Adults Senior Social Worker - West 1

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.

This role has a starting salary of £47,884 per annum, based on a 36-hour working week.

This is a fixed term contract/ secondment opportunity to cover maternity leave up to 25th March 2027. Please discuss with your Line Manager before submitting your application

We are hiring a Senior Social Worker to join our fantastic West 1 Area team. The team is based in Surrey Heath with the expectation to travel across the wider area as required. This is a hybrid role with a minimum of 2 days in the office and as required to meet the demands of the role.

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

We are supportive team and to encourage development and growth for practitioners. Within the Senior Social Worker role, you may have the opportunity to work throughout the team holding long term cases, 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

In order to be considered for shortlisting, your application will clearly evidence the following skills and align with our behaviours:

• 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.

Before submitting your application, we recommend you read the job description & Our Life at Surrey handbook 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.

For an informal discussion please contact Clare Walton by e-mail at clare.walton@surreycc.gov.uk.

The job advert closes at 23:59 on 22nd March 2026 with interviews planned for 1st April 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: 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.