Responsibilities
We have a vacancy in our Learning Disability and Autism East Team based in Woodhatch, Reigate. We are looking for a competent Senior Social Worker to join our allocations team working with complex cases in order to meet their desired outcomes. This includes managing and prioritising a complex case load, legal court work, partnership working with our health colleagues, completing Section 42 enquiries, supporting the team with professional development and supervising junior members of the team to ensure a high quality standard of service is provided.
Questions for applicants:
* Describe a complex case you managed. What made it challenging, and how did you approach it?
* What process do you follow when identifying, analysing, and managing risks in a case?
* Have you ever encountered conflicting priorities between agencies? How did you manage this?
* How do you identify when a team member is struggling, and what steps do you take to support them?
We support hybrid working with the right balance, meeting in person 1 day per week on average (20% of the working week) and working from home the rest of the time. Our team offers a positive, supportive working environment where training and development is prioritised. We would like to hear about your substantial post‑qualification professional experience as a Social Worker and your experience of providing professional supervision.
Key Competencies
* Advanced Assessment & Decision‑Making: Ability to carry out and quality‑assure complex assessments, including safeguarding enquiries, Mental Capacity Assessments, Best Interests decisions, and Care Act assessments. You should be able to analyse risk, apply legislation confidently, and make sound, defensible professional judgements.
* Leadership & Practice Development: Ability to provide practice leadership within the team, offering guidance, mentoring, and support to newly qualified social workers, students, and colleagues. You will be required to model high‑quality practice and contribute to improving standards across the service.
* Safeguarding Expertise‑Skills: Ability to lead safeguarding enquiries, coordinate multi‑agency responses, and ensure legal and procedural compliance.
* Skilled Communication & Relationship‑Building: Effective communication skills with individuals, families, and professionals, adapting your approach for people with learning disabilities, autism, mental health needs, or communication barriers. You will be able to manage conflict constructively and remain neutral.
* Multi‑Agency Coordination & System Navigation: Ability to confidently work across health, housing, commissioning, and provider services. You should evidence an understanding of Surrey's internal pathways—such as CPMM, brokerage, and specialist teams—and use this knowledge to coordinate holistic, person‑centred support.
* This permanent role has a starting salary of £47,884 per annum, based on a 36‑hour working week.
Offer to You
* 26 days' holiday, 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
* A generous local government salary related pension
* Up to 5 days of carer's leave and 2 paid volunteering days per year
* Paternity, adoption and dependents leave
* An Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) to support health and wellbeing
* Learning and development hub where you can access a wealth of resources
* Wellbeing and lifestyle discounts including gym, travel, and shopping
* A chance to make a real difference to the lives of our residents.
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