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Senior Social Worker

Surrey County Council

Victoria Gate, Chobham Road, Woking, GU21 6JD£49,464 per annumPermanent36 hours per weekCloses: 2026-08-04
Job Introduction We are committed to the development of our workforce. This position is only available to applicants who already work for Surrey County Council. We thank you for your interest in our roles and would encourage you to review our vacancies which are open to all. This role has a starting salary of £49,464 per annum, based on a 36 hour working week. We are excited to be hiring a new Senior Social Worker to join our fantastic Northwest Mental Health social care team. The team covers the areas of Spelthorne, Runnymede and Woking. The bases are Victoria Gate in Woking or the Ashford Centre in Middlesex. Further details to be discussed at interview. This is a hybrid role where the expectation is a minimum of 2 days per week in the office, as well as working in locations to meet the demands of the role as required. Our Offer to You 26 days’ holiday (prorated for part time staff), rising to 28 days after 2 years' service and 30 days after 5 years’ service 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 dependents leave A generous local government salary related pension Lifestyle discounts including gym, travel, shopping and many more 2 paid volunteering days plus 1 team volunteering day per year Learning and development hub where you can access a wealth of resources Opportunity for further training and career development, including the AMHP pathway, subject to availability. About the Team We are a supportive, welcoming team where every member is valued and encouraged to thrive. Collectively, we bring a wealth of mental health knowledge, skills, and experience, creating a collaborative environment that promotes both professional and personal growth. Learning and development is at the heart of our practice and are actively supported through regular supervision, team meetings, reflective sessions, and ongoing opportunities for development About the Role As a Senior Social Worker in Surrey, you will bring strong experience in assessing social care needs and delivering direct interventions with adults with mental health needs and their carers. We are looking for an enthusiastic and collaborative team player who can demonstrate partner agency working and is committed to using a strengths-based approach to empower individuals, promote independence, and support informed decision-making. Alongside your casework, you will supervise and support staff, work closely with the senior leadership within the team to improve processes and shape the team, and demonstrate the flexibility and resilience needed to thrive in a dynamic and demanding environment. Your Application In order to be considered for shortlisting, your application will clearly evidence the following skills and align with our behaviours: A Social Work degree and registration with Social Work England. Substantial post-qualification professional experience as a social worker (preferably a minimum of 2 years post qualifying experience). Experience of providing professional leadership. Evidence of having built strong relationships and worked collaboratively with others. An applied knowledge of The Care Act 2014 and The Mental Capacity Act 2005 and experience of undertaking Safeguarding Enquiries as well as experience of working in complex situations using professional judgement and a range of interventions. You will have experience of, and be able to provide, professional, reflective supervision, guidance and advice to less experienced social workers, including those completing ASYE and social work students. Competence in the use of basic IT skills. 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 and 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: Surrey County Council promotes values such as listening, responsibility, working together, and respect. Provide an example of how you demonstrate these values in your day-to-day practice. Describe how you have applied a strengths-based approach in your work. How have you contributed to improving practice within a team? What is important to you when working with adults with mental health needs. Before submitting your application, we recommend you read the job description. Contact Us Please contact us for any questions relating to the role. This could be to discuss flexible working requests, transferable skills or any barriers to employment. For an informal discussion please contact Charlotte Macgregor by e-mail. The job advert closes at 23:59 on 4th August 2026 with interviews planned for 18th and 19th August 2026. We look forward to receiving your application, please click on the apply online button below to submit. 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. Join our dynamic team and shape the future of local government. Make a lasting impact with innovative solutions and improved services for our community. Help us build a brighter future for our residents! Please see more information here: Information for applicants on Local Government Reorganisation - Surrey County Council 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 shortlisting criteria as displayed on the advert, 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.