About

• Suffolk County Council
• Address: Endeavour House, Ipswich, IP1 2BX - Hybrid & Community working in Suffolk

Salary

• Newly Qualified with ASYE at £37,280 per annum, pro rata if part time
• Experienced at £38,220 - £40,777 per annum, pro rata if part time
• Hours: 37, flexible working options available
• Contract: Permanent
• We’re focused on making a meaningful difference to communities across Suffolk. How? By listening to our people learning from what they say and creating a culture of mutual respect, where everyone works together to achieve great things. As a Social Worker in the Sensing Change Team, you’ll be as keen to collaborate and build a bright future as we are. So, to make a positive impact, connect with us and connect with a fantastic career.
• Reimagine the possibilities.

• Your role and responsibilities
• All Social Work functions relevant to role including assessments, carers assessments, reviews and developing support packages.
• Offer information, advice, guidance and support to enable people with sight and/or hearing loss to live as independently as possible
• To consider the needs of carers in all assessments and to undertake separate Carers Assessments as requested and/or required.
• Balance needs and risk of individuals while focussing on promoting independence and positive outcomes
• You will need
• Social Work qualification (Diploma/Degree)
• Current and valid registration with Social Work England
• Evidence of Continued Professional Development
• Interest and commitment to working with people with a sight and/or hearing loss and developing skills in British Sign Language.
• Knowledge other communication methods
• Good understanding and awareness of the emotional impact of sight and/or hearing loss.
• Able to identify risk and carry out effective risk assessments that promote independence.
• You can view a full list of requirements in the Job and Person Profile (Word). 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
• Sensing Change is a well-established, dedicated and supportive team with lots of experience, enthusiasm and passion for promoting the needs of people with sight and/or hearing loss. We will nurture and develop your existing skills to focus on sensory need and will provide training leading to qualifications in this interesting and specialist area of work.
• 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 Caroline Carr, Head of Service, for a casual conversation. You can reach them by calling 01473 260030 or emailing caroline.carr@sensingchange.org.uk.
• How to apply
• Step 1 - Read the Job and Person Profile (Word).
• 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.
• Give an example of when you had to explain complex information to a distressed person. How did you adapt your communication verbally, in writing or on the phone?
• Give an example of identifying and managing a significant risk, such as safeguarding or self‑neglect. What actions did you take?
• Tell me about a time you communicated through an interpreter. How did you plan, conduct and follow up the discussion?
• Give an example of assessing for and demonstrating equipment or techniques to a customer or informal carer. How did you ensure they felt confident using it?
• 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.
• Do you need any reasonable adjustments to help you to apply? If you are disabled and/or have additional support needs, you can request reasonable adjustments. You can do this by contacting our Recruitment Team at recruitment@suffolk.gov.uk or 03456 014412.
• You can find examples of possible adjustments on our Reasonable Adjustment pages. If you're invited to the next stage, you’ll have another chance to request adjustments.

• Closing date: 11.30pm, 01 March 2026
• Interview date: Week commencing 9 March 2026
• 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).