- Suffolk County Council – Landmark House, Ipswich IP1 5PB - Hybrid
- £36,124 - £39,513 plus retention payment per annum (pro rata for part time)
- 37 hours per week - Flexible working options available
- Permanent - 2 posts available
At Suffolk County Council, we believe that when our people grow, our communities thrive. That's why we're looking for a passionate Social Worker to join our team. Here, you'll find more than just a job – you'll discover opportunities to develop your skills, make a meaningful impact, and reimagine what's possible. Are you ready to grow with us and shape the future of Suffolk?
Your role and responsibilities
This is an exciting opportunity to work in a fast paced and dynamic environment working closely with colleagues from a range of agencies. The function of the Children's and Young People Services MASH (Multi-Agency Safeguarding Hub) Social Worker is to liaise with the customer and relevant partners to gather relevant information, conduct risk assessments, undertake strategy meetings and actively participate in multi agency decisions.
Working in Suffolk MASH provides employees with an opportunity to gain knowledge and the chance to contribute to decisions that make a real difference to families in Suffolk. The MASH is a fast paced and dynamic environment which is both rewarding and challenging and requires excellent communications skills, knowledge of safeguarding and a degree of resilience to effectively manage the challenges of this working environment.
You will:
- assess the risk and needs of vulnerable children, young people and their families, in order to arrange services to meet those needs
- enable children, young people and adults at risk of abuse in Suffolk to remain safe from harm and aspire to, and achieve, their full potential as the basis for a successful life as active members of their community.
You will need
- a relevant Social Work qualification, be registered as a qualified social worker with Social Work England
- good all round knowledge of Children's Social Care
- the ability to prioritise, risk assess and multitask
- excellent communication skills, organisational skills and the ability to record information accurately and timely.
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
The Multi Agency Safeguarding Hub (MASH) co-locates key agencies and their data into a secure assessment, research and decision-making unit for new contacts to Children’s Social Care and safeguarding referrals for Adults at Risk of Abuse. The MASH will provide the first point of contact and risk assessment in respect of service requests and safeguarding enquiries for children, young people and vulnerable adults in accordance with agreed referral and service thresholds.
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 Milly Clark or Barbara Metcalfe for a casual conversation. You can reach them by calling:
- Milly Clark on 01473 263139 or emailing milly.clark2@suffolk.gov.uk
- Barbara Metcalfe on 01473 263147 or emailing barbara.metcalfe@suffolk.gov.uk
How to apply
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.
Step 1 - Read the Job and Person Profile (JPP) (docx).
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 (docx).
1. Share an experience of managing a complex case involving multi-agency assessment.
2. Describe a time you effectively engaged with children, young people, or families using collaborative communication techniques.
3. Describe how you maintain accurate records and reports
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, 20 January 2025.
Interview date: week commending 3 February 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
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).
Proud member of the Disability Confident employer scheme
Disability Confident
About Disability Confident
A Disability Confident employer will generally offer an interview to any applicant that declares they have a disability and meets the minimum criteria for the job as defined by the employer. It is important to note that in certain recruitment situations such as high-volume, seasonal and high-peak times, the employer may wish to limit the overall numbers of interviews offered to both disabled people and non-disabled people. For more details please go to Disability Confident .