Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Join our Guildford Locality team as a Senior Social Worker, supporting adults and managing complex cases.
- Company: Surrey County Council is a forward-thinking local authority focused on community impact and collaboration.
- Benefits: Enjoy 26-31 days of holiday, hybrid working, lifestyle discounts, and extensive training opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while growing your skills in a supportive, diverse environment.
- Qualifications: You need a relevant degree, registration with Social Work England, and substantial post-qualification experience.
- Other info: This role will transition to a new unitary council in 2027, ensuring job security.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 55000 £ per year.
Job Description
This role has a starting salary of £47,884 per annum, based on a 36 hour working week.
We are hiring a new Senior Social Worker to join our fantastic Guildford Locality team. The team is based in Guildford and we are a varied and vibrant team; allowing those who wish to do so to specialise in their area of interest. Alternatively, you will have the opportunity to move between the sub-teams and develop a whole range of specialist knowledge!
We are a forward thinking and motivational diverse team incorporating multi-agency and collaborative working as an ever-expanding ambition for the team to promote opportunities for team members and customers. We promote choice and opportunity not just for our customers but for our team members, including hybrid working.
Rewards and Benefits:
- 26 days' holiday (prorated for part time staff), rising to 28 days after 2 years' service and 31 days after 5 years' service
- Option to buy up to 10 days of additional annual leave
- An extensive Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) to support health and wellbeing
- Up to 5 days of carer's leave per year
- Paternity, adoption and dependents leave
- A generous local government salary related pension
- Lifestyle discounts including gym, travel, shopping and many more
- 2 paid volunteering days per year
- Learning and development hub where you can access a wealth of resources
- Investing in individual growth and career progression
- Ensuring our workplaces and practices are supportive and inclusive
About the Team
Guildford Locality Team is one of the largest Locality Teams in Surrey. You will join a supportive, skilled, and creative team that values a strong work ethic, honesty, reliability, and the ability to apply and document thorough assessments and reviews based on your expertise. This ensures we provide a service we can all be proud of and share our knowledge and skills.
About the Role
Within the Senior Social Worker role, you may have the opportunity to work throughout the team on Duty and in Allocations, incorporating safeguarding adults experience, case management of D2A cases, joint working with Occupational Therapists and Surrey's Reablement Team to name a few. You will become accustomed to service provision on the phone as well as visiting clients in their own home or care setting. You will work in Surreys strength-based approach method whilst promoting client's choice and independence.
As a Senior Social Worker you will be undertaking Care Act assessments, Reviews, Mental Capacity Assessments, and legal case work – of which will include complex case management in line with the job description. You will also have the responsibility of providing regular supervision within the team and the opportunity of contributing/arranging complex case discussion meetings as part of CPD practice.
You will receive training and support in all areas, as well as regular professional supervision, to ensure your transition into the team. By building on the foundation of your experience, and by directing your knowledge and skills within the social work context, the team will support you to become confident and competent to fulfil the requirements of the role.
Shortlisting Criteria
To be considered for shortlisting for this position, your application will clearly evidence the following:
- A relevant degree and registration with Social Work England.
- Substantial post-qualification professional experience as a social worker is also required.
- Experience of providing professional supervision (can include unqualified and non-professional supervision).
- You will be motivated and flexible with high professional standards and sound knowledge and experience of current legislation and its application to practice in a social care setting.
- An applied knowledge of The Care Act and The Mental Capacity Act and experience of undertaking safeguarding enquiries is essential alongside experience of working in complex situations using professional judgement and a range of interventions.
- You will have experience of, and be able to provide, professional, reflective supervision, guidance and advice to less experienced social workers, including those completing ASYE and social work students.
Surrey has both urban and rural areas and locality based social care workers will be expected to have a valid driving licence to drive in the UK and access to a vehicle and be willing to travel across a wide geographical area. Reasonable adjustments where needed will be made for successful applicants who have a disability or long term health condition to enable them to fulfil the requirements of the job.
The job advert closes at 23:59 on 31/08/2025 with interviews to be confirmed.
We look forward to receiving your application, please click on the apply online button below to submit.
Local Government Reorganisation
Surrey County Council is preparing for Local Government Reorganisation which will allow us to implement the Government led policy of devolution, which is all about giving more powers to local areas.
Currently, Surrey has a two-tier council system, with 11 district and borough councils and a county council, all responsible for different services. All these councils will be reorganised into a smaller number of new unitary councils which will come into effect in April 2027. At this point, this role will be transferred, with all existing terms and conditions intact into one of the new unitary councils.
Join our dynamic team and shape the future of local government. Make a lasting impact with innovative solutions and improved services for our community. Help us build a brighter future for our residents!
Adults Senior Social Worker - Guildford Locality Team employer: Surrey County Council
Contact Detail:
Surrey County Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Adults Senior Social Worker - Guildford Locality Team
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the specific needs and challenges of the Guildford locality. Understanding the demographics and unique social issues in the area will help you demonstrate your commitment and readiness to tackle these challenges during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with current or former employees of the Guildford Locality Team. Engaging with them can provide valuable insights into the team culture and expectations, which you can leverage to tailor your approach when discussing your fit for the role.
✨Tip Number 3
Stay updated on the latest legislation and best practices in social work, particularly regarding The Care Act and The Mental Capacity Act. Being well-versed in these areas will not only boost your confidence but also show your dedication to professional development.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare to discuss your experience in providing supervision and guidance to less experienced social workers. Highlighting your leadership skills and ability to foster a supportive environment will be crucial in demonstrating your suitability for the Senior Social Worker position.
We think you need these skills to ace Adults Senior Social Worker - Guildford Locality Team
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience and qualifications that align with the Senior Social Worker role. Emphasise your post-qualification professional experience, particularly in safeguarding and complex case management.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your motivation for applying to the Guildford Locality Team. Mention specific aspects of the job description that resonate with you and how your skills can contribute to the team's goals.
Highlight Relevant Qualifications: Clearly state your degree and registration with Social Work England in your application. Include any additional training or certifications that demonstrate your commitment to professional development in social work.
Showcase Supervision Experience: If you have experience providing supervision, make sure to detail this in your application. Discuss how you've guided less experienced social workers and contributed to their professional growth, as this is a key requirement for the role.
How to prepare for a job interview at Surrey County Council
✨Know Your Legislation
Make sure you're well-versed in The Care Act and The Mental Capacity Act. Be prepared to discuss how you've applied these laws in your previous roles, as this will demonstrate your expertise and understanding of the legal framework surrounding social work.
✨Showcase Your Supervision Skills
Since the role involves providing professional supervision, be ready to share examples of how you've guided less experienced social workers. Highlight any specific challenges you faced and how you helped them develop their skills.
✨Demonstrate Flexibility and Motivation
The job requires a motivated and flexible approach. Prepare to discuss situations where you've adapted to changing circumstances or taken the initiative to improve service delivery, showcasing your commitment to client choice and independence.
✨Prepare for Complex Case Discussions
Given the emphasis on complex case management, think about specific cases you've handled that required professional judgement. Be ready to explain your thought process and the interventions you used, as this will illustrate your critical thinking and problem-solving abilities.
