Overview
We have an opportunity for a Social Worker to join our Children Looked After Team based in Reigate. When not working with our residents in the community, we support agile working with a combination of home and office working. The salary range for Social Workers is £42,239 - £45,135 per annum and there is a financial package of up to £6,000 payable in 3 instalments across the first 18 months in post.
Our offer includes a range of benefits and development opportunities as part of a local government employer.
Responsibilities
As a member of the Children Looked After Team, your role will be to support children living with relatives, friends or foster families and perspective adopters or older children living in children's homes and semi-independent units. You will build sustainable relationships with them and plan for their permanence. You will be responsible for ensuring their safety and helping them take the necessary steps towards independence.
Through regular visits, assessments and reviewing their Care Plan, you will nurture and develop meaningful relationships with these children and young people; understand and interpret their wishes; and champion and support them to reach their full potential. You may be required to prepare reports and attend court. You will be supported in this role with regular supervision and consultations with our Mental Health Focused Social Worker and by working alongside other social workers, family support workers and partner organisations such as Health Services, CAMHS (New Leaf), Independent Reviewing Officers and carers.
Support and Development
You will be supported by high-quality supervision and a commitment to dedicating time to enable you to work creatively and holistically with a child-centred approach. Your career development will be supported by the Surrey Children's Service Academy, which offers courses and a bespoke learning programme to help you progress.
Modules such as motivational interviewing and our total respect course help you have essential conversations while maintaining a child-centred approach.
Requirements
* You will need to be registered with Social Work England.
* An enhanced DBS check and relevant safeguarding checks will be required for this role.
* Reasonable adjustments will be made for applicants with disabilities or long-term health conditions.
* Surrey has both urban and rural areas; a valid driving licence, access to a vehicle and willingness to travel across a wide geographical area are expected.
Progress and Recruitment
Surrey County Council is undergoing Local Government Reorganisation, moving 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 communities. We are a disability confident employer and guarantee an interview if you meet the minimum criteria and have disclosed a disability in your application.
Application
To apply you will need to upload your CV and answer short questions (no more than 200 words per question):
* Please tell us what has motivated you to apply for this role?
* Please tell us about the key skills and experience you will bring to this role.
* Please tell us about an example that demonstrates how you have built long-lasting relationships with children.
The job advert closes at 23:59 on 27 October 2025. A note on progress: shortlisted applicants will be invited to a short first-round virtual interview (approx. 15–20 minutes) and, if successful, an in-person interview.
#J-18808-Ljbffr