This role has a starting salary of £47,884 per annum, based on a 36 hour working week.
We are hiring a new Senior Social Worker to join our fantastic Guildford Locality team. The team is based in Guildford and we are a varied and vibrant team; allowing those who wish to do so to specialise in their area of interest. Alternatively, you will have the opportunity to move between the sub-teams and develop a whole range of specialist knowledge!
We are a forward thinking and motivational diverse team incorporating multi-agency and collaborative working as an ever-expanding ambition for the team to promote opportunities for team members and customers. We promote choice and opportunity not just for our customers but for our team members, including hybrid working.
Rewards And Benefits
- 26 days’ holiday (prorated for part time staff), 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
- An extensive Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) to support health and wellbeing
- Up to 5 days of carer’s leave per year
- Paternity, adoption and dependents leave
- A generous local government salary related pension
- Lifestyle discounts including gym, travel, shopping and many more
- 2 paid volunteering days per year
- Learning and development hub where you can access a wealth of resources
- Investing in individual growth and career progression
- Ensuring our workplaces and practices are supportive and inclusive
About The Team
Guildford Locality Team is one of the largest Locality Teams in Surrey. You will join a supportive, skilled, and creative team that values a strong work ethic, honesty, reliability, and the ability to apply and document thorough assessments and reviews based on your expertise. This ensures we provide a service we can all be proud of and share our knowledge and skills.
About The Role
Within the Senior Social Worker role, you may have the opportunity to work throughout the team on Duty and in Allocations, incorporating safeguarding adults experience, case management of D2A cases, joint working with Occupational Therapists and Surrey’s Reablement Team to name a few. You will become accustomed to service provision on the phone as well as visiting clients in their own home or care setting. You will work in Surreys strength-based approach method whilst promoting client’s choice and independence.
As a Senior Social Worker you will be undertaking Care Act assessments, Reviews, Mental Capacity Assessments, and legal case work - of which will include complex case management in line with the job description. You will also have the responsibility of providing regular supervision within the team and the opportunity of contributing/arranging complex case discussion meetings as part of CPD practice.
You will receive training and support in all areas, as well as regular professional supervision, to ensure your transition into the team. By building on the foundation of your experience, and by directing your knowledge and skills within the social work context, the team will support you to become confident and competent to fulfil the requirements of the role.
Shortlisting Criteria
To be considered for shortlisting for this position, your application will clearly evidence the following:
- A relevant degree and registration with Social Work England.
- Substantial post-qualification professional experience as a social worker is also required.
- Experience of providing professional supervision (can include unqualified and non-professional supervision).
- You will be motivated and flexible with high professional standards and sound knowledge and experience of current legislation and its application to practice in a social care setting.
- An applied knowledge of The Care Act and The Mental Capacity Act and experience of undertaking safeguarding enquiries is essential alongside experience of working in complex situations using professional judgement and a range of interventions.
- 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.
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.
For an informal discussion please contact Julie Williams or Ishita Narayan on 01483 517262
The job advert closes at 23:59 on 31/08/2025 with interviews to be confirmed.
We look forward to receiving your application, please click on the apply online button below to submit.
Local Government Reorganisation
Surrey County Council is preparing for Local Government Reorganisation which will allow us to implement the Government led policy of devolution, which is all about giving more powers to local areas.
Currently, Surrey has a two-tier council system, with 11 district and borough councils and a county council, all responsible for different services. All these councils will be reorganised into a smaller number of new unitary councils which will come into effect in April 2027. At this point, this role will be transferred, with all existing terms and conditions intact into one of the new unitary councils.
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 Behaviours
The Surrey Way behaviours are a guide that supports our council to work together effectively and deliver our best for our customers and communities, and for each other. Discover more about our behaviours.
Before submitting your application, we recommend you read the job description. Our Life at Surrey handbook provides insights of the culture at Surrey and how as a valued employee, you can help shape our Council.
Our Commitment
Surrey County Council is proud to be a Disability Confident Employer. A guaranteed interview will be offered to all disabled applicants where:
- The candidate has evidenced the minimum criteria for the role through their application
- The candidate has chosen to share that they have a disability on the application form
Our application form and onboarding process will provide an opportunity to request any reasonable adjustments for the interview and/or the role. We want to be an inclusive and diverse employer reflecting the community we serve and particularly welcome applications from all underrepresented groups.
