Description
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 is a secondment opportunity until 31st March 2027. Please discuss with your Line Manager before submitting your application.
This role has a starting salary of £41,585 per annum, based on a 36 hour working week.
We have a 2 great opportunities to join our North East Unaccompanied Care Leavers Team, based in Weybridge and our North West Care Leavers Team based in Woking as a Senior Practitioner (Personal Advisor.) We support hybrid working with the right balance. We come together in person for 2 days per week on average (40% of the working week) and support working from home or within the community the rest of the time.
Our Offer to You
1. 26 days' holiday, rising to 28 days after 2 years' service and 31 days after 5 years' service
2. Option to buy up to 10 days of additional annual leave
3. A generous local government salary related pension
4. Up to 5 days of carer's leave and 2 paid volunteering days per year
5. Paternity, adoption and dependents leave
6. An Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) to support health and wellbeing
7. Learning and development hub where you can access a wealth of resources
8. Wellbeing and lifestyle discounts including gym, travel, and shopping
9. A chance to make a real difference to the lives of our residents.
About the Team
These roles sit within the Care Leavers Service, part of the wider Corporate Parenting Directorate at Surrey, who tirelessly support our care experienced young people to reach their full potential towards adulthood. The Service has a permanent and longstanding workforce of dedicated staff and managers. We foster a strong learning culture- celebrating achievements, sharing knowledge, and investing in staff development to help you thrive.
As a Senior Practitioner you will work with the Team Manager to provide positive leadership and actively contribute to the development and success of the service. You will case hold high risk young people with complex needs whilst managing and providing supervision to a small number of Personal Advisors.
You will work directly with care experienced young people to transition successfully to adulthood and ensure they have a clear Pathway Plan to support them to do so. You will work with partners to ensure our care experienced young people exceed in their lives. Your day to day work will vary and include visits to young people, multi-agency meetings alongside ensuring records are kept up to date according to service practice standards.
You will supervise a small number of Personal Advisors and act as their line manager with the support of the Team and Service Manager. You will support the team during Team Manager absences, stepping up at times when needed.
You will be given lead responsibility on projects such as ensuring our links with District and Borough Councils are positive and ensuring care experienced young people are in education employment and training.
Our team works within the wider Corporate Parenting Strategy and pledges we have made to our young people. We work compassionately with our care experienced young people to ensure they meet their potential with the aim of leaving no one behind.
Your Application
In order to be considered for shortlisting, your application will clearly evidence the following skills and align with our :
10. Currently be a Personal Advisor
11. Experience of working with young people who are care leavers
12. A broad working knowledge of social work practice and legislation, especially leaving care.
13. An ability to demonstrate excellent assessment and analysis skills.
14. An ability to understand and evidence a high standard of performance
15. An ability to drive and support teams through excellent management skills.
To apply, we request that you submit a CV and you will be asked the following 5 questions:
1. Why are you applying for the role of Senior Personal Advisor
2. What skills and knowledge do you have to be appointed to the role of Senior Personal Advisor
3. What do you consider being some of the challenges our Personal Advisors face when working with Care Experienced young people?
4. What do you consider to be the barriers to care experienced young people reaching their potential and how would you support them to overcome them?
Before submitting your application, we recommend you read the job description & Our to get an insight into working at Surrey.
The job advert closes at 23:59 on 19/02/2025 with interviews planned to follow.
Contact Us
Please contact Elaine Andrews or Laura Valentine-Brown for any questions relating to the role. This could be to discuss flexible working requests, transferable skills or any barriers to employment.
Local Government Organisation (LGR)
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.
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:
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.
Files to download