Learning Disability and Autism Social Worker

Surrey County Council; Guildford; Hybrid; GBP 42,000 - 49,000; Full time

Job summary

A local government organization in Guildford is seeking a Social Worker to support individuals with Learning Disabilities and Autism. This full-time position offers a salary of £42,239 per annum and emphasizes a balanced work approach, combining community and remote work. The ideal candidate will have a qualification in Social Work and relevant experience, contributing to a supportive team dedicated to making a difference in the community.

Benefits

26 days holiday, increasing with service

Option to buy additional leave

Employee Assistance Programme

Generous pension scheme

Lifestyle discounts

Qualifications

• Professional qualification in Social Work and current registration required.
• Successful completion of an ASYE programme if qualified after June 2012.
• Knowledge and experience of current legislation such as The Care Act.

Responsibilities

• Join our team working with individuals with Learning Disability and/or Autism.
• Complete Care Act Assessments, Reviews, and Safeguarding Enquiries.
• Collaborate with other professionals including Health.

Skills

Understanding and experience of working in a strengths-based approach

Experience of undertaking safeguarding enquiries

Ability to communicate and engage with individuals

Organisational skills to manage large volumes of work

Experience dealing with internal and external stakeholders

Education

Professional qualification in Social Work

Current registration with Social Work England

Job description

Overview

This role has a starting salary of 42,239 per annum based on a 36-hour working week. This is a full-time, permanent opportunity. We have an exciting opportunity for three Social Workers to join our Learning Disability and Autism service based in Guildford, and help us make a real difference to the local community, ensuring no one is left behind. We promote an agile approach to work, a balance of spending time in our communities, our offices and working remotely from home or wherever works best for you and the team.

Rewards and Benefits

• 26 days\' holiday, rising to 28 days after 2 years\' service and 30 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 dependents 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

The West Learning Disability and Autism Team support adults in the west area of Surrey (Waverley, Guildford, Woking, Surrey Heath, Runnymede and Spelthorne). We believe everybody has strengths and has something wonderful to offer society, and these are embraced and empowered by our staff. As a team we have a very stable compliment of staff with extensive experience of working with this group of people. There is a real emphasis on development, reflection and support within the team.

About the Role

We are looking for a competent and enthusiastic Social Worker to join our team working with individuals with a Learning Disability and/or Autism in order to meet their desired outcomes. This includes completing S9 Care Act Assessments, Reviews, Support plans, S42 Safeguarding Enquiries, joint working with other professionals including Health, and collaborating with other stakeholders such as carers and advocates. We offer a supportive working environment where training and development is prioritised. As a Social Worker in Surrey you will work across various unique projects that ensure our valued service users have the opportunity to enjoy a home of their own, an environment in which they are supported to live a healthy and meaningful life.

Shortlisting Criteria

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

• Professional qualification in Social Work and current registration with Social Work England
• Successful completion of an Assessed and Supported Year in Employment (ASYE) programme if qualified as a Social Worker after June 2012
• Understanding and experience of working in a strengths-based approach
• Knowledge and experience of current legislation such as The Care Act and The Mental Capacity Act
• Experience of undertaking safeguarding enquiries and examples of using your professional judgement in complex situations
• Experience in preparation of support plans, assessments, and monitoring and reviewing outcomes
• Experiences dealing with internal and external stakeholders
• Commitment to your own professional development
• Experience of using organisational skills to manage large volumes of work in a fast paced and changing environment
• Ability to communicate and engage with individuals, families, carers, colleagues and other agencies
• Ability to work on own initiative determine priorities

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, 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.

Contact Us

Please contact us for any questions relating to the role. This could be to discuss flexible working requests, transferable skills or any barriers to employment.

For an informal discussion please contact Rob Urry-Tuttiett by email at .

The job advert closes at 23:59 on 05/10/2025 with interviews planned for 08/10/2025.

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.

We look forward to receiving your application, please click on the apply online button below to submit.

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! Please see more information here: Information for applicants on Local Government Reorganisation - Surrey County Council.

Our Behaviours

The Surrey Way behaviours are a guide that supports our council to work together effectively and deliver our best for our customers and communities, and for each other. Discover more about our behaviours.

Before submitting your application, we recommend you read the job description. Our Life at Surrey handbook also provides insights of the culture at Surrey and how as a valued employee, you can help shape our Council.

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.