Senior Social Worker - Learning Disability & Autism

Job Introduction

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 £46,399 per annum, based on a 36 hour working week.  

This is a secondment opportunity until January 2026.

"I'd say no day is the same. It is rewarding and it's great being out with the public and helping. It makes getting out of bed worthwhile." - Mandi Porter, Senior Social Care Assistant  

We are hiring a new Senior Social Worker to join our fantastic Learning Disability & Autism team. The team offer a supportive learning environment for a Senior Social Worker to expand their skills around complex case management. We are based in Leatherhead but will shortly be moving offices to Woodhatch Place in Reigate. Hybrid working is offered with office attendance expected 2 days a week and flexible hours are offered.

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
• Hybrid working- 2 days in the office
• Flexible working

About the Team

We support those whose primary need arise from Learning Disability and/or Autism. We are a large team who offer a positive working environment with opportunities to increase knowledge and skills in many areas. We actively encourage you to develop within your role. We work in a fast-paced environment with a range of functions including safeguarding, case management, assessments and reviews. We are fortunate to benefit from support from a range of professionals including Occupational Therapists, Finance, Commissioning and Brokerage Teams who support us to achieve best outcomes for the individuals we support. We offer a fantastic working environment where training and development is prioritised. 

About the Role 

We are looking for a Senior Social Worker to join our allocations team, working with complex cases in order to meet their desired outcomes. This includes legal court work, partnership working with our health colleagues, completing Section 42 enquiries, managing high levels of risk, and completing Mental Capacity Assessments.

As a Senior Social Worker, you will supervise and support staff, as well as work alongside the team managers to improve processes and shape the team. You will need to be flexible to work in a challenging environment but you will be supported and will benefit from a structured induction programme.

Shortlisting Criteria

To be considered for shortlisting for this position, your application will clearly evidence the following:

• A professional qualification in Social Work and current registration with Social Work England
• Your substantial post-qualification professional experience
• Safeguarding knowledge
• 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.
• Experience in carrying out safeguarding enquiries, carrying out assessments within the community and working with a diverse group of individuals and partner agencies.
• Experience of providing professional supervision 
• Commitment to your own professional development.

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 Joanna Hearson by e-mail or on MS Teams.

The job advert closes at 23:59 on 27/04/2025 with interviews to follow.

We look forward to receiving your application, please click on the apply online button below to submit.

Our Values 
Our values are as important as our abilities and shape who we are as an organisation. Discover more about our values. 

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.