Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Join our Family Safeguarding Teams to support children in care and make a real difference.
- Company: Surrey County Council, committed to high-quality social work and community impact.
- Benefits: Up to £6,000 financial package, competitive salary, 28 days leave, and lifestyle discounts.
- Why this job: Be part of a supportive team that values your growth and wellbeing while helping families thrive.
- Qualifications: Qualified Social Work degree, SWE Registration, and UK driving licence required.
- Other info: Flexible working environment with excellent professional development opportunities.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
We have opportunities for Senior Social Workers to join our Family Safeguarding Teams based across East Surrey covering the Reigate and Weybridge areas and West Surrey covering the Woking and Guildford areas.
We offer a financial package of up to £6,000 which is payable in 3 instalments across your first 18 months in post, along with 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.
We are proud of our recent Good Ofsted judgement, which marks a significant milestone for Surrey. The report highlights that our social workers are skilled at building relationships with children who are subject to children in need or child protection plans.
About our Family Safeguarding Service:
Our Family Safeguarding service includes 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.
To help us achieve our ambitions for children and families, we are looking for dedicated and compassionate practitioners who are child-focused and committed to relationship-based social work.
We strive to provide a supportive and dynamic work environment for our employees, 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: 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: You can benefit from a structured environment that encourages growth and development, with access to ongoing training opportunities.
A Sense of Belonging and Familiarity: You’ll be part of our welcoming and approachable social work family where your individual expertise is valued.
A Focus on Wellbeing: We recognise that you are a valuable asset and key to unlocking the positive changes we aspire for with our children and families.
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.
What is your understanding of Surrey’s Practice Model for family safeguarding? 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.
Our friendly teams could talk your socks off when it comes to all things Social Work, so if you’d like to talk to us please just drop a quick message.
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, valuing inclusion and warmly welcoming you to join and help build a workplace where everyone belongs.
Social Worker/Senior Social Worker: Children in Care in Surrey employer: Surrey County Council
Contact Detail:
Surrey County Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Social Worker/Senior Social Worker: Children in Care in Surrey
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company culture! Before your interview, do a bit of research on Surrey's Family Safeguarding Teams. Understanding their values and recent achievements can help you connect your experience to their mission.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice makes perfect! Set up mock interviews with friends or family. This will help you articulate your thoughts clearly and confidently, especially when discussing your approach to relationship-based social work.
✨Tip Number 3
Show your passion for child welfare! During the interview, share specific examples of how you've positively impacted children and families in your previous roles. This will demonstrate your commitment to the role and the community.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up! After your interview, send a quick thank-you email to express your appreciation for the opportunity. It’s a nice touch that shows you’re genuinely interested in joining their team.
We think you need these skills to ace Social Worker/Senior Social Worker: Children in Care in Surrey
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to reflect the specific skills and experiences that match the role of a Senior Social Worker. Highlight your understanding of the Family Safeguarding model and how your background aligns with the job description.
Showcase Your Passion: Let your enthusiasm for working with children and families shine through in your written application. Share personal anecdotes or experiences that demonstrate your commitment to relationship-based social work and child protection services.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language and avoid jargon, making it easy for us to see your qualifications and motivations without wading through unnecessary fluff.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to submit your application via our website. This ensures that your application is processed efficiently and allows us to keep track of all applicants easily. Plus, it’s super simple!
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 works and its impact on child protection. This will show that you're not just interested in the role but also committed to the values and practices of the organisation.
✨Showcase Your Relationship-Building Skills
During the interview, be ready to share specific examples of how you've built relationships with children and families in your previous roles. Highlight your ability to engage with diverse groups and demonstrate your understanding of their needs. This is crucial for a Social Worker position.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving skills and decision-making process. Think about past experiences where you had to navigate complex situations and how you approached them. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
At the end of the interview, don’t forget to ask thoughtful questions about the team dynamics, professional development opportunities, and the support available for staff wellbeing. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you gauge if it's the right fit for you.
