The starting salary for this role is -47,884 per annum, working 36 hours per week.

This is a fixed term/secondment contract up to 14th June 2026. (For candidates interested in a secondment opportunity, please discuss with your line manager before submitting your application).

We are hiring a Senior Social Worker to join our fantastic Section 117 Team based at Dakota House in Weybridge; however, we offer the opportunity to work flexibly, in accordance with Surrey County Council''s hybrid working charter.

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 dependants 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

We are a small and close-knit team, supporting Section 117 (Mental Health Act) practice and processes across Surrey County Council. We are currently looking for an individual who is interested in developing their knowledge and skills in this specialised domain. Ideally, you will have experience of working with Section 117 however, this is not essential. We are most interested in recruiting individuals who are keen to learn, progress their professional development and grow with our team!

About the Role

In the main, the role involves initial completion of Care Act assessments followed by creation of a person''s Section 117 plan. In line with the aims of Section 117 aftercare, you will support and actively promote wellbeing and independence - enabling individuals and carers to retain or regain their skills and confidence, whilst preventing or reducing the risk of deterioration of a person''s mental health.

Section 117 is a joint responsibility between social services and the NHS and as such, you will work closely with our health partners. This role may involve investigative work to determine a person''s ordinary residence and liaising with other local authorities or Integrated Care Boards (ICBs), to resolve uncertainties around Section 117 responsibilities. As a Senior Social Worker, you will be expected to work with some autonomy however the Senior Practitioner Specialist Leads are always on hand to support with complex cases.

Some service users may not have been reviewed for some time or may have complex needs. You will demonstrate expert and effective practice in complex situations, providing a professional social work service to adults, their families and carers living in Surrey.

Shortlisting Criteria

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

• You are a registered Social Worker; hold the relevant qualification and are registered with Social Work England.
• Sound knowledge of both the Care Act and Section 117 Mental Health Act
• Completion of Surrey County Council''s Section 117 Training - if not already completed, this must be done on appointment.
• An ability to communicate effectively and to problem solve.
• An ability to complete strengths-based assessments with service users who may present with complex challenges and/or have disengaged from services.
• An ability to work with some autonomy.
• Substantial post-qualification professional experience as a social worker.

Surrey has both urban and rural areas and social care workers will be expected to have a valid driving licence to drive in the UK; access to a vehicle and a willingness to travel across a wide geographical area. Reasonable adjustments 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.

The job advert closes at 23:59 on 14th September 2025 with interviews to take place on 30th July 2025.

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!

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.