At a Glance
- Tasks: Support residents with mental health needs and provide direct social work intervention.
- Company: Join a friendly and supportive Mid Surrey Mental Health Team.
- Benefits: Enjoy 26 days holiday, pension, and wellbeing discounts.
- Other info: Flexible hybrid working and opportunities for professional development.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while developing your skills.
- Qualifications: Professional qualification in Social Work and experience with mental health.
The predicted salary is between 31500 - 38500 £ per year.
The starting salary for this role is £21,816.50 per annum (pro rata to £43,633 FTE), working 18 hours per week. We are excited to be hiring a permanent, part-time Social Worker to join our fantastic Mid Surrey Mental Health Team based at Pippbrook house in Dorking, supporting residents across the local boroughs of Elmbridge, Epsom & Ewell and Mole Valley. This role is open to hybrid working and as a team we split our time between collaborating with colleagues in the office, working within the communities we serve, and working from home.
Our Offer to You
- 26 days’ holiday, rising to 28 days after 2 years' service and 31 days after 5 years’ service (pro-rated for part time opportunities)
- 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 Role
As a Mental Health Social Worker, you will be expected to assess the social care needs of service users and provide direct social work intervention to some of the most challenging and complex service users and their carers. We are looking for an enthusiastic social worker who can provide effective support for people with mental health needs using a strength-based approach to enable individuals to live as independently as possible with more choice and control. You will need to be flexible to work in a challenging environment. You will be supported and will benefit from a structured induction programme.
We are a supportive and friendly team, where members feel valued. Together we have a wealth of Mental Health knowledge and experience and there is a strong emphasis on learning and development which is promoted via regular supervision, team meetings and reflection sessions. There is opportunity within the team to explore readiness for professional development such as the Approved Mental Health Professional and Best Interest Assessor training pathways.
Your Application
In order to be considered for shortlisting, your application will clearly evidence the following skills and align with our behaviours:
- Professional qualification in Social Work and current registration with Social Work England
- Successful completion of an Assessed and Supported Year in Employment (ASYE) programme if qualified as a social worker after June 2012
- Experience working with mental health needs and managing risk
- A working knowledge of Care Act legislation including experience in preparation of support plans, monitoring and reviewing outcomes
- Commitment to your own professional development, including maintaining up-to-date knowledge
- A full driving licence and have use of a vehicle insured for work/business purposes
Before submitting your application, we recommend you read the job description & Our Life at Surrey handbook to get an insight into working at Surrey.
Contact Us
Please contact us for any questions relating to the role. This could be to discuss flexible working requests, transferable skills or any barriers to employment. You are welcome to liaise with Sarah Dee, Team Manager.
The job advert closes at 23:59 on 6th September 2026 with interviews planned to follow.
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.
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!
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 shortlisting criteria, as displayed on the advert, 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.
Mental Health Social Worker in Dorking employer: Elmbridge
Elmbridge is an excellent employer that prioritises the growth and wellbeing of its employees, offering a supportive work culture where collaboration and innovation thrive. With a focus on professional development, the Learning & Development Lead role provides ample opportunities for career advancement while enjoying the flexibility of a hybrid working environment at our Civic Centre in Esher. Join us to make a meaningful impact in the community while developing your skills in a dynamic team.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Mental Health Social Worker in Dorking
✨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 Elmbridge, 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 Elmbridge. 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 Elmbridge's website – we love seeing proactive candidates who take the initiative!
We think you need these skills to ace Mental Health Social Worker in Dorking
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 Elmbridge. 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 Elmbridge.
How to prepare for a job interview at Elmbridge
✨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 Elmbridge.
✨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 Mental Health Social Worker at Elmbridge.
✨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 Elmbridge that you're ready to hit the ground running in the Mental Health Social Worker role.
