At a Glance
- Tasks: Support children in care, build relationships, and ensure their safety and independence.
- Company: Join a dedicated team at Surrey Children's Services, making a real difference.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working, generous leave, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Inclusive recruitment process with support for all applicants.
- Why this job: Be part of a rewarding career that impacts children's lives positively.
- Qualifications: Qualified Social Work degree, SWE Registration, and relevant experience required.
The predicted salary is between 28285 - 30705 £ per year.
We have a great opportunity for a part-time Senior Social Worker to join our fantastic Children Looked After Team based in Weybridge for 21.60 hours per week. The salary range for this role is 28,285 - 30,705 per annum, based on 21.60 hours per week, pro-rata to 47,884 - 51,175. We also offer a financial package of up to 6,000 which is payable in 3 instalments across your first 18 months in post. When not working with our residents in the community, we are keen to support agile working with a combination of home and office working.
Our Offer to You:
- We pay your Social Worker England Registration fee
- 28 days annual leave, rising to 31 days after 5 years' service (plus bank holidays)
- 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 dependants 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
- Refer a friend payment of 1,000 as a thank you for finding the right Social Worker
We recognise that looking for your next Social Work position is a really important step in your career and we're here to make that transition a positive one. Our commitment to applicants is to remove barriers and to understand more about you, your motivation for working in children's social care and why you're proud to work for such a valuable profession.
About working with Children Looked After:
As a member in the Children Looked After Team, your aim and role will be to support children living with relatives, friends or foster families and perspective adopters or older children living in children's homes and semi-independent units. You will build sustainable relationships with them and plan for their permanence. You will be responsible for ensuring their safety and support them towards independence. Through regular visits, assessments and reviewing their Care Plan, you will nurture and develop meaningful relationships with these children; understand and interpret their wishes; and champion and support them to reach their full potential. Occasionally, you will be required to prepare reports and attend court. You will be supported in this challenging role with regular supervision and consultations with our Mental Health Focussed Social Worker.
Supporting You:
In Surrey, you will have a sense of belonging within your individual team but also the wider service areas and directorate. You will receive high quality supervision, as there is a firm commitment towards dedicating time that focusses on the work you do with children and families, to enable you to work creatively and holistically with a child centred approach. You will also be supported in your career development by your management team and our Surrey Children's Service Academy, which currently has over 60 courses available and offers a bespoke learning programme so you can be at the forefront of best practice, providing you with support and a clear pathway to achieve your future aspirations.
Your Application, Our Inclusive Approach:
In order to be considered for shortlisting, your application will clearly evidence the following skills and align with our behaviours:
- Qualified Social Work degree and SWE Registration
- Car driver with a valid UK license
- ASYE completed, within two years of qualifying
- UK social work experience
- Three years post-qualified experience
To apply you will need to upload your CV and answer the following questions (no more than 200 words per question):
- Please tell us what has motivated you to apply for this role?
- Please tell us about the key skills and experience you will be able to bring to this role.
- Please tell us about an example that demonstrates how you have built long lasting relationships with children.
The job advert closes at 23:59 on the 5th June 2026 with interviews to follow. We are committed to inclusive recruitment. That's why, if you're invited to a face-to-face interview, we'll share the themes of the questions with you in advance. This way, you can prepare and feel comfortable knowing what topics will be covered during the process, allowing you to focus and confidently discuss your valuable skills and experiences.
An enhanced DBS 'Disclosure and Barring Service' check for regulated activity (formerly known as CRB) and the Children's and Adults' Barred List checks will be required for this role.
Local Government Reorganisation (LGR): Surrey County Council is undergoing Local Government Reorganisation, moving from a two-tier system to two new unitary councils in April 2027. If you are employed by Surrey on 1st April 2027, your role will transfer with current terms and conditions to one of the new organisations, supporting local devolution and greater powers for our communities.
Our Commitment: We are a disability confident employer which means if you have shared a disability on your application form and have evidenced you meet the minimum criteria, we guarantee you an interview. Your skills and experience truly matter to us. From application to your first day, we're committed to supporting you with any adjustments you need, we value inclusion and warmly welcome you to join and help build a workplace where everyone belongs.
Senior Social Worker for Children in Care employer: Broughton Group
Surrey Children's Services is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and flexible work environment for Senior Social Workers in the Children Looked After Team based in Weybridge. With a strong commitment to employee wellbeing, professional development, and a culture that values creativity and collaboration, you will have access to extensive training resources and a generous benefits package, including a financial incentive, annual leave, and lifestyle discounts. Join us in making a meaningful impact on the lives of children and young people while enjoying a fulfilling career in a progressive and inclusive organisation.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Social Worker for Children in Care
✨Get Involved in Community Events
Dive headfirst into community events and social work fairs in your area. These are great opportunities to connect with potential employers like Broughton Group, grab some insider info, and showcase your passion for social work. Plus, meeting people face-to-face can really make you stand out!
✨Join Social Work Networks
Tap into social work networks and online communities, like local charities and organisations. Engaging in discussions or volunteering can help you build a strong reputation and could lead to part-time roles just like the one at Broughton Group. The connections you make could be the key to landing your next opportunity!
✨Make Your Passion Shine
When approaching part-time roles, be sure to highlight your passion for social issues in conversations and informal chats. Bring your experiences to life through storytelling – this can resonate well with organisations looking for someone who genuinely cares about making a difference!
✨Keep an Eye on Local Job Boards
Part-time roles in social work might not always be advertised in the usual places. Keep checking local job boards or community centres for openings, and don't hesitate to apply directly through Broughton Group's website – we love seeing proactive candidates who take the initiative!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Social Worker for Children in Care
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Social Work:In your cover letter, let your passion for social work shine through. Talk about why you're drawn to this field and how you've been involved in community service or support roles. We want to see your commitment and the heart you bring to the table!
Highlight Relevant Experience:Make sure to spotlight any hands-on experience you have! Whether it's internships, volunteering, or relevant coursework, detail how your past experiences relate to the role at Broughton Group. We love seeing candidates who have practical skills and a real understanding of social issues.
Certificates and Training Matter:If you've got any relevant certifications or training specific to social work (like safeguarding training or counselling qualifications), don’t forget to include these in your CV! These details can set you apart and show us you’re serious about your professional development.
Be Flexible with Your Availability:Since this is a part-time role, explain your availability clearly in your application. Let us know when you can start and how many hours you’re looking to work. Being upfront about your schedule will help us see how you fit into the team at Broughton Group.
How to prepare for a job interview at Broughton Group
✨Show Your Passion for Helping Others
In social work, it's all about your commitment to making a difference. Be ready to share specific experiences that highlight your passion for helping others, whether that's through volunteering, placements, or personal stories. We want to see that genuine drive during your chat with Broughton Group.
✨Know Your Social Work Theories
You might be quizzed on social work theories or models that inform your practice, like the person-in-environment approach. Brush up on these concepts and be prepared to discuss how you'd apply them in a practical setting. This could be a game changer in your interview for a Senior Social Worker for Children in Care at Broughton Group.
✨Flexibility and Availability are Key
As you're going for a part-time role, highlight your flexibility and how it would fit with the organisation's needs. Have examples ready that demonstrate your availability for various shifts or urgent situations—that's just gold for a social work role.
✨Prepare for a Situation-Based Discussion
Expect scenario-based questions where you'll need to demonstrate how you'd handle specific situations with clients or stakeholders. Think of a couple of real-life scenarios you've encountered and articulate your thought process. This will show Broughton Group that you're ready to hit the ground running in the Senior Social Worker for Children in Care role.
