Road, Ipswich, IP1 5PB
Rate: -37.00 - -39.00 per hour
Working Pattern: Hybrid working (3 days per week office-based)
Contract: Full-time

Key Responsibilities

• Act as the allocated social worker and case responsible person for children in care.
• Undertake direct work with children and young people, ensuring their lived experiences, wishes, and feelings inform all aspects of care planning.
• Complete life story work and produce life story books for children and young people.
• Write, review, and update care plans, ensuring they reflect assessed needs and planned outcomes.
• Prepare high-quality reports for Children in Care Reviews and Family Court proceedings.
• Work closely with carers, parents, extended family networks, and partner agencies to support effective care planning.
• Liaise with key professionals including Independent Reviewing Officers (IROs), Children''s Guardians, Health Services, Education Providers, and other agencies involved in the child''s journey.
• Maintain accurate and timely case records in line with statutory requirements and professional standards.

Skills/Experience

• Qualified Social Worker status and current Social Work England registration.
• Experience working within a Children in Care or related children''s social care setting.
• Strong knowledge of care planning, permanence planning, and care proceedings.
• Excellent assessment, report-writing, and relationship-building skills.
• A child-centred approach with a commitment to achieving positive outcomes for children and young people.
• The ability to work effectively with a wide range of professionals and family networks.

Working Arrangements

• Hybrid working with an expectation to work from the office at Beacon House, Ipswich, a minimum of 3 days per week.
• The role involves significant travel, including visits to children placed in rural locations across and beyond Suffolk.

Essential Requirements

• Current Social Work England registration.
• Full UK driving licence and access to a vehicle, as driving is essential for this role.

This role is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975. As this role is eligible for an Enhanced DBS check, applicants are required to declare any cautions and convictions that are not protected under current filtering rules.

Join Suffolk County Council''s Children in Care Team and play a vital role in supporting children and young people to achieve stability, permanence, and the best possible outcomes for their future.

View Full Details