At a Glance
- Tasks: Complete Kinship Assessments and support vulnerable children and families.
- Company: Join a compassionate Fostering Team at Surrey County Council.
- Benefits: Competitive pay per assessment, generous leave, and wellbeing discounts.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of children and young people.
- Qualifications: Social Work qualified with experience in Kinship assessments.
- Other info: Flexible working with opportunities for professional growth.
We are excited to be hiring two Bank Supervising Social Workers, specialising in completion of Kinship Assessments, to join our fantastic Fostering Team based in Reigate and Woking. We pay a competitive fee of £2,500 per assessment completed, plus travel expenses.
Our Offer to You:
- Generous Annual leave allowance
- An extensive Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) to support health and wellbeing
- Carers leave and volunteering days dependant on agreed working hours
- A generous local government salary related pension
- Wellbeing and lifestyle discounts including gym, travel, and shopping
- Learning and development hub where you can access a wealth of resources
- A chance to make a real difference to the lives of our residents
About the Role:
In this role you will become a vital part of our creative and compassionate Fostering service. We are dedicated to supporting Surrey's most vulnerable children and young people, working with theories of trauma, attachment and loss. Our goal is to ensure the best outcomes for our children and young people, ensuring no one is left behind.
We are currently seeking bank Supervising Social Workers to complete assessments, considering applicants for Kinship Fostering, Special Guardianship, or both. We use Form K (Coram Baaf) for completing assessments. These assessments are required to be completed in short timescales, so it is essential that you are self-motivated and accustomed to working autonomously, and to agreed deadlines. A key aspect of this role will be to establish positive rapport with families in times of stress, so this is an area you will need to feel confident in.
As part of this role, you will also attend Court or Fostering panels to present your assessments, as and when required.
Your Application:
In order to be considered for shortlisting, your application will clearly evidence the following skills and align with our behaviours:
- Social Work qualified and registered with Social Work England
- Experience of completing Kinship assessments
- Ability to produce clear, triangulated, evidence based and analytical assessments
- Good IT skills
- Strong communication skills with the ability to build rapport and trust
We have offices in Reigate and Woking, however you will need to be prepared to travel around the county, and beyond, to meet the demands of the role. 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 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 3 questions:
- Please tell us what motivates you to work with Kinship carers?
- Please describe, in your view, what the most important qualities Kinship carers need are?
- Please tell us about the key skills, abilities and experience you would bring to this role.
The job advert closes at 23:59 on 28/12/2025 with interviews to follow. 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.
Local Government Reorganisation (LGR):
Surrey County Council is undergoing Local Government Reorganisation, moving from a two-tier system to two new unitary councils in April 2027. If you are employed by Surrey on 1st April 2027, your role will transfer with current terms and conditions to one of the new organisations, supporting local devolution and greater powers for our communities.
Our Commitment:
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.
Supervising Social Worker in Surrey employer: Surrey County Council
Contact Detail:
Surrey County Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Supervising Social Worker in Surrey
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the social work field, especially those who have experience with kinship assessments. They might have insider info on job openings or can even refer you directly.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by practising common questions related to kinship fostering. Think about your experiences and how they align with the role. We want you to shine when discussing your skills and motivations!
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your passion for making a difference! When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, share stories that highlight your commitment to supporting vulnerable children and families. It’s all about connecting on a personal level.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need to tailor your approach to the specific role of Supervising Social Worker.
We think you need these skills to ace Supervising Social Worker in Surrey
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: When you're writing your application, let your enthusiasm for working with Kinship carers shine through. We want to see what motivates you and why this role is important to you. A personal touch can really make your application stand out!
Be Specific: Make sure to answer the questions clearly and provide specific examples from your experience. We’re looking for evidence of your skills in completing Kinship assessments, so don’t hold back on sharing relevant stories that showcase your abilities.
Keep It Professional: While we love a friendly tone, remember to keep your application professional. Use clear language and check for any typos or errors. A polished application reflects your attention to detail, which is crucial for this role.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the easiest way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it gives you a chance to explore more about what we do at StudySmarter.
How to prepare for a job interview at Surrey County Council
✨Know Your Kinship Assessments
Make sure you brush up on the specifics of Kinship Assessments and the Form K (Coram Baaf) process. Being able to discuss your experience and understanding of these assessments will show that you're not just qualified, but also genuinely interested in the role.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
Since building rapport with families is crucial, prepare examples of how you've successfully communicated in stressful situations. Think about times when you’ve had to establish trust quickly and be ready to share those stories during the interview.
✨Demonstrate Your Autonomy
This role requires self-motivation and the ability to work autonomously. Be prepared to discuss how you manage your time and meet deadlines, especially in high-pressure environments. Highlight any relevant experiences where you’ve thrived while working independently.
✨Prepare for Court and Panel Presentations
Since attending court or fostering panels is part of the job, think about your past experiences presenting assessments or reports. Be ready to explain how you handle public speaking and what strategies you use to convey complex information clearly and confidently.