At a Glance
- Tasks: Support children in care, build relationships, and help them towards independence.
- Company: Join a dynamic team at Surrey Children's Services, making a real difference.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, generous leave, wellness support, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Inclusive recruitment process with support for applicants with disabilities.
- Why this job: Be part of a team that champions children's rights and helps them thrive.
- Qualifications: Qualified Social Work degree, SWE Registration, and UK frontline experience required.
The predicted salary is between 42239 - 45135 £ per year.
We have a great opportunity for a new Social Worker to join our fantastic Children Looked After Team based in Reigate. The salary range for Social Workers is 42,239 - 45,135 per annum based on a 36 hour working week. We also offer a financial package of up to 6,000 which is payable in 3 instalments across your first 18 months in post.
Our Offer to You
- We pay your Social Worker England Registration fee
- 28 days annual leave, rising to 31 days after 5 years' service (plus bank holidays)
- 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
- Refer a friend payment of 1,000 as a thank you for finding the right Social Worker
About working with Children Looked After
As a member in the Children Looked After Team, your role will be to support children living with relatives, friends or foster families and perspective adopters or older children living in children's homes and semi-independent units. You will build sustainable relationships with them and plan for their permanence. You will be responsible for ensuring their safety and support them take the necessary steps towards independence.
Through regular visits, assessments and reviewing their Care Plan, you will nurture and develop meaningful relationships with these children and young people; understand and interpret their wishes; and champion and support them to reach their full potential. Occasionally, you will be required to prepare reports and attend court.
You will be supported in this challenging role with regular supervision and consultations with our Mental Health Focussed Social Worker. You will also find support by working alongside other social workers, family support workers and partnership organisations such as: Health Services, Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (New Leaf), Independent Reviewing officers and carers.
Supporting You
In Surrey, you will have a sense of belonging within your individual team but also the wider service areas and directorate. You will receive high quality supervision, as there is a firm commitment towards dedicating time that focusses on the work you do with children and families, to enable you to work creatively and holistically with a child centred approach.
You will also be supported in your career development by your management team and our Surrey Children's Service Academy, which currently has over 60 courses available and offers a bespoke learning programme so you can be at the forefront of best practice, providing you with support and a clear pathway to achieve your future aspirations.
Modules such as motivational interviewing and our total respect course allow you to feel empowered in having essential conversations whilst still ensuring a child centred approach to your practice.
Your Application, Our Inclusive Approach
In order to be considered for shortlisting, your application will clearly evidence the following skills:
- Qualified Social Work degree and SWE Registration
- Car driver with a valid UK license
- ASYE completed, within two years of qualifying
- UK social work experience - at least 1 year UK frontline social work experience
Surrey has both urban and rural areas and locality based social care 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 you will need to upload your CV and answer the following questions (no more than 200 words per question):
- Please tell us what has motivated you to apply for this role?
- Please tell us about the key skills and experience you will be able to bring to this role.
- Please tell us about an example that demonstrates how you have built long lasting relationships with children.
The job advert closes at 23:59 on the 17th June 2026 with interviews to follow.
We are committed to inclusive recruitment. That's why, if you're invited to a face-to-face interview, we'll share the themes of the questions with you in advance. This way, you can prepare and feel comfortable knowing what topics will be covered during the process, allowing you to focus and confidently discuss your valuable skills and experiences.
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.
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.
Social Worker Children Looked After. Job in Reigate LilyLifestyle Jobs employer: United Cerebral Palsy of Georgia
Surrey Children's Services is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and inclusive work environment for Social Workers in the Children Looked After Team based in Reigate. With a strong commitment to employee wellbeing, generous benefits including a competitive salary, extensive annual leave, and professional development opportunities, we empower our staff to make a meaningful impact on the lives of children and families. Join us in a dynamic team that values creativity, collaboration, and continuous improvement, all while enjoying the beautiful surroundings of Surrey.
Contact Details:
United Cerebral Palsy of Georgia Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Social Worker Children Looked After. Job in Reigate LilyLifestyle Jobs
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company before your interview! Research their values, recent achievements, and the team you'll be working with. This will help you tailor your answers and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their mission.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice makes perfect! Run through common interview questions with a friend or in front of the mirror. Focus on how your skills align with the role of a Social Worker in the Children Looked After Team, and don’t forget to highlight your experience in building relationships with children.
✨Tip Number 3
Be ready to share real-life examples! Think of specific situations where you've made a positive impact in your previous roles. This will help you demonstrate your skills and show how you can contribute to the team’s success.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after your interview! A quick thank-you email can go a long way in leaving a positive impression. It shows your enthusiasm for the role and keeps you fresh in their minds as they make their decision.
We think you need these skills to ace Social Worker Children Looked After. Job in Reigate LilyLifestyle Jobs
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:When you're writing your application, let your enthusiasm for working with children shine through. We want to see what motivates you to join our Children Looked After Team and how you can make a difference in their lives.
Be Specific:When answering the questions, be sure to provide specific examples from your experience. We love hearing about real situations where you've built relationships with children or made an impact, so don’t hold back!
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV highlights the skills and experiences that are most relevant to this role. We’re looking for qualified social workers with UK experience, so emphasise those aspects to catch our eye.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way to ensure we receive all your details correctly and helps us keep track of your application smoothly.
How to prepare for a job interview at United Cerebral Palsy of Georgia
✨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, make sure you thoroughly understand the role of a Social Worker in the Children Looked After Team. Familiarise yourself with the key responsibilities and recent Ofsted reports. This will help you demonstrate your knowledge and passion for the position.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare specific examples from your past work that highlight your ability to build relationships with children and families. Think about times when you've successfully supported a child or family through a challenging situation, as this will resonate well with the interviewers.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare some insightful questions about the team dynamics, support systems, and training opportunities available. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you assess if it's the right fit for you.
✨Practice Makes Perfect
Rehearse your answers to common interview questions, especially those related to your motivation for applying and your relevant skills. You can even do a mock interview with a friend or colleague to boost your confidence and refine your responses.
