Children’s Newly Qualified Social Workers – Suffolk County Council | Sponsorship Available

Job Description

Employer: Suffolk County Council
Location: Various locations across Suffolk – Hybrid and community-based in Bury St Edmunds IP33 3YU, Ipswich IP1 2BX, or Lowestoft NR33 0EQ
Salary: £34,434 per annum, rising to £37,280 per annum (pro rata for part-time)
Retention Payment: £1,500, increasing to £4,000 (pro rata for part-time) upon successful completion of the ASYE (Assessed and Supported Year in Employment) programme
Working Hours: Full-time or part-time hours available
Contract: Permanent

At Suffolk County Council (SCC), we believe that when our people grow, our communities thrive. We are looking for passionate Newly Qualified Social Workers to join our Children and Young People's service.

Here, you will find more than just a job. You will discover opportunities to develop your skills, make a meaningful impact, and reimagine what is possible.

Join a profession that changes lives.

As a social worker, you will be part of a regulated, highly skilled team making a positive impact every day. While supporting children and their families, you will help people find solutions, promote their rights, and empower them to thrive. We value the unique experiences and dedication our social workers bring, and we are committed to sharing the real, positive stories of social work in our community.

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. We understand that to provide an outstanding service, our Newly Qualified Social Workers need to be at their best. You will find a supportive environment where you will receive the guidance needed to achieve your goals and reach your full potential during your ASYE, while maintaining a healthy work-life balance.

Hear from our Social Work teams and find out more about how Suffolk supports Newly Qualified Social Workers to grow, develop, and progress.

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.
• The necessary training to enhance your career development.
• A structured career progression scheme to support your professional growth.
• Full support from our management team and colleagues within the service to help you achieve your goals and get the most from your ASYE.
• Protected development time and opportunities for reflection.
• Regular supervision with your Practice Manager.
• Ongoing CPD (Continuing Professional Development) and PDP (Personal Development Plan) opportunities to support professional growth.
• A reduced caseload, starting from 15 cases during the first six months.
• Clinical supervision from an experienced professional, supporting both your personal wellbeing and the quality of care provided to children and young people.

This support is designed to help you build confidence in your professional abilities and provide the best possible care to children, young people, and families.

Additional Benefits

• Up to 29 days of annual leave plus bank holidays per annum, pro rata for part-time employees.
• An uplift of 3 additional annual leave days, pro rata for part-time employees.
• 3 protected CPD days per annum.
• Access to a relocation package of up to £8,000.
• Car leasing scheme.
• Welcome loan of £2,000 for new social workers moving to Suffolk.
• Free on-site car parking at all council buildings.
• Flexible working options.
• Support for employee health and wellbeing.
• Detailed induction programme, including mandatory Signs of Safety training.
• Staff networks open to staff, councillors, and partners who share similar characteristics, life experiences, values, and beliefs.

Eligibility Requirements

To take up this role, you will need to have:

• A relevant social work qualification.
• Current registration with Social Work England.
• A full and current driving licence.
• Access to personal transport or the ability to meet the mobility requirements of the role through other reasonable and suitable means.

Take a look at what makes our Ideal Worker, shaped by the voices of young people.

You can view the full list of eligibility requirements in the Job and Person Profiles below. If you believe you can succeed in this role, we would welcome your application.

Discover More

Hear from our staff about our Social Work teams and learn more about Social Work within Children and Young People's Services.

You can also find out more about Suffolk and what makes it a wonderful place to live and work.

Further information is available regarding what Suffolk County Council offers its employees.

Visa sponsorship may be available for current UK residents. This role is based in Suffolk.

The Team

You will join one of our dedicated Family Help Teams, which are multidisciplinary groups of social workers and practitioners committed to improving outcomes for children and young people across Suffolk.

We work creatively, collaboratively, and with compassion, always striving to ensure every child can live their best life.

Hybrid working, community engagement, and flexible approaches are all part of how we operate.

Empowering Everyone

We believe in potential, possibility, and the power of different ideas. We are always looking for ways to encourage, respect, and empower everyone to be the best they can be.

We want our workforce to represent the diverse communities we serve. We welcome applications from all individuals, particularly those from groups that are currently underrepresented within the organisation, as highlighted in our Workforce Equality Report.

For More Information

For an informal discussion about the role, email cypsocialworkenquiries@suffolk.gov.uk or contact Steve Blaney on 07742 505342.

Ready to reimagine what is possible in social work? Apply now and help shape the future of Suffolk.

How to Apply

Step 1: Before applying for this job, read the Job and Person Profile.

Step 2: Click the Apply button at the bottom to begin your online application.

Step 3: Upload a supporting statement answering the following questions. You should use the Supporting Statement template:

• Reflect on how your placement or apprenticeship experiences have prepared you for this Newly Qualified Social Worker role. What were your placements, and what key skills and insights did you gain?

• Provide an example of when you worked with an adult, child, or family during a placement. Include the legislation or framework you used, how you ensured a person-centred or child-centred assessment, and how you worked in partnership to promote independence and positive outcomes.

Step 4: Upload a CV without your name and personal details and complete the short online application form. When completing your application, indicate whether you have a preferred location from Ipswich, Bury St Edmunds, or Lowestoft.

Please note that your application will not be progressed without a supporting statement and CV. Supporting documents must be submitted in either PDF or MS Word format.

For guidance on completing your application, please refer to the council's How to Apply guidance.

Suffolk County Council values authentic applications that demonstrate your genuine skills and experience. Applicants are encouraged to present their own work and ideas throughout the application process.

You can also review the council's guidance regarding the appropriate use of AI in applications and interviews. Applications may not be progressed where AI has been used inappropriately.

If you require reasonable adjustments to help you apply, particularly if you are disabled or have additional support needs, you can contact the Recruitment Team by email at recruitment@suffolk.gov.uk or by telephone on 03456 014412. Examples of available adjustments can be found in the council's Reasonable Adjustments guidance.

If you are invited to the next stage of recruitment, you will have another opportunity to request reasonable adjustments.

Closing Date

11:30 pm, 31 August 2026

Promoted as an FJ (Featured Job) on Suffolk Jobs Direct.

Suffolk County Council 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 positions.

The council is also committed to flexible working.

About Suffolk County Council

As a modern and effective council, Suffolk County Council offers a wide range of career opportunities for people with different skills, abilities, and ambitions.

We provide working arrangements that reflect the way people work today and take the time to understand and support individual needs. We are driven to make a positive difference to the communities we serve and encourage people with drive and focus to join us and build an influential and rewarding career.

Reimagine the possibilities.

Employee Benefits

In return, you will enjoy:

• Up to 29 days of 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 support to expand your knowledge and skills.
• A variety of career development opportunities across the organisation.
• Diverse and active staff networks.
• Flexible working options, with the right to request flexible working from your first day.
• Many additional employee benefits and support programmes.