Assessment Social Worker
Location: Weybridge, Surrey
Working Pattern: Hybrid Working - 2 Days Per Week in the Office
Contract: Full-Time
Salary: £42ph
Join a Service That Puts Children and Families First
At Surrey, we believe the best outcomes for children are achieved when families are respected, listened to, and empowered to make lasting positive changes. Our approach is built on partnership, informed consent, and a commitment to helping children remain safely within their families wherever possible.
We are looking for an experienced, ambitious, and relationship-focused Assessment Social Worker to join our dedicated team in Weybridge.
This is an exciting opportunity for a social worker who is passionate about safeguarding children, undertaking high-quality assessments, and making meaningful interventions at critical points in a family's journey. You'll be supported to develop advanced skills in Motivational Interviewing and relationship-based practice, enabling you to work collaboratively with families to identify strengths, address risks, and achieve sustainable change.
About the Role
As an Assessment Social Worker, you'll undertake complex assessments and provide timely interventions for children and families requiring statutory support. You'll play a vital role in identifying needs, managing risk, and ensuring children receive the right support at the right time.
Working within a supportive and experienced team, you'll manage a varied caseload and work closely with partner agencies to deliver effective, child-centred plans that improve outcomes.
Key Responsibilities
Assessment and Intervention
Undertake comprehensive and strengths-based assessments of children, young people, and their families.
Analyse complex information to identify needs, risks, and protective factors.
Develop SMART care and support plans with children and families that deliver measurable outcomes.
Complete Child and Family Assessments in accordance with statutory guidance and timescales.
Ensure children and families are actively involved in assessment, planning, and decision-making processes.
Safeguarding and Child Protection
Conduct safeguarding enquiries and child protection investigations where concerns of significant harm have been identified.
Participate in strategy discussions, child protection conferences, and core group meetings.
Use professional judgement to assess risk and determine appropriate interventions.
Work proactively with families to reduce risk and improve outcomes through motivational and strengths-based approaches.
Initiate legal planning discussions and contribute to Public Law Outline (PLO) and court proceedings where required.
Partnership Working
Build effective relationships with children, parents, carers, and wider family networks.
Collaborate closely with education, health, police, legal services, and voluntary sector partners.
Promote integrated working to ensure families receive coordinated and effective support.
Contribute positively to multi-agency meetings and planning processes.
Case Management
Manage a diverse and complex caseload with confidence and accountability.
Maintain accurate, timely, and analytical case recordings and assessments.
Ensure all statutory visits, reviews, reports, and documentation are completed to a high standard.
Keep children's wishes, feelings, and lived experiences at the centre of all decision-making.
What We're Looking For
Essential Requirements
Qualified Social Worker (DipSW, CQSW, Social Work Degree or equivalent recognised qualification).
Registered with Social Work England.
Substantial experience working with children and families within a UK statutory social work setting.
Strong understanding of safeguarding, child protection, and statutory intervention.
Up-to-date knowledge of UK child care legislation, statutory guidance, and best practice.
Ability to undertake complex assessments and develop effective intervention plans.
Excellent analytical, assessment, and decision-making skills.
Strong report-writing and court-report preparation experience.
Ability to communicate effectively in challenging and emotionally demanding situations.
Full UK driving licence and willingness to travel across Surrey as required.
Desirable Experience
Experience within an Assessment Team, Referral and Assessment Service, or Front Door Service.
Knowledge and experience of Public Law Outline (PLO) processes and care proceedings.
Experience using Motivational Interviewing techniques.
Experience working within a strengths-based and restorative practice model.
The Ideal Candidate
We're looking for someone who:
✔ Builds trusting relationships quickly with children and families.
✔ Demonstrates strong professional curiosity and skilled analysis.
✔ Can confidently manage risk while maintaining a compassionate approach.
✔ Understands the importance of the child's voice and advocates effectively for children.
✔ Thrives in a fast-paced environment and manages competing priorities effectively.
✔ Works collaboratively across teams and agencies to achieve outstanding outcomes.
✔ Is committed to continuous learning and professional development.
Why Join Surrey?
We Offer
⭐ Hybrid working with only 2 days per week based in our Weybridge office
⭐ Supportive management and reflective supervision
⭐ Opportunities to develop specialist practice and leadership skills
⭐ Ongoing training, including Motivational Interviewing and relationship-based practice
⭐ A collaborative and passionate team culture
⭐ Flexible working arrangements that support work-life balance
⭐ The opportunity to make a genuine difference in the lives of children and families every day
Our Commitment
At Surrey, we are committed to:
Championing the rights and welfare of children and young people.
Promoting equality, diversity, and inclusion.
Supporting families to create lasting positive change.
Delivering high-quality, evidence-based social work practice.
Creating a culture where social workers can thrive and develop their careers.
Ready to Make an Impact?
If you're a skilled and compassionate social worker who is passionate about safeguarding children and supporting families through positive change, we'd love to hear from you.
*Apply today and be part of a service that is committed to helping Surrey's children and families achieve brighter futures.
Connect2Surrey is a trading style of Surrey & Kent Commercial Services LLP - A joint venture between Surrey County Council & Commercial Services Kent Ltd. Connect2Surrey is an equal opportunities Employment Agency & Business. It positively encourages applications from all suitably qualified and eligible candidates
