Children's Senior Social Worker Family Safeguarding

Children's Senior Social Worker – Family Safeguarding

Join Surrey County Council as a Senior Social Worker within our Family Safeguarding teams in East and West Surrey. The role requires an experienced social worker with a strong child‑focused practice and a commitment to relational work.

Base salary: £52,884 – £56,175 per annum (inclusive of a £5,000 market supplement). A financial package of up to £6,000 is payable in 3 instalments over the first 18 months.

• A competitive relocation package of up to £8,000
• Social Worker England registration fee paid by the Council
• 28 days annual leave (increasing to 30 after 5 years) + bank holidays
• Access to our car lease scheme
• Option to purchase up to 10 extra days of leave
• An extensive Employee Assistance Programme (EAP)
• Generous local‑government salary‑related pension
• Lifestyle discounts (gym, travel, shopping, and more)
• 2 paid volunteering days per year
• Up to 5 days of carer’s leave per year
• Learning and development hub with a range of resources
• Paternity, adoption and dependants leave
• Refer‑a‑friend payment of £1,000

Surrey Children’s Services is working to become a high‑performing local authority. We have achieved a Good Ofsted judgement and are actively reducing the number of children on child‑protection plans through our Family Safeguarding practice model.

The service manages the Family Safeguarding Model, Child In Need, and pre‑ and court‐procedures. We use motivational interviewing and a multidisciplinary approach that includes family support workers, domestic‑abuse practitioners, mental‑health practitioners, and psychologists.

• Provide direct practice to children and families on a child‑protected and children‑in‑need basis
• Build positive relationships with children, parents and other agencies to enable honest, sometimes difficult conversations
• Lead and collaborate within the multidisciplinary team to address family issues efficiently
• Actively support the development of the Family Safeguarding practice model and improve outcomes for children and families
• Maintain accurate case records and ensure compliance with local and national guidelines

• Social Work degree and registration with the Social Work England Board (SWE)
• Valid UK driving licence and ability to travel across Surrey (urban and rural areas)
• ASYE completed within 2 years of qualifying
• UK social work experience, with a minimum of 3 years post‑qualification
• Three years post‑qualified experience in child protection or safeguarding is preferred

• Upload CV and answer the following (max 200 words each):
• What motivates you to apply for this role?
• Key skills and experience you would bring to this role.
• Understanding of Surrey’s Family Safeguarding Practice Model – describe its strengths and challenges.

Shortlisted applicants will be invited to a virtual call (15–20 min) followed by an in‑person interview. We will share interview question themes in advance to help you prepare.

Details:
Capability to transfer seamlessly to one of two new unitary councils in April 2027 while retaining current terms and conditions.

For more information, email cflw or call the hiring team. Enhanced DBS and Children’s and Adults’ Barred List checks are required.

We are a disability‑confident employer and a commitment to inclusive recruitment is central to our process.

If you are employed by Surrey on 1 April 2027, the role will transfer with current terms and conditions to the chosen new organisation.