Senior Social Worker and Court Work Specialist
Added 20 Oct · still live
Likely
Sponsorship likelihood
This employer has issued visas recently
—
Going rate
Skilled Worker going rate
This role likely qualifies for a Skilled Worker visa
SOC 2461 (100% match) is an eligible occupation, and Suffolk County Council is a licensed sponsor. That is our reading of the rules. Whether they issue a Certificate of Sponsorship is still their call.
In 2025, Suffolk County Council assigned 12 or more Certificates of Sponsorship for SOC 2461 jobs, according to the Home Office.
Your salary route
New graduate or PhD holder? Pick one of the lower rates.
What each route needs for this job
| Occupation code | New entrant 70% of going rate | STEM PhD 80% of going rate | Relevant PhD 90% of going rate | Standard rate 100% of going rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
2461 Social workers Most likely code | £25,000 Clears | £25,000 Clears | £25,000 Clears | £25,000 Clears |
We use the lowest threshold across the plausible codes. Likelihood is Possible at most when the pay clears only a lower rate, or only under a less likely code. A mark is for the top of the advertised pay. How the Home Office picks the code
About the role
Job Description
As a Senior Social Worker (Court Work Specialist) within our Family Help Service, you'll work alongside social workers, managers, legal professionals and partner agencies to help achieve the best outcomes for children and families.
If you're passionate about high-quality practice and have significant experience of court work within children's social care, we'd love to hear from you.
Reimagine the possibilities
Your Role And Responsibilities
This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced social worker with a particular interest and strength in court work. Rather than holding a caseload, you'll provide specialist advice, guidance and oversight to social workers involved in pre-proceedings, care proceedings and private law proceedings, helping to improve the quality and consistency of practice across the service.
In this role, you will:
- Suffolk County Council
- Address: Riverside, 4 Canning Road, Lowestoft, NR33 0EQ. Hybrid work
- Salary: £42,123 - £48,607 per annum (pro rata for part time), plus retention payment of up to £4,000 per year (pro rata for part time)
- Hours: 37 hours per week
- Contract: Permanent
As a Senior Social Worker (Court Work Specialist) within our Family Help Service, you'll work alongside social workers, managers, legal professionals and partner agencies to help achieve the best outcomes for children and families.
If you're passionate about high-quality practice and have significant experience of court work within children's social care, we'd love to hear from you.
Reimagine the possibilities
Your Role And Responsibilities
This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced social worker with a particular interest and strength in court work. Rather than holding a caseload, you'll provide specialist advice, guidance and oversight to social workers involved in pre-proceedings, care proceedings and private law proceedings, helping to improve the quality and consistency of practice across the service.
In this role, you will:
- provide specialist support to social workers involved in pre-proceedings and care proceedings
- support a case from its beginning through final hearings and beyond, including reviewing court reports, answering questions and helping manage the court workflow
- offer expert advice on court processes, legal expectations and required documentation
- support practitioners to prepare high-quality court reports and Child Permanence Reports
- work alongside Team Managers, Heads of Service, legal services and partner agencies to support effective case progression
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What You Will Need
We're looking for a qualified and experienced social worker who can provide confidence, guidance and expertise to colleagues navigating complex court processes.
You will:
- hold a recognised Social Work qualification and Social Work England registration
- have 2-3 years’ experience within children's social care, ideally at Senior Social Worker level
- to hold 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
- have direct experience of care proceedings, court work and private law proceedings
- can confidently interpret legislation, policy and procedure to support high-quality practice
- have excellent report-writing, analytical and communication skills
- can influence, support and challenge professional practice positively
- have experience working collaboratively with children, families and partner agencies to achieve positive outcomes
- are passionate about improving outcomes for children, young people and families
- be confident in providing constructive professional challenge to legal representatives and partner agencies, using your expertise in court work to support effective decision-making and achieve the best possible outcomes for children and families.
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You can view a full list of requirements in theJob and Person Profile (JPP), which you can find in the ‘How to apply’ section towards the bottom of this advert.
If you believe you can succeed in this role, even if you don't meet all requirements, please still apply. We would appreciate the opportunity to consider your application.
The team
At Suffolk County Council, we aspire for every child to live their best life.
Our Family Help teams are multi-disciplinary, bringing together social workers and practitioners to provide early help, safeguarding and support to children and families.
We focus on:
Take a look at what makes our Ideal Worker , shaped by the voices of young people.
Empowering Everyone
We're big believers in potential, possibility and the power of different ideas. We want to represent the diverse communities we serve and welcome applications from all backgrounds. We are committed to creating an inclusive environment where everyone can thrive.
For more information
For an informal conversation, please contact either Nathalie Rich by either calling 01473 263515 or emailing [email protected] or Paul Moore by either calling 01502 674656 or emailing [email protected]
How To Apply
Step 1 - Read the Job and Person Profile (Word).
Step 2 - Click ‘Apply Now’ to start your online application.
Step 3 -
If you believe you can succeed in this role, even if you don't meet all requirements, please still apply. We would appreciate the opportunity to consider your application.
The team
At Suffolk County Council, we aspire for every child to live their best life.
Our Family Help teams are multi-disciplinary, bringing together social workers and practitioners to provide early help, safeguarding and support to children and families.
We focus on:
- Early intervention and prevention.
- Strengths-based, relationship-led practice.
- Multi-agency working to deliver joined-up support.
- Creating sustainable change for families.
Take a look at what makes our Ideal Worker , shaped by the voices of young people.
Empowering Everyone
We're big believers in potential, possibility and the power of different ideas. We want to represent the diverse communities we serve and welcome applications from all backgrounds. We are committed to creating an inclusive environment where everyone can thrive.
For more information
For an informal conversation, please contact either Nathalie Rich by either calling 01473 263515 or emailing [email protected] or Paul Moore by either calling 01502 674656 or emailing [email protected]
How To Apply
Step 1 - Read the Job and Person Profile (Word).
Step 2 - Click ‘Apply Now’ to start your online application.
Step 3 -
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Upload asupporting statementanswering the following questions below (no more than 400 words per question). You should use the Supporting Statement template .
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.
For guidance on completing your application, please see our How to Apply page .
We value authentic applications that showcase your genuine skills and experiences, so we encourage you to present your own work and ideas throughout the process. You can also read our Using AI in Your Application and Interview guidance to understand acceptable and unacceptable use of AI. If AI is used inappropriately, your application may not be progressed.
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 by either emailing [email protected] or calling03456 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:
- Tell us about a time when you worked closely with legal representatives, managers and partner agencies to progress a case. How did you build effective relationships and overcome any challenges?
- Please provide an example of how you have used legislation, statutory guidance, research or policy to inform your practice or support the practice of others.
- Tell us about a time when you identified an area for improvement in practice. How did you share learning or influence change, and what impact did this have?
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.
For guidance on completing your application, please see our How to Apply page .
We value authentic applications that showcase your genuine skills and experiences, so we encourage you to present your own work and ideas throughout the process. You can also read our Using AI in Your Application and Interview guidance to understand acceptable and unacceptable use of AI. If AI is used inappropriately, your application may not be progressed.
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 by either emailing [email protected] or calling03456 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:
11.30 pm, 2 November 2026.
Promoted as JOTW (Job of the Week) on Suffolk Jobs Direct.
About Us
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:
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) .
Promoted as JOTW (Job of the Week) on Suffolk Jobs Direct.
About Us
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
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) .
This description is the source posting as it read when we added it. We are not affiliated with Suffolk County Council, so check their own site for the current details.
Where this offer sits in the market
Social workers (SOC 2461) · UK · ONS ASHE 2025 · basic pay · ~99k in sampleSOC 2461
- Middle half £39,260–49,400
- Median £44,044
Similar sponsored roles
See all UK visa jobsNo close matches live right now.
Browse more sponsored jobs at Suffolk County CouncilAbout sponsorship for this role
Does this job guarantee visa sponsorship?
Not necessarily. Suffolk County Council holds a sponsor licence, but sponsorship for a specific hire is always the employer's decision. In 2025, Suffolk County Council assigned 12 or more Certificates of Sponsorship for SOC 2461 jobs, according to the Home Office. Be upfront in your application that you'll require it.
What salary is needed for this role to be eligible?
Skilled Worker roles must clear both the general salary threshold and the occupation-specific going rate. See our occupation eligibility guide for the current figures.