Suffolk County Council
Senior Practitioner
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Senior Practitioner – Mental Health Team Location: Hybrid – Endeavour House, Ipswich, Suffolk, IP1 2BX Salary: £40,777–£47,054 per annum (pro rata for part-time) Hours: 37 hrs/week (flexible options available) Contract: Permanent
About the Role
Are you an experienced and creative Social Worker with a background in Adult Social Care and leadership?
We’re seeking a Senior Practitioner to join our Mental Health South Team in Ipswich. You’ll work within our Adult Social Care Mental Health, Learning Disability and Autism Service, contributing to a supportive, collaborative locality-based structure across Suffolk.
This is an exciting time to grow your career, delivering our Independent Lives programme and driving service transformation—a role filled with complex but rewarding opportunities.
If you’re passionate about enabling people to live as independently as possible, thrive in partnership work, and believe in improving outcomes for individuals, families, providers, and health colleagues—this could be your next step.
Key Responsibilities
- Conduct assessments and reviews with customers, families, and service providers to ensure tailored support.
- Apply strengths-based interventions to enhance independence, wellbeing, and support networks (including safeguarding and risk management).
- Take leadership on complex cases, deputise for the Team Manager as needed.
- Provide case supervision, mentoring, and developing high-quality continuous learning among colleagues.
- Embed Suffolk County Council’s values: outcomes-driven, continuous improvement and value for money practices.
- Ensure statutory duties align with adults and carers’ legislation and guidance.
- Collaborate with partner organisations for joined-up support, advice, and policy influence.
Requirements
Applicants must have:
- A relevant professional qualification (Social Work, Occupational Therapy, or equivalent) at degree level, with evidence of continuous professional development.
- Strong partnership working skills, collaborating effectively with individuals, families, and professionals.
- Ability to prioritise changing demands while leading service development.
- Confidence using innovative and digital practice approaches.
- Expertise in assessing and managing risk with a supportive, enabling mindset.
- Commitment to equipping and developing others in practice excellence.
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For full requirements, refer to the Job and Person Profile (JPP) available under ‘How to apply’.
Note: If you don’t meet all criteria, we encourage you to apply—every experience matters.
About Your Team
Our Mental Health, Learning Disability and Autism Review Team operates via the Signs of Safety and Wellbeing model, focusing on empowering strengths for greater independence.
Within this framework:
- Diverse roles include: Team Manager, Social Workers, Senior Practitioner, and Independence and Wellbeing Practitioners.
- Hybrid working model balances office and home environments.
- Investment in growth; staff are our greatest asset, fostering fulfilling careers that improve the lives of Suffolk’s population.
Our Values
"Empowering Everyone" Suffolk County Council celebrates diversity and possibility, encouraging underrepresented voices. We’re committed to equality, with policies visible in our Workforce Equality Report.
Supporting Your Journey
Prefer a casual conversation? Contact Libby Clark (she/her), or email libby.clark@suffolk.gov.uk / call 01473 264127.
How to Apply
- Read the Job and Person Profile (JPP).
- Start your application via the ‘Apply Now’ link.
- Submit a supporting statement (max 400 words per question) using the template. Address these:
- How did you support colleagues implementing change and communicate key information effectively?
- Provide an example of identifying and addressing team learning needs—describe the impact.
- Use your legislative/policy knowledge (e.g., Care Act) to guide or influence practices. Explain the outcome.
- Describe a situation where you identified inconsistent practice—how did you challenge it and support improvement?
Get help with your application
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Please upload statements as PDF/Word. No application progress if omitted!
Equitable Adjustments: Request assistance by email recruitment@suffolk.gov.uk / call 03456 014412. Review this guidelines page for details.
Critical Dates
- Applications Close: 11:30pm, 12 July 2026.
Safeguarding
This authority prioritises child, young person, and vulnerable adult welfare. DBS checks apply.
Perks & Benefits
Reimagine a career with impact at Suffolk County Council! Enjoy:
- Up to 29 days annual leave (pro-rata) + UK bank holidays + 2 paid volunteering days.
- Competitive Local Government Pension (LGPS) scheme.
- Internationally, explore travel, lifestyle, health, and wellbeing benefits (details here).
- Cost-of-living adjustments + performance-related pay reviews.
- Inclusive training, career development, and active staff networks.
- Flexible working from Day 1—your needs matter! Refer to our Reasonable Adjustments Page.
Visit suffolk.gov.uk/careers today!
We’re looking forward to shaping a brighter Suffolk together.
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