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- Tasks: Join our Family Safeguarding Teams to support children and families in need.
- Company: Surrey County Council, a forward-thinking local authority focused on child protection.
- Benefits: Up to £6,000 financial package, competitive salary, 28 days leave, and lifestyle discounts.
- Other info: Flexible working, professional development opportunities, and a supportive team environment.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while developing your social work career.
- Qualifications: Qualified Social Work degree, SWE Registration, and UK driving licence required.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
We have opportunities for Advanced Social Workers to join our Family Safeguarding Teams based across North East and North West Surrey. We offer a financial package of up to £6,000 payable in 3 instalments across your first 18 months in post, and a competitive relocation package of up to £8,000.
Benefits include:
- 28 days annual leave, rising to 30 days after 5 years' service (plus bank holidays)
- Access to our car lease scheme
- Option to buy up to 10 days of additional annual leave
- An extensive Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) to support health and wellbeing
- A generous local government salary related pension
- Lifestyle discounts including gym, travel, shopping and many more
- Learning and development hub where you can access a wealth of resources
- Paternity, adoption and dependents leave
- Refer a friend payment of £1,000 as a thank you for finding the right Social Worker
Our Surrey Children's Services are actively working towards becoming a high-performing local authority, evidenced by the positive impacts of the Family Safeguarding practice model in action with reductions in the number of children subject to child protection plans. We are working hard to sustain and develop our progress, driven by the efforts of every member of our social care workforce.
About our Family Safeguarding Service:
Our Family Safeguarding services include responsibility for our Family Safeguarding Model, Child In Need, as well as pre and court proceedings. Within Family Safeguarding, we use motivational interviewing and a multi-agency approach under the Family Safeguarding model, where Social Workers, Family Support Workers, Domestic Abuse Practitioners, Recovery Workers, Mental Health Practitioners, and Psychologists collaborate closely to address family issues efficiently.
We are looking for dedicated and compassionate practitioners who are child-focused and committed to relationship-based social work to join us. This is a great role for anyone looking to enhance their professional development and take a step towards a management position.
We strive to provide a supportive and dynamic work environment for our staff, fostering growth, maintaining work-life balance, and rewarding efforts. We guarantee 5 days of CPD and have access to excellent research and development tools.
Flexibility and work-life balance are important to us. We are committed to agile working and trust you to adapt your schedule to suit your needs, balancing this against the need to visit your children and families. It is our expectation that staff attend the office at least 2 days per week.
Opportunities and support for professional development include ongoing training opportunities via our Surrey Children’s Service Academy, coaching and mentoring schemes, a well-structured progression pathway, learning opportunities, and reflective supervision.
You’ll be part of our welcoming and approachable social work family where you can draw on the knowledge of established team members to support your understanding of the local area and available resources.
We recognise that you are a valuable asset and key to unlocking the positive changes we aspire for with our children and families. The job you do is serious; therefore, we take your wellbeing seriously and recognise the need for reflective supervision.
Requirements:
- Qualified Social Work degree and SWE Registration
- Car driver with a valid UK license
- UK social work experience
Surrey has both urban and rural areas, and Social 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 will be made for successful applicants who have a disability or long-term health condition.
If your application is shortlisted, you will be invited to a short virtual call to explore your answers to the application questions. If successful, you will be invited for an in-person interview.
An enhanced DBS 'Disclosure and Barring Service' check for regulated activity 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. From application to your first day, we're committed to supporting you with any adjustments you need.
Qualified Social Worker - Child Protection & Care employer: Surrey County Council
Contact Detail:
Surrey County Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Qualified Social Worker - Child Protection & Care
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the Family Safeguarding Model inside out! Research how it works and be ready to discuss your understanding during interviews. This shows you're genuinely interested and prepared to contribute.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Connect with current social workers in Surrey on LinkedIn or at local events. They can provide insider tips and might even refer you, which could give you a leg up in the application process.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your interview skills! Set up mock interviews with friends or mentors. Focus on articulating your experience with relationship-based social work and how you can make a difference in children's lives.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, you’ll have access to all the latest job openings and updates directly from us.
We think you need these skills to ace Qualified Social Worker - Child Protection & Care
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your skills and experiences align with the role of a Qualified Social Worker in Child Protection & Care. We want to see how you can contribute to our Family Safeguarding Teams!
Showcase Your Passion: Let your enthusiasm for social work shine through! Share specific examples of your commitment to child-focused, relationship-based practice. We love seeing candidates who are genuinely passionate about making a difference.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application clear and to the point. Use straightforward language and avoid jargon where possible. We appreciate well-structured applications that make it easy for us to see your qualifications and fit for the role.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way to ensure we receive all your details correctly and helps us keep track of your application. Plus, it shows you’re keen to join our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Surrey County Council
✨Know the Family Safeguarding Model
Before your interview, make sure you understand Surrey's Family Safeguarding Model inside out. Familiarise yourself with how it integrates multi-agency approaches and motivational interviewing. This will show your commitment to relationship-based social work and your readiness to contribute effectively.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Be prepared to discuss your previous social work experience, especially in child protection. Use specific examples that highlight your skills in building relationships with children and families. This will demonstrate your practical knowledge and ability to apply it in real-world situations.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions about the team dynamics, professional development opportunities, and the support systems in place for social workers. This not only shows your interest in the role but also helps you gauge if the environment aligns with your career goals.
✨Emphasise Wellbeing and Support
Discuss how you prioritise wellbeing in your practice and how you value reflective supervision. Highlighting your understanding of the importance of mental health in social work will resonate well with the team's focus on creating a supportive work culture.