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.
The starting salary for this role is £47,884, working 36 hours per week.
We are hiring a Senior Social Worker to join our Connect to Community (C2C) East 2 team, based in either Dorking or Weybridge. This is a key progression opportunity for confident practitioners who want to work with greater autonomy, take a leadership role in complex decisionmaking, and help shape the quality of practice at the first point of contact for adults in Surrey.
This is a hybrid role where the expectation is a minimum of 20% of the week in the office, as well as working in locations to meet the demands of the role as required.
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
We've recently restructured and are launching an exciting new way of working — and this is your chance to be part of it from the very start. You'll have real influence in shaping practice, building strong team cultures and helping us deliver a values-driven, strengths-based service that truly puts residents first. Our new operating model brings together Connect to Community (C2C) and Area Teams, creating a seamless journey for residents:
10. Our C2C Teams act as the first point of response, providing urgent assessments, safeguarding, and support planning.
11. Our Area Teams offer continuity for those with longer-term or complex needs, focusing on proactive case management and person-centred care.
Our new operating model is designed to cut down on unnecessary bureaucracy and increase meaningful time with people in their communities, focusing on what really matters: listening, building relationships and creating solutions that work.
As a Senior Social Worker in Surrey, you will bring strong experience in assessing social care needs and delivering direct interventions with some of the most complex and challenging individuals and their carers, using a strengths-based approach to promote independence, choice and control. Alongside your casework, you will supervise and support staff, work closely with Team Managers to improve processes and shape the team, and demonstrate the flexibility and resilience needed to thrive in a dynamic and demanding environment.
Shortlisting Criteria
In order to be considered for shortlisting, your application will clearly evidence the following skills and align with our :
12. A Social Work degree and registration with Social Work England.
13. Substantial post-qualification professional experience as a social worker.
14. Experience of providing professional leadership.
15. Evidence of having built strong relationships and worked collaboratively with others.
16. An applied knowledge of The Care Act 2014 and The Mental Capacity Act 2005 and experience of undertaking Safeguarding Enquiries as well as experience of working in complex situations using professional judgement and a range of interventions.
17. You will have experience of, and be able to provide, professional, reflective supervision, guidance and advice to less experienced social workers, including those completing ASYE and social work students.
Surrey has both urban and rural areas and locality based social care workers will be expected to have a valid driving licence to drive in the UK and access to a vehicle and be willing to travel 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.
Before submitting your application, we recommend you read the job description & Our to get an insight into working at Surrey.
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.
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.
The job advert closes at 23:59 on 22/03/2026 with interviews planned for the week commencing 06/04/2026.
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:
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.
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