Make a Meaningful Move: Join Surrey County Council as a Permanent Social Worker

When you choose to become a social care worker, you're choosing to be able to make someone's life better each and every day. Surrey County Council is dedicated to acknowledging, appreciating, and improving our Social Workers, and providing them with the flexibility they require. Whatever your interest lies in working with children, young people or adults, we have a range of permanent positions available in our services, and we'd love you to join us.

We understand the work, so we've created an environment that supports your success. Our offer to Social Workers rests on a straightforward idea: when you're well-supported, you can perform at your best. For yourself and for those who count on you.

That starts with competitive rates of pay. All permanent social work posts include a £6,000 market addition with additional increases of £5,000 for working in safeguarding and adolescent teams, and £3,000 for AMHPs. We also reimburse your registration with Social Work England, and offer generous mileage payback or a car leasing scheme to keep you on the move.

A career that works around you

Flexibility is at the centre of how we work. Most teams operate in a hybrid manner, with only two days a week required in the office. You’ll have the autonomy to manage your time while still benefiting from regular supervision, development opportunities, and a strong team culture. Annual leave starts at 28 days (plus bank holidays) and increases with service. And if you need more time, you can also purchase additional leave annually.

However, what truly sets Surrey apart is our commitment to your career progression. Through our Children's Service Academy, we offer more than 60 specialist training modules, five guaranteed CPD days annually, and the flexibility to access e-learning, allowing you to build your knowledge at your own pace. Whatever your experience level, whether you are a newly qualified or experienced practitioner, there are clear paths to move forward from Advanced Social Worker positions with a focus on mentoring and service delivery, through to Practice Educator and leadership roles that improve the service generally.

Wellbeing is also a priority for us. From a comprehensive Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) to carers' leave, paid volunteering days, and offers on everything from gym membership to shopping and travel. We're committed to looking after both the person and the profession. Depending on your location, you'll also be able to enjoy on-site cafes, bakeries and even green spaces to allow you to refuel during the working day.

The variety of activities we undertake is rewarding. Our Children’s Social Workers play a crucial role in protecting and empowering children and young people. Whether you’re assessing families in our Quadrant Assessment or Family Safeguarding teams, supporting young people in care or leaving care, or working with children with disabilities, you’ll be part of a strengths-based, relationship-led practice model. Motivational interviewing and multi-agency working are at the heart of what we do, always to enable children to remain safely at home wherever possible.

We're also recruiting for our Adolescence Service, a specialist team for young people threatened with exploitation, homelessness or serious harm. These roles are highly rewarding and come with additional financial compensation.

On the adult side, we're hiring Mental Health Social Workers and Approved Mental Health Practitioners (AMHPs) to support individuals with multiple needs throughout Surrey. These teams will support or enable individuals to live safer and more independent lives, working in a way that values dignity, inclusion and resilience. Locations span the county, from Woking and Guildford to Dorking, Epsom, and East Tandridge, so you can prefer to work closer to home.

Make an impact where it matters most

Of course, we’re looking for the right people. You’ll need a recognised Social Work qualification and up-to-date Social Work England registration. You’ll be confident working with legislation, have strong communication and IT skills, and be capable of navigating emotionally complex situations with care and professionalism. Most of all, you’ll be passionate about using your skills to make a real, lasting impact.

Surrey is where your work counts, your voice is heard, and your growth is supported. If you're ready for your next adventure, we're ready to welcome you.

Get in touch with us today to learn more about our permanent roles and how you can go on to do your best social work with Surrey County Council.