At a Glance
- Tasks: Support children in returning to their families safely through personalised interventions and planning.
- Company: Join Surrey County Council's dedicated Reunification Support Service team.
- Benefits: Enjoy 26 days holiday, flexible working, and a generous pension scheme.
- Other info: Flexible working arrangements with opportunities for professional growth and community impact.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while developing your skills in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in children's services and strong communication skills are essential.
The predicted salary is between 33552 - 33552 £ per year.
The starting salary for this position is 33,552 per annum based on a 36 hour working week (full‑time), pro‑rata for part‑time hours. We support hybrid working with the right balance, coming together in person for a minimum of 1 day per week in Woking and supporting working from home the rest of the time.
Our Offer to You:
- 26 days' holiday, 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
- 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 dependants 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.
About the Team:
At Surrey, we care that children have long lasting and positive relationships with their birth families. As such, we created the Reunification Support Service in 2022 which sees a small dedicated team of 4 Practitioners work alongside our Children Looked After Services to assess and support children to return home, where safe to do so. The Reunification Support Service became permanent in May 2024 due to the success of its work in reunifying children to their birth families. By joining us as a Reunification Practitioner, you will have the opportunity to be part of the team's ongoing success.
About the Role:
As a Reunification Practitioner, your role will play a crucial part of our ambitious project to support Children Looked After to return to their families when it is safe for them to do so. The role aims to ensure early identification of children and young people who may be able to return home, completing analytical chronologies, personalised interventions for families such as targeted work to improve parenting, and supervising/observing family time, to support effective reunification. You will contribute to safety and transition planning alongside the allocated Social Worker and support parents and children through the reunification process, which tends to last 3–6 months. You will have the support, experience and oversight of a Social Work Team Manager. While the role is currently based in Woking, the children being supported within the team may live elsewhere in Surrey or may reside outside of the area. Visits to work with children and families will be held at the best location for the child and their family and therefore you will need a willingness to work flexibly and have the ability to travel to meet the demands of this role. In particular, we are looking for someone that can easily cover the East of Surrey.
Your Application:
In order to be considered for shortlisting, your application will clearly evidence the following skills:
- Experience of working within Children Looked After or other areas of children's services
- An ability and the motivation to work directly with children and families
- Understanding of relevant legislation affecting working with children, including the Children Act (1989) and the Children and Families Act 2014
- A commitment to working with children to improve the quality of their lives
- An understanding of the NSPCC Reunification Framework
- Excellent written and communication skills and ability to use information technology well
Surrey has both urban and rural areas so you will need 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 and transport children where necessary. 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.
The job advert closes at 23:59 on 31 May 2026 with interviews planned to follow. 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 Organisation:
Surrey County Council is undergoing Local Government Reorganisation, moving from a two‑tier system to new unitary councils in April 2027. Your role will transfer with current terms and conditions to one of these new councils, 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.
Reunification Support Practitioner. Job in Knaphill LilyLifestyle Jobs employer: United Cerebral Palsy of Georgia
Surrey County Council is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive work culture that prioritises the wellbeing of its employees while making a meaningful impact on the lives of children and families. With generous benefits including 26 days of holiday, a local government pension, and opportunities for professional development, you will thrive in a collaborative environment that values flexibility and inclusivity. Join our dedicated team in Woking, where your contributions will help shape the future of our community and support the successful reunification of children with their families.
Contact Details:
United Cerebral Palsy of Georgia Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Reunification Support Practitioner. Job in Knaphill LilyLifestyle Jobs
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the field of children's services, especially those who work with reunification. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings or even a referral.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by practising common questions related to working with children and families. We recommend role-playing with a friend to boost your confidence and refine your answers.
✨Tip Number 3
Show your passion! During interviews, share specific examples of how you've made a difference in children's lives. This will help you stand out as someone truly committed to the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search.
We think you need these skills to ace Reunification Support Practitioner. Job in Knaphill LilyLifestyle Jobs
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:When writing your application, let your passion for working with children and families shine through. We want to see your commitment to improving their lives, so share any relevant experiences that highlight this.
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to tailor your application to the specific role of Reunification Support Practitioner. Use keywords from the job description and demonstrate how your skills align with what we’re looking for.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application clear and to the point. We appreciate well-structured responses that directly address the skills and experiences we’re after. Avoid fluff and get straight to the good stuff!
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us directly. Plus, you’ll find all the info you need about the role and our team there.
How to prepare for a job interview at United Cerebral Palsy of Georgia
✨Know Your Legislation
Familiarise yourself with the Children Act (1989) and the Children and Families Act 2014. Being able to discuss how these laws impact your work will show that you understand the framework within which you'll be operating.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare specific examples from your past roles where you've worked with children and families, particularly in reunification or similar settings. Highlight your analytical skills and any personalised interventions you've implemented.
✨Demonstrate Flexibility
Since the role requires travel across Surrey, be ready to discuss your willingness to adapt to different locations and situations. Share any experiences where you've successfully managed flexible working arrangements.
✨Communicate Effectively
Practice your communication skills, both written and verbal. You might be asked to explain complex concepts simply, so think about how you can convey your ideas clearly and concisely during the interview.
