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.
The starting salary for this full-time, permanent position is £33,552 per annum based on a 36 hour working week.
We are excited to announce a great opportunity for a permanent Adolescent Practitioner to join our fantastic Adolescent Service North Team based in Dakota covering the Elmbridge area.
This role is open to hybrid working and as a team we split our time between collaborating together in the office, working within the communities we serve and working from home.
Our 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
About the Role
This is an exciting opportunity to be part of our Adolescent Service, who bring together a range of services for young people including those who go missing, those who need support around their mental health, are involved in gang culture and are vulnerable to exploitation, including criminal and sexual exploitation.
Our team includes Social Workers and Adolescent Practitioners who are focused on achieving positive outcomes for young people. We are committed to doing things differently and innovatively; implementing a brand-new model for working with adolescents, taking into account current research and best practice.
The Adolescent Service is built on the belief that relationships are the key vehicle for achieving change. The service is underpinned by 'Relational Practice' principles; an intentional way of working where establishing, attending to, and maintaining empathetic and honest interpersonal relationships are prioritised. This approach includes our relationships and how we work with each other. Adopting this approach supports us to create systems that can be trauma-informed and respond appropriately to individuals' different needs and experiences. It supports everyone's ability to work restoratively to resolve conflict, repair harm and support change.
Your key responsibilities as an Adolescent Practitioner will include:
* Supporting whole families through a strengths-based and trauma informed approach, utilising motivational interviewing skills and effective relational approaches
* Coordinating key support services and professionals with families to form an engaged, active and effective 'Team Around the Family', with clearly defined roles and expectations as per the family plan
* Ensuring casework is adequately recorded as per team policy and procedures, including timely and accurate case notes, assessments and reports
* Being the lead Practitioner for a caseload of families, maintaining positive contact and effectively managing the balance of providing hands-on support and coordinating relevant partners, as per a shared family plan, to keep them safe from harm
Your Application
We are looking for a skilled and passionate individual, who is dedicated to working positively with young people in sometimes challenging and complex situations, and with the confidence and emotional intelligence to engage others.
In order to be considered for shortlisting, your application will clearly evidence the following skills and align with our behaviours :
* An understanding of the roles and responsibilities of practitioners working with vulnerable young people
* Experience of working in a social work, youth justice, youth work, teaching, or probation environment
* Basic awareness of relevant legislation affecting working with children, including the Children Act (1989) and the Children and Adoption Act (2002)
* IT skills, including use of databases, email, Word and Excel
* Ability to prioritise and work effectively under pressure with minimal supervision
* Willingness to learn and undertake training relevant to the role
Surrey has both urban and rural areas and you will be expected to have a valid driving licence to drive in the UK, access to a vehicle and be willing to travel to your contractual base and across a wide geographical area. Reasonable adjustments where needed will be made for successful applicants who have a disability or long-term health condition to enable them to fulfil the requirements of the job.
Transferable skills and experience from a youth work, youth justice, education, residential children's home or social work background would align well to this role, where you will have the opportunity to gain further skills and experience in a dynamic and innovative environment.
The job advert closes at 23:59 on 19.03.2026 with interviews planned to follow.
Before submitting your application, we recommend you read the job description and Our Life at Surrey Handbook to get an insight into working at Surrey.
Contact Us
Please contact us for any questions relating to the role. This could be to discuss flexible working requests, transferable skills or any barriers to employment. Please contact Laura Nye by email at laura.nye@surreycc.gov.uk .
We look forward to receiving your application, please click on the apply online button below to submit.
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 (LGR)
Surrey County Council is undergoing Local Government Reorganisation, moving from a two-tier system to two new unitary councils in April 2027. If you are employed by Surrey on 1st April 2027, your role will transfer with current terms and conditions to one of the new organisations, 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: Information for applicants on Local Government Reorganisation - Surrey County Council.
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.