At a Glance
- Tasks: Support individuals with care needs and promote independence in a dynamic team environment.
- Company: Surrey County Council, committed to workforce development and inclusivity.
- Benefits: Generous holiday, pension scheme, wellbeing support, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Flexible hybrid working and a supportive, reflective team culture.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while growing your social work career.
- Qualifications: Relevant degree, Social Work England registration, and substantial post-qualification experience.
The predicted salary is between 47884 - 47884 ÂŁ per year.
We are committed to the development of our workforce. This position is only available to applicants who already work for Surrey County Council. The starting salary for our Senior Social Worker roles is £47,884 per annum (pro rata for part time). This is a secondment opportunity until 12/12/2026. We are excited to provide a secondment as Senior Social Worker to join our East 2 Area team, covering Elmbridge, Mole Valley and Epsom. The role has a hybrid work style consisting of remote working and two days in the office (pro-rata). The team is forward‑thinking, motivational, and values cultural growth and continuous learning.
Our Offer to You
- 26 days’ holiday, 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
- A generous local government salary‑related pension
- Up to 5 days of carer’s leave and 2 paid volunteering days per year
- Paternity, adoption and dependents leave
- An Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) to support health and wellbeing
- Learning and development hub where you can access a wealth of resources
- Wellbeing and lifestyle discounts including gym, travel, and shopping
- A chance to make a real difference to the lives of our residents
About the Team
We are a large team supporting individuals across community and hospital settings. We celebrate diversity and believe that differences make us stronger. The East 2 Area team supports those from the age of 18 upwards with eligible care support needs. We provide advice and guidance with a vast range of community resources and support networks, safeguard those requiring additional support and promote independence and choice. The team is friendly, approachable, and operates within an active reflective and learning culture.
Role Description
As a Senior Social Worker in East 2, you will have strong experience in assessing social care needs and providing direct social work intervention to some of the most challenging and complex service users and their carers. You will use a strength‑based approach, enabling individuals to live as independently as possible with more choice and control. You will supervise and support staff, and work alongside team managers to improve processes and shape the team. Flexibility to work in a challenging environment is required, and you will benefit from a structured induction programme.
Shortlisting Criteria
To be considered, you should clearly evidence the following skills and align with our behaviours:
- A relevant degree and registration with Social Work England.
- Substantial post‑qualification professional experience as a social worker.
- High professional standards and sound knowledge of current legislation and its application to practice in a social care setting.
- Applied knowledge of The Care Act and The Mental Capacity Act, and experience undertaking safeguarding enquiries.
- Experience working in complex situations using professional judgement and a range of interventions is essential.
- Experience of providing 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. Locality‑based social care workers will be expected to have a valid driving licence, access to a vehicle and be willing to travel across a wide geographical area.
Reasonable adjustments will be made for successful applicants who have a disability or long‑term health condition to enable them to fulfil the job requirements. 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.
Our Commitment
We are a disability‑confident employer. If you have disclosed a disability on your application form and meet the minimum criteria, we guarantee you an interview. From application to your first day, we’re committed to supporting you with any adjustments you need and value inclusion, welcoming you to a workplace where everyone belongs.
Adults Senior Social Worker - East 2 Area in Surrey employer: Elmbridge Borough Council
Contact Detail:
Elmbridge Borough Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Adults Senior Social Worker - East 2 Area in Surrey
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your colleagues and connections within Surrey County Council. Let them know you're interested in the Senior Social Worker role and ask for any insights or tips they might have.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for that interview! Brush up on your knowledge of The Care Act and The Mental Capacity Act. Be ready to discuss how you've used these in your practice, especially in complex situations.
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your strengths! When you get the chance, highlight your experience in supervising and supporting less experienced social workers. This is key for the Senior Social Worker role, so make it shine!
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search.
We think you need these skills to ace Adults Senior Social Worker - East 2 Area in Surrey
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Experience: Make sure to highlight your relevant experience in social work, especially any roles where you've tackled complex situations. We want to see how your background aligns with the needs of our East 2 Area team.
Be Specific About Your Skills: When you’re detailing your skills, be specific! Mention your knowledge of The Care Act and The Mental Capacity Act, and how you've applied them in real-life scenarios. This helps us see how you can contribute to our forward-thinking team.
Reflect Our Values: We value cultural growth and continuous learning, so make sure your application reflects these values. Share examples of how you've embraced diversity and supported others in their development—this is key for us!
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Elmbridge Borough Council
✨Know Your Legislation
Make sure you brush up on The Care Act and The Mental Capacity Act before your interview. Being able to discuss these laws confidently will show that you have the necessary knowledge and can apply it in practice.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare specific examples from your past work where you've successfully assessed social care needs or handled complex situations. This will help demonstrate your substantial post-qualification experience and your ability to use professional judgement.
✨Emphasise Teamwork and Leadership
Since this role involves supervising and supporting staff, be ready to talk about your experience in providing guidance to less experienced social workers. Highlight any instances where you've improved processes or shaped team dynamics.
✨Be Ready for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that put you in challenging situations. Think about how you would handle safeguarding enquiries or support individuals with complex needs. Practising these scenarios can help you articulate your thought process during the interview.