Suffolk County Council is seeking passionate and committed Children’s Newly Qualified Social Workers to join their dedicated team in Ipswich. This is a fantastic opportunity for new graduates to launch their social work careers and make a real difference in the lives of children and families.
Candidates must hold a relevant social work qualification, be registered with Social Work England, and have a full and current driving licence. The council provides excellent training, development, and progression opportunities to support your professional growth.
Visa sponsorship is available for eligible applicants, making this an ideal opportunity for both UK-based and international candidates ready to start their journey in social care. Apply now to join a forward-thinking council dedicated to improving lives.
About Suffolk County Council
Suffolk is a vibrant and diverse county in the East of England, renowned for its rich heritage, cultural attractions, scenic countryside, and stunning coastline. Offering a high quality of life, Suffolk is characterised by a strong sense of community and a commitment to innovation and resident wellbeing.
Suffolk County Council is dedicated to fostering a safe and supportive environment for children, families, and communities across the region. As a modern and progressive local authority, the Council prioritises flexibility, collaboration, and a people-focused approach to service delivery.
As one of Suffolk’s largest employers, Suffolk County Council is committed to empowering its workforce through varied career opportunities, accessible development pathways, and a culture of support. The Council encourages staff to make a meaningful impact, take pride in their contributions, and reimagine the future of public service.
Position: Children’s Newly Qualified Social Workers
Salary: £33,336 – £36,124 a year
Job Type: Full Time
Location: Ipswich, Suffolk
About the Role
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.
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 will need
To take up this role, you will need to have:
- A relevant social work qualification and Social Work England registration
- 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.
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).
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.
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?
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).
Required Documents
- CV/Resume
- Cover Letter
Application Process
To apply for this role, please visit the OFFICIAL WEBPAGE
Application Deadline
May 31, 2025