Job Description

The starting salary for this role is 34,660 per annum, working 36 hours per week.

We are seeking a motivated and compassionate person to join our team as Senior Social Care Assistant as part of our 6 month pilot of a 14 to 18 year old's Link Worker Service.

This is a fixed-term contract or secondment opportunity for up to 6 months, ending no later than 31st March 2027. If you are applying for an internal secondment, please seek permission from your line manager before applying.

Our Offer to You

• 26 days' holiday, 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
• A generous local government salary related pension
• Up to 5 days of carer's leave and 2 paid volunteering days per year
• Paternity, adoption and dependents leave
• An Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) to support health and wellbeing
• Learning and development hub where you can access a wealth of resources
• Wellbeing and lifestyle discounts including gym, travel, and shopping
• A chance to make a real difference to the lives of our residents

About the Role

Help shape a new approach to supporting young people with SEND, disabilities and additional needs as they prepare for adulthood. Working with young people aged 14-18 and their families, you will provide targeted support, coordination and guidance, helping them navigate the transition from children's to adult services while keeping their aspirations and goals at the centre of planning.

Using a strengths-based approach, you will work closely with colleagues across social care, health, education and adult services to ensure support is joined up and effective. You will undertake proportionate assessments, reviews and support planning activities where appropriate, attend Education, Health and Care Plan Reviews, and help young people build independence and access the right support at the right time.

This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to an innovative pilot programme, testing new ways of improving transition experiences and creating smoother pathways into adulthood. By bringing together professionals, families and community partners, you will play a key role in achieving positive outcomes for young people and shaping future approaches to transition support.

Shortlisting Criteria

In order to be considered for shortlisting, your application will clearly evidence the following skills:

• Experience working with young people, SEND, disability or social care services.
• The ability to build positive relationships with families, professionals and partner organisations.
• That you are organised, proactive and committed to person-centred practice.
• Enjoyment in supporting people to navigate complex systems and to access opportunities within their communities.

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.

Your application

To apply, we request that you submit a CV and you will be asked the following 3 questions:

1. Looking at the role profile and Surrey County Council's commitment to ensuring that "no one is left behind", what has motivated you to apply for the Senior Social Care Assistant role within the Transition Team, and how do you see yourself contributing to positive outcomes for young people and their families?
2. What three qualities do you possess that would make you an effective Senior Social Care Assistant within the Transition Team? Please explain how these qualities would support Surrey County Council's values of collaboration, inclusivity, adaptability, and supporting people to live as independently as possible
3. Describe a situation where you have coordinated support for an individual with complex needs, working alongside professionals, families, or partner agencies. What was your role and what was the outcome?

An enhanced DBS 'Disclosure and Barring Service' check for regulated activity (formerly known as CRB) and the Children's and Adults' Barred List checks will be required for this role.

The job advert closes at 23:59 on 06/09/2026 with interviews to follow.

Local Government Reorganisation (LGR)

Surrey County Council is undergoing Local Government Reorganisation, moving from a two-tier system to two new unitary councils in April 2027. If you are employed by Surrey on 1st April 2027, your role will transfer with current terms and conditions to one of the new organisations, supporting local devolution and greater powers for our communities.

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

We are a disability confident employer which means if you have shared a disability on your application form and have evidenced you meet the minimum shortlisting criteria, as displayed on the advert, we guarantee you an interview.

Your skills and experience truly matter to us. From application to your first day, we're committed to supporting you with any adjustments you need, we value inclusion and warmly welcome you to join and help build a workplace where everyone belongs.