Social Care Assistant

As a Senior Social Care Assistant at Surrey, you will often be the first point of contact between the public and the service, gathering initial information and determining the need for further assessment as well as signposting people to other services. You will hold a caseload and work with individuals who need additional support or guidance in order to identify their individual and specific needs or where best interest decisions need to be made on their behalf. As such, these individuals may need close monitoring, or frequent review so interventions to minimise and manage risk may be required. You may be involved in carrying out risk assessments and you will be involved in supporting safeguarding enquiries and attending safeguarding meetings with the support of qualified practitioners. You will collaborate with the young person, their family, SEND schools, and other professionals to create an individualised plan from Year 9 through to adulthood, supporting them until they turn 25. You may work with any combination, or all, of the following care groups: people with physical, sensory, cognitive impairments, autistic people, people with a learning disability and people with mental health problems. Your role will include visiting people in their own homes. Your role will be pivotal in identifying and arranging services that cater to their needs, fostering independence, choice and control. This is an exciting opportunity to make a meaningful impact by helping people to fully realise their potential for independence.

1. Looking at our advert, and considering the Council\’s commitment to ensuring that \”no one is left behind\”, please tell us what it is about the role that has motivated you to apply?
2. Please tell us about the relevant experience or transferable skills you have that you can bring to this role?
3. What three qualities do you have that would make you a good Senior Social Care Assistant and how do these qualities support Surrey County Council\’s culture of collaboration, inclusivity, and adaptability?
4. Can you tell us about the values you hold that will be required when working in a Local Authority Transition Team?

• The ability to empathise with, and show compassion towards, individuals in need of social care assistance.
• Substantial experience of working with residents with a variety of physical and cognitive social care needs, including strength-based assessments, home visits, and support plans.
• Working knowledge of the Care Act legislation and how it impacts the work we do.
• The ability to independently take the initiative and adapt to shifting priorities in a dynamic environment.
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to convey information clearly, concisely, and respectfully, both verbally and in writing.
• Competent IT skills with the ability and willingness to learn to use a variety of software systems.

• This permanent role has a starting salary of £33,552 per annum, based on a 36-hour working week.
• 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.