Job Description
This part-time role has a starting salary of £16,256 per annum based on an 18 hour working week, pro-rata to £32,512.
This is a 12-month, fixed-term contract or secondment opportunity.
We are excited to be recruiting a new Family Support Worker to join our dynamic team at Emergency Duty Team, part of Surrey's Children's Single Point of Access (CSPA) service.
Joining the team as a Family Support Worker will be an opportunity to be part of a culture in which children and families are supported in the spirit of partnership that encourages them to develop their own solutions while receiving the help and support they need to address their needs from professionals.
Rewards and Benefits
* 26 days' holiday (prorated for part time staff), 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
* An extensive Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) to support health and wellbeing
* Up to 5 days of carer's leave per year (prorated for part time staff)
* 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 per year
* Learning and development hub where you can access a wealth of resources
About the Role
The Emergency Duty Team operates to respond to emergency situations out of office hours, from 5pm until 9am Monday to Friday, and providing a 24-hour service at weekends and bank holidays. We respond to critical situations that are unable to wait until the next working day, these will relate to children's safeguarding (Section 47), potential placement, or family breakdowns and any other Children's Services related emergency work.
Our working environment is outcome focused, so you will be working in a fast-paced setting ensuring that allocated cases are resolved in a timely manner and in line with legislation and best practice.
As a Family Support Worker, you will be responsible for receiving incoming calls and emails and distributing tasks to the appropriate member of staff to respond to. We want to be honest with you; the nature of some of the calls and correspondence we receive can be sensitive, and at times upsetting. We recognise it can be challenging to take calls about abuse, neglect or from someone who is at risk or in crisis, but it is so important that we provide this service to people who need it. As such, robust personal resilience is essential.
You will receive a comprehensive induction program on starting with us to ensure your transition into the team is a smooth one, and you will also receive supervision on a regular basis. On shift you will be supported by the Duty Manager in a cohesive and supportive team environment.
Although this role involves working as part of a well-supported team, you will be given the tools to work independently to allow you to deliver work to a high standard.
Shortlisting Criteria
To be considered for shortlisting for this position, your application must clearly evidence the following:
* Understanding of social care issues, with basic awareness of public sector and voluntary agencies
* Experience of providing high levels of customer care and professionalism in a busy environment
* Able to quickly build rapport and effect successful relationships?with customers and partner agencies
* Excellent IT skills and ability to use databases to a high standard of accuracy
* The ability to work under pressure and multitask confidently
* Able to work autonomously with initiative and as part of a team
* Able to travel to Woking and work from home in a confidential space, including access to secure Wi-Fi
Within your personal statement please demonstrate that you meet the shortlisting criteria above, as well as highlighting your motivation in applying for this role.
The job advert closes at 23:59 on 20th July 2025 with interviews 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 Reorganisation
Surrey County Council is preparing for Local Government Reorganisation which will allow us to implement the Government led policy of devolution, which is all about giving more powers to local areas.
Currently, Surrey has a two-tier council system, with 11 district and borough councils and a county council, all responsible for different services. All these councils will be reorganised into a smaller number of new unitary councils which will come into effect in April 2027. At this point, this role will be transferred, with all existing terms and conditions intact into one of the new unitary councils.
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!
Our Commitment
Surrey County Council is proud to be a Disability Confident Employer. A guaranteed interview will be offered to all disabled applicants where:
* The candidate has evidenced the minimum criteria for the role through their application
* The candidate has chosen to share that they have a disability on the application form
Our application form and onboarding process will provide an opportunity to request any reasonable adjustments for the interview and/or the role.
We want to be an inclusive and diverse employer reflecting the community we serve and particularly welcome applications from all underrepresented groups.