Overview
We are looking for an experienced registered Social Worker or Occupational Therapist with significant experience in managing teams, driving practice improvements, and leading projects. The role reports to the Head of Academy and will shape key strategic projects that impact occupational therapy and social work across the directorate.
Responsibilities
* Manage a team of registered and unregistered staff.
* Champion equity, diversity and inclusion across the directorate and build strong working relationships within and beyond it to support inclusive practice.
* Lead the Oliver McGowan training programme, ensuring its alignment with the Autism Strategy and exploring sustainable future delivery options.
* Lead safeguarding training, working with the Head of Safeguarding to develop a sustainable training offer and deliver sessions to practitioners and managers; develop bespoke best‑practice sessions using lessons from serious incidents, audits and SARs.
* Oversee and manage the training budget.
* Lead quality assurance of training and courses offered by the Academy and conduct training gap analyses as necessary.
* Develop and deliver a robust learning and development offer for senior staff in collaboration with knowledge experts in the directorate.
* Act as deputy for the Principal Social Worker when required.
Qualifications
* Registered social worker or occupational therapist with significant experience in a statutory social care team.
* Experience working with older people, people with learning difficulties, mental health needs and neurodiverse needs (beneficial).
* Proven track record of managing a diverse team and demonstrating strong communication, supervision, coaching and performance management skills.
* High level of knowledge around social care matters, especially safeguarding enquiries and multi‑agency responses.
* Experience undertaking learning needs analyses across complex systems.
* Exceptional written and verbal communication skills to articulate complex concepts to varied audiences.
* Experience managing a budget.
* Experience developing, facilitating and leading workshops, reflective practice sessions and other development activities.
* Enhanced DBS check (and Children’s and Adults’ Barred List checks) required.
* Valid driving licence – able to travel to various SCC offices and have access to a vehicle.
Local Government Reorganisation
Surrey County Council will move from a two‑tier system to two new unitary councils in April 2027. If employed on 1 April 2027, the role will transfer to one of the new organisations with current terms and conditions.
Salary and Benefits
* Starting salary of £61,954 per annum (36‑hour working week).
* 26 days holiday (rising to 28 after 2 years, 31 after 5 years).
* Option to buy up to 10 days of additional annual leave.
* Local government pension.
* Up to 5 days carer’s leave and 2 paid volunteering days per year.
* Parental (paternity, adoption), dependants leave.
* Employee Assistance Programme (EAP).
* Learning and development hub with access to resources.
* Well‑being and lifestyle discounts (gym, travel, shopping).
* Hybrid working model (in‑person 2 days a week).
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