Senior Social Care Assistant - Learning Disability & Autism

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 £33,552 per annum, based on a 36 hour working week. 

We are hiring a full-time, permanent Senior Social Care Assistant to join our fantastic Learning Disability & Autism team. The team is based in Victoria Gate, Woking, Surrey. We support hybrid working, and we are a friendly and supportive team who offer the opportunity to develop knowledge and skills focus on various projects. We are a team of highly experienced practitioners who offer mentor opportunities.   

“The LDA team are a group of very talented and kind-hearted people, who have made my journey into social care effortless. Working for the LDA team has taught me so much; not only have I made friends for life but developed so many skills that I could not have obtained in any other sector! Not every day do you get to work in a specialist team, where you can advocate for the clients you support; alongside working with some of the most experienced social workers in the field. You are forever learning something new, and always able to progress onto new things” – Bethany Street, Senior Social Care Assistant 

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

About the Team
The Supported Independence and Reviewing Team (SIRT) is a specialist countywide team within Surrey County Council's Learning Disability and Autism service. Our approach is rooted in strength-based practice, aiming to empower individuals to live as independently as possible within their communities. SIRT does not operate duty function.  

 SIRT also plays a key role in supporting the Council  in achieving its Key Performance Indicators (KPIs). Through robust reviews, effective care planning, and outcome-focused interventions, SIRT committed to staff development and practice excellence, fostering a culture of continuous learning, reflective practice, and professional growth.  

About the Role 
As a  Senior Social Care Assistant at Surrey, you will play a key role in assessing the social care needs of our service users. You will provide direct, positive interventions for individuals with more complex needs and offer meaningful support to their carers. This includes completing assessments and reviews that are strength-based and person-centred ensuring that all interventions promote independence and well-being. You will also be expected to undertake safeguarding responsibilities.  

Collaboration is central to this role, and you will work closely with a range of internal and external stakeholders to ensure that service users and their families receive the best possible outcomes. 

Shortlisting Criteria  

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

• The ability to empathise with, and show compassion towards, individuals in need of social care assistance. 
• Experience of working with residents with a variety of physical and cognitive social care needs, including strength-based assessments, home visits, and support plans. 
• Working knowledge of the Care Act legislation and how it impacts the work we do. 
• The ability to independently take the initiative and adapt to shifting priorities in a dynamic environment. 
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to convey information clearly, concisely, and respectfully, both verbally and in writing. 

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. 

Application Questions

1. Looking at our advert, and considering the Council’s commitment to ensuring that “no one is left behind”, please tell us what it is about the role that has motivated you to apply?
2. Please tell us about the relevant experience or transferable skills you have that you can bring to this role?
3. What three qualities do you have that would make you a good Senior Social Care Assistant and how do these qualities support Surrey County Council’s culture of collaboration, inclusivity, and adaptability?

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 Chandrika Gajjar by e-mail or on MS Teams.

The job advert closes at 23:59 on 31st August 2025 with interviews planned for 15th September 2025.