Job summary
We are seeking a committed and enthusiastic GP with a special interest in Children in Care (CiC) to join Suffolk's integrated community paediatric services.

Working as part of a county-wide multidisciplinary team, the postholder will undertake statutory Initial Health Assessments (IHAs) for children and young people entering the care of Suffolk County Council, ensuring assessments are completed within required timescales and to a high professional standard.

Main duties of the job
The role involves identifying physical, emotional and developmental health needs, capturing the views of children and young people, and making appropriate referrals and recommendations to improve health outcomes. The postholder will work closely with community paediatricians, nursing and allied health professionals, social care and education colleagues to support effective care planning and safeguarding arrangements.

The successful candidate will join a well-established and collaborative service with strong partnerships across health, education and social care. As part of a wider county-wide community medical team, they will contribute to the delivery of equitable services across Suffolk and play an important role in improving the health, wellbeing and life chances of Children in Care.

Job responsibilities

• To undertake statutory Initial Health Assessments for children and young people aged 5 to 18 years who are in the care of Suffolk County Council, and for children placed in Suffolk by other local authorities where required.
• To review all relevant health information prior to assessment, including medical history, immunisation status, previous healthcare involvement and any information provided by partner agencies.
• To complete comprehensive, evidence-based health assessments using approved Children in Care assessment documentation and frameworks.
• To identify and assess the child or young person's physical, developmental, emotional and mental health needs, taking account of their individual circumstances, vulnerabilities and safeguarding risks.
• To ensure that the views, wishes and experiences of the child or young person are sought, heard and reflected throughout the assessment and healthcare planning process.
• To develop a SMART healthcare plan that clearly identifies health needs, objectives, actions, referrals, responsibilities and timescales, in partnership with the child or young person and their carers where appropriate.
• To provide health promotion, preventative healthcare advice and education to children, young people and carers, supporting positive health outcomes and increased independence in managing healthcare needs.
• To initiate and make appropriate referrals arising from the assessment and ensure that actions identified within the healthcare plan are progressed in a timely manner.
• To complete all clinical documentation, healthcare summaries, action plans and electronic records accurately and within agreed timescales, using SystmOne and other designated clinical information systems.
• To work collaboratively with the Children in Care Health Team, Community Paediatric Services, Social Care, Education and other partner agencies to support safeguarding responsibilities and improve the health, wellbeing and life chances of children and young people in care.

Essential qualifications and experience

• Full GMC registration and hold a license to practice
• MRCP or equivalent
• At least 2 years working as a qualified doctor
• At least 2 years working within a General Practice
• Experience in safeguarding and child protection practice
• Experience of multi-disciplinary working
• Have proven negotiating and leadership skills and experience of multi-agency working

Desirable

• With a special interest in Children in Care
• Experience of working as a medical adviser for fostering and adoption
• Prior experience of paediatrics, for example obtained through a paediatrics rotation in training
• Experience of undertaking Initial Heath Assessments
• Has ability to travel

Salary £63,696 to £102,689 a year Pro Rata Per Annum
Working pattern: Part-time
Contract: Permanent
Closing date: 17 November 2026

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and requires a Disclosure and Barring Service check. Applicants must have current UK professional registration.