Senior Social Worker – Assessment Team

Job Description

Job Title: Senior Social Worker – Assessment Team
Specialism: Children’s Services
Location: Suffolk, UK
Salary: Up to £42.50 Per Hour
Type: Temporary / Full Time

We are seeking an experienced Senior Social Worker to join a busy Assessment Team based in Suffolk. This is an excellent opportunity for a confident practitioner with extensive experience in frontline assessment work, managing Child in Need and Child Protection cases within a fast-paced environment. You will work as part of a supportive team delivering high-quality statutory services that safeguard children and promote positive outcomes for families.

Perks and Benefits

• Hybrid Working: Enjoy a flexible hybrid working arrangement with office attendance required three days per week.
• Condensed Working Hours: Opportunity to work condensed hours over four days, supporting a healthy work-life balance.
• Supportive Team Environment: Work within a collaborative and experienced team focused on delivering high-quality practice.
• Professional Development: Benefit from regular supervision and ongoing opportunities to develop your knowledge and skills.
• Varied Caseload: Gain valuable experience managing a diverse range of statutory children’s cases within a busy frontline service.
• Modern Office Location: Based in Bury St Edmunds with excellent local amenities and transport links.

What You Will Do

• Complete statutory assessments under Section 17 and Section 47 of the Children Act.
• Manage Child in Need (CIN) and Child Protection (CP) plans, ensuring timely and effective interventions.
• Undertake comprehensive child and family assessments to identify needs, risks and appropriate support.
• Manage a fast-paced caseload while maintaining high standards of statutory practice and recording.
• Work collaboratively with partner agencies to deliver coordinated safeguarding interventions.
• Develop effective relationships with children, young people and families to achieve positive outcomes.
• Contribute to timely decision-making and safeguarding planning through high-quality assessments and reports.
• Ensure all statutory responsibilities are completed in line with legislative requirements and local procedures.

Essential Requirements

• Qualified Social Worker with current Social Work England registration.
• Significant experience within a Children’s Assessment Team.
• Strong knowledge of Section 17 and Section 47 assessments.
• Experience managing Child in Need and Child Protection cases.
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced frontline environment.
• Excellent assessment, risk management and decision-making skills.
• The DfE Cover Sheet must be fully completed and submitted with every CV.

Why Suffolk?

Suffolk offers an excellent opportunity to work within a progressive children’s service that values high-quality frontline practice, flexible working, and professional development. With supportive management and a collaborative team culture, this role provides an ideal environment for experienced social workers looking to make a real difference.

Working with Ardent Social

At Ardent Social, we are passionate about connecting experienced social work professionals with high-quality opportunities across the UK. We pride ourselves on providing a transparent, supportive, and professional recruitment experience tailored to your career goals and aspirations.

Apply now to join the Assessment Team in Suffolk and take the next exciting step in your social work career with Ardent Social.