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- Tasks: Support individuals' wellbeing and independence through Care Act assessments and Section 117 plans.
- Company: Join Surrey County Council, a forward-thinking local government focused on community impact.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, generous holiday, lifestyle discounts, and professional development opportunities.
- Why this job: Be part of a close-knit team making a real difference in mental health care.
- Qualifications: Must be a registered Social Worker with experience in complex case management.
- Other info: This role offers a fixed term contract until June 2026, with potential for growth.
The predicted salary is between 46399 - 51679 £ per year.
The starting salary for this role is £46,399 per annum, working 36 hours per week. This is a fixed term/secondment contract up to 14th June 2026. (For candidates interested in a secondment opportunity, please discuss with your line manager before submitting your application).
We are hiring a Senior Social Worker to join our fantastic Section 117 Team based at Dakota House in Weybridge; however, we offer the opportunity to work flexibly, in accordance with Surrey County Council's hybrid working charter.
Rewards and Benefits:
- 26 days' holiday (prorated for part time staff), 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
- An extensive Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) to support health and wellbeing
- Up to 5 days of carer's leave per year
- Paternity, adoption and dependants leave
- A generous local government salary-related pension
- Lifestyle discounts including gym, travel, shopping and many more
- 2 paid volunteering days per year
- Learning and development hub where you can access a wealth of resources
About the Team
We are a small and close-knit team, supporting Section 117 (Mental Health Act) practice and processes across Surrey County Council. We are currently looking for an individual who is interested in developing their knowledge and skills in this specialised domain. Ideally, you will have experience of working with Section 117; however, this is not essential. We are most interested in recruiting individuals who are keen to learn, progress their professional development and grow with our team!
About the Role
In the main, the role involves initial completion of Care Act assessments followed by creation of a person's Section 117 plan. In line with the aims of Section 117 aftercare, you will support and actively promote wellbeing and independence - enabling individuals and carers to retain or regain their skills and confidence, whilst preventing or reducing the risk of deterioration of a person's mental health.
As a Senior Social Worker, you will be expected to work with some autonomy; however, the Senior Practitioner Specialist Leads are always on hand to support with complex cases. Some service users may not have been reviewed for some time or may have complex needs. You will demonstrate expert and effective practice in complex situations, providing a professional social work service to adults, their families and carers living in Surrey.
Shortlisting Criteria
To be considered for shortlisting for this position, your application will clearly evidence the following:
- You are a registered Social Worker; hold the relevant qualification and are registered with Social Work England.
- Sound knowledge of both the Care Act and Section 117 Mental Health Act.
- Completion of Surrey County Council's Section 117 Training - if not already completed, this must be done on appointment.
- An ability to communicate effectively and to problem solve.
- An ability to complete strengths-based assessments with service users who may present with complex challenges and/or have disengaged from services.
- An ability to work with some autonomy.
- Substantial post-qualification professional experience as a social worker.
- 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 a willingness 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 requirements of the job.
The job advert closes at 23:59 on 13th July 2025 with interviews to take place on 30th July 2025. We look forward to receiving your application. Please click on the 'apply online' button below to submit.
Local Government Reorganisation
Surrey County Council is preparing for Local Government Reorganisation which will allow us to implement the Government led policy of devolution, which is all about giving more powers to local areas. Currently, Surrey has a two-tier council system, with 11 district and borough councils and a county council, all responsible for different services. All these councils will be reorganised into a smaller number of new unitary councils which will come into effect in April 2027. At this point, this role will be transferred, with all existing terms and conditions intact into one of the new unitary councils.
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!
Senior Social Worker - Continuing Care employer: Surrey County Council
Contact Detail:
Surrey County Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Social Worker - Continuing Care
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the Care Act and Section 117 of the Mental Health Act. Understanding these frameworks will not only help you in your role but also demonstrate your commitment to the position during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with current or former employees of Surrey County Council, especially those in social work roles. They can provide valuable insights into the team dynamics and expectations, which can be beneficial for your application and interview.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your experience with complex cases and how you've supported individuals in regaining their independence. Real-life examples will showcase your skills and align with the job's focus on promoting wellbeing.
✨Tip Number 4
Highlight your willingness to learn and develop professionally. The role values growth, so expressing your eagerness to engage in training and development opportunities will resonate well with the hiring team.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Social Worker - Continuing Care
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your relevant experience as a Social Worker, particularly any work related to the Care Act and Section 117 Mental Health Act. Use specific examples that demonstrate your skills in completing assessments and working with complex cases.
Craft a Strong Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your enthusiasm for the role and the team. Mention your willingness to learn and develop within the specialised domain of Section 117 practice. Be sure to address how your background aligns with the job requirements.
Highlight Relevant Qualifications: Clearly state your qualifications and registration with Social Work England. If you have completed Surrey County Council's Section 117 Training, mention this prominently, as it is a key requirement for the role.
Showcase Communication Skills: Demonstrate your ability to communicate effectively by providing examples of how you've successfully engaged with service users, especially those with complex needs. This will show your problem-solving abilities and your capacity to work autonomously.
How to prepare for a job interview at Surrey County Council
✨Know Your Legislation
Familiarise yourself with the Care Act and Section 117 of the Mental Health Act. Be prepared to discuss how these laws impact your practice and provide examples of how you've applied them in your previous roles.
✨Demonstrate Your Autonomy
Highlight your ability to work independently while also knowing when to seek support. Share specific instances where you successfully managed complex cases on your own, showcasing your problem-solving skills.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
Effective communication is key in social work. Prepare to discuss how you engage with service users, families, and other professionals. Consider sharing a challenging situation where your communication made a significant difference.
✨Express Your Willingness to Learn
Since the team values professional development, convey your eagerness to grow within the role. Discuss any relevant training or courses you've undertaken and how you plan to continue expanding your knowledge in this specialised area.
