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- Tasks: Support individuals with mental health needs and provide direct social work intervention.
- Company: Join a friendly and supportive Mental Health Team at Surrey County Council.
- Benefits: Enjoy 26 days holiday, flexible working, and a generous pension scheme.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while developing your professional skills.
- Qualifications: Must be a qualified Social Worker with experience in mental health or transferable skills.
- Other info: Opportunities for professional development and a structured induction programme.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 48000 £ per year.
The starting salary for this full-time, permanent position is £42,239 per annum based on a 36 hour working week. We are excited to be hiring a 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
- 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.
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. You will be supported and will benefit from a structured induction programme.
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 risk OR evidence of transferrable skills alongside an interest in working with mental health needs
- 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
- Ability to work flexibly in a challenging environment
Surrey has both urban and rural areas and social care workers will be expected to have a valid driving licence to drive in the UK, 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.
To apply, we request that you submit a CV and you will be asked the following 2 questions:
- Please outline what interests you in working for a mental health social care team
- Please provide further detail on your experience managing mental health needs and risks that arise due to mental disorder OR your experience working in another social care setting identifying how your skills are transferable to working with mental health needs and risks
Before submitting your application, we recommend you read the job description and Our Life at Surrey handbook to get an insight into working at Surrey. The job advert closes at 23:59 on 15/02/2026 with interviews planned to follow.
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. Please contact Sarah Dee, Team Manager at Sarah.Dee@surreycc.gov.uk or on 07971888377.
We look forward to receiving your application, please click on the apply online button below to submit.
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.
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.
Mental Health Social Worker employer: Surrey County Council
Contact Detail:
Surrey County Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Mental Health Social Worker
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the team! Before your interview, do a bit of research on the Mid Surrey Mental Health Team. Understanding their values and recent projects can help you connect during the conversation.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice makes perfect! Prepare for common interview questions related to mental health social work. Think about your experiences and how they align with the role's requirements, especially around risk management and support planning.
✨Tip Number 3
Show your passion! When discussing why you want to work in mental health, share personal stories or experiences that highlight your commitment to making a difference in people's lives.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our fantastic team at Surrey!
We think you need these skills to ace Mental Health Social Worker
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: When you're writing your application, let your enthusiasm for mental health social work shine through. We want to see why you're excited about joining our team and how you can make a difference in the lives of our residents.
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to highlight your relevant experience and skills. Focus on your qualifications, especially your professional registration and any experience with mental health needs. We love seeing how your background aligns with what we do!
Answer the Questions Thoughtfully: Take your time with the application questions. We’re looking for detailed responses that reflect your understanding of the role and your experience. Use specific examples to illustrate your skills and how they relate to managing mental health needs.
Check Your Details: Before hitting that submit button, double-check your application for any typos or errors. A polished application shows us that you pay attention to detail, which is super important in social work. And remember, apply through our website for the best chance!
How to prepare for a job interview at Surrey County Council
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of mental health legislation, especially the Care Act. Being able to discuss how you've applied this in your previous roles will show that you're not just familiar with the theory but can also put it into practice.
✨Show Your Passion
When asked why you want to work in a mental health social care team, share personal stories or experiences that fuel your passion for this field. This will help you connect with the interviewers and demonstrate your genuine interest in making a difference.
✨Highlight Transferable Skills
If you have experience outside of mental health, be ready to explain how those skills can transfer to this role. Whether it's communication, empathy, or crisis management, make sure to provide specific examples that relate to the job description.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect to face scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving abilities. Think about past situations where you had to manage risks or support individuals with complex needs, and be prepared to discuss your thought process and outcomes.
