At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and mentor in Family Safeguarding, focusing on high-quality social work.
- Company: Surrey County Council is dedicated to creating positive change for families.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, flexible working, and generous annual leave.
- Why this job: Make a real impact while developing your career in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Must be a qualified social worker with post-qualifying experience and SWE registration.
- Other info: Join a team with strong admin support and innovative tools for efficient work.
The predicted salary is between 46399 - 49588 £ per year.
Location: Vacancies available in Weybridge, Woking, Reigate, and Guildford
Salary: £46,399 - £49,588 per annum (+ £11,000 market supplement & up to £8,000 relocation)
Contract type: Permanent | Full-time | 36 Hour Per Week
Working pattern: Hybrid - minimum 2 days in the office
Closing date: Applications reviewed on a rolling basis
Surrey's Family Safeguarding teams are focused on building meaningful relationships with families and creating lasting change. We are currently recruiting Advanced Social Workers across the county to help drive excellent practice and provide leadership within our teams.
About the role
As an Advanced Social Worker in our Family Safeguarding service, you'll play a central role in promoting high-quality, strengths-based social work. You'll hold a reduced caseload and take on additional responsibilities that support the wider team, including:
- Providing oversight and mentoring to less experienced colleagues
- Supporting with practice development and quality assurance
- Contributing to reflective discussions and team learning
- Acting as a point of contact and support for more complex casework
This is a great opportunity for experienced social workers looking to progress toward supervisory or management roles. In the longer term, we are working towards developing this position into a non-caseholding post, enabling Advanced Social Workers to take on an even greater role in shaping practice and supporting others.
Why choose Surrey?
Surrey County Council is committed to creating the right conditions for you to thrive in your role. You'll benefit from:
- A competitive salary and £11,000 market supplement
- Flexible working, with only 2 days per week in the office
- Office locations with free or subsidised parking
- Strong business support so you can focus on social work
- Access to innovative tools and training to support your development
- Clear career progression pathways into leadership
- SWE registration paid for
- Car lease scheme and mileage reimbursement
- 26 days' annual leave, rising to 28 after 2 years
- Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS)
About you
We're looking for qualified social workers with:
- Registration with Social Work England
- Substantial post-qualifying experience
- A strong understanding of the Family Safeguarding model
- Confidence in supporting colleagues and leading by example
- A commitment to continuous professional development
The tools to support you
You came into social work to make a difference - not to be buried in bureaucracy. That's why Surrey has invested in smarter systems and streamlined processes - so you can focus on what really matters.
- Liquid Logic - an intuitive case management system that supports smarter, more efficient working
- Tableau - data visualisation software to help you stay on top of caseloads, deadlines and priorities
- Olive - an on-demand e-learning platform for flexible professional development
- Ongoing CPD opportunities, including 5 guaranteed CPD days per year
Early intervention and integrated support
Surrey is committed to reducing risk before it escalates. You'll work alongside and be supported by a wide network of early help services, including:
- Family Centres
- Intensive Family Support Service
- Multi-agency support embedded within the Family Safeguarding model
Admin Support
We know good admin support makes a big difference. That's why each team is supported by a dedicated Business Support Officer, and admin is recognised as a valued, professional service.
Current ratio: 1 BSO per 8 Qualified Social Workers
If you're passionate about making a difference and ready to take the next step in your career, we'd love to hear from you.
Advanced Social Worker - Family Safeguarding employer: Connect2Surrey
Contact Detail:
Connect2Surrey Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Advanced Social Worker - Family Safeguarding
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the Family Safeguarding model. Understanding its principles and practices will not only help you in interviews but also demonstrate your commitment to the role and the values of Surrey County Council.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with current or former employees in similar roles. Engaging with them can provide valuable insights into the team dynamics and expectations, which can be beneficial during your application process.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your leadership experiences. As an Advanced Social Worker, you'll be expected to mentor and support colleagues, so having specific examples ready will showcase your capability in this area.
✨Tip Number 4
Stay updated on current trends and challenges in social work. Being knowledgeable about recent developments will allow you to engage in meaningful discussions during interviews and show your dedication to continuous professional development.
We think you need these skills to ace Advanced Social Worker - Family Safeguarding
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your relevant experience in social work, particularly in family safeguarding. Emphasise your post-qualifying experience and any leadership roles you've held.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for social work and your understanding of the Family Safeguarding model. Mention specific examples of how you've supported colleagues or contributed to team learning.
Highlight Continuous Professional Development: Demonstrate your commitment to ongoing professional development by mentioning any relevant training, courses, or certifications you have completed. This is crucial for showing your dedication to improving your skills.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills: Since the role involves mentoring and supporting less experienced colleagues, provide examples of how you've led by example in previous positions. Highlight any experience you have in practice development or quality assurance.
How to prepare for a job interview at Connect2Surrey
✨Understand the Family Safeguarding Model
Make sure you have a solid grasp of the Family Safeguarding model and its principles. Be prepared to discuss how your experience aligns with this approach and how you can contribute to building meaningful relationships with families.
✨Showcase Leadership Skills
As an Advanced Social Worker, you'll be expected to mentor and support less experienced colleagues. Highlight any previous leadership roles or mentoring experiences during the interview to demonstrate your capability in guiding others.
✨Prepare for Reflective Discussions
Expect to engage in reflective discussions about practice development and quality assurance. Think of examples from your past work where you contributed to team learning or improved practices, as this will show your commitment to continuous professional development.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions about the role and the team dynamics. Inquire about the support systems in place for social workers and how the organisation fosters a culture of collaboration and innovation, which will show your genuine interest in the position.