Social Worker - Children and Families

Surrey County Council; Esher; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 48,000; Full time

Job summary

A prominent healthcare organization in Esher is seeking a qualified Social Worker to support children and families facing terminal illness and bereavement. The role involves using therapeutic techniques, collaborating with diverse communities, and enhancing the capacities of schools and organizations. Candidates should have a strong foundation in counselling and statutory social work, along with a commitment to inclusive care. This position offers competitive benefits in a supportive environment.

Benefits

27 days' annual leave

Professional development opportunities

Clinical supervision

Free on-site parking

Subsidised meals

Access to pension plans

Wellbeing care program

Qualifications

• Strong foundation in counselling, advocacy, and emotional support.
• Experienced in statutory social work within health and social care settings.
• Able to bring a solid understanding of safeguarding procedures.

Responsibilities

• Support children and families through terminal illness and bereavement.
• Use therapeutic approaches to help children express feelings and adapt.
• Engage with schools and community to support children affected by serious illness.

Skills

Qualified social worker

Counselling

Advocacy

Emotional support

Effective relationship building

Multi-disciplinary collaboration

Safeguarding procedures

Engagement with diverse communities

Education

Social work degree

Job description

• Category: Qualified Social Work - Children's
• Contract type: Permanent
• Working hours: 22 hours per week
• Posted on: 23 September 2025
• Directorate: Partnership
• Location: West End Lane, Esher, Surrey, KT10 8NA

Description

Please note that this vacancy is not part of Surrey County Council, we are advertising this on behalf of a partnership organisation.

The salary range for this role is £40,000 to £48,000 per annum, pro rata to 22 hour per week.

Rewards and Benefits

As well as joining a caring organisation where you will be able to make a difference for our patients and their families, some of our employee benefits include:

• 27 days' annual leave plus recognised public holidays - rising to 29 days after 5 years' service and 33 days after 10 years' service (pro rata for part time)
• Educational and professional development opportunities (we have an on-site Education Team)
• Monthly group reflections via Schwartz Rounds sessions
• Free on-site parking
• Clinical supervision (regular and we ensure its protected time)
• An annual development day - protected time for you and your learning
• Subsidised meals at our on-site restaurant
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Access to the Blue Light Card discount scheme
• Access to a Group Personal Pension Plan (provided by Scottish Widows) plus we also offer an Auto-enrolment pension with NEST. If you have been a member of the NHS Pension Scheme, you may be able to continue your contributions to that scheme during your time at Princess Alice Hospice.
• Excellent changing facilities (with showers, fresh towels, and hairdryers)
• Wellbeing care - we provide a programme of activities, opportunities, and guidance to inspire and support our employees to live a healthy life, at home and at work.

About the Organisation

Princess Alice Hospice is one of the top ten adult hospices in the UK, providing specialist palliative care and support to a community of more than a million people living in Surrey, South West London and Middlesex.

Here at Princess Alice Hospice, you'll have the opportunity to make a satisfying, rewarding difference to the lives of our patients, their families and friends, and be supported every step of the way. We're small enough for you to see the impact your social worker skills have - every day, and big enough to support you with training, development and opportunities to grow.

About the Role

As a Social Worker for Children and Families, you'll play a central role in supporting children, young people, and their families through the emotional complexities of terminal illness and bereavement. This is a unique opportunity to make a meaningful impact during some of the most vulnerable moments in a person's life.

You'll work directly with families before and after a death, using therapeutic approaches to help children express their feelings, build resilience, and adapt to change. Your expertise will also guide and support colleagues across the hospice, particularly in safeguarding matters, and you'll contribute to the development of policies, groupwork initiatives, and staff training programmes.

Beyond the hospice, you'll engage with schools and community organisations to help build their confidence and capacity in supporting children affected by serious illness and loss. This outward-facing aspect of the role is key to extending our reach and ensuring that compassionate, informed care is available wherever it's needed.

About You

You would be perfect for this role is you are:

• A qualified and compassionate social worker with a strong foundation in counselling, advocacy and emotional support.
• Confident in building effective working relationships with other health and social care professionals and thrive in collaborative, multi-disciplinary environments.
• Experienced in statutory social work within health and social care settings
• Able bring a solid understanding of safeguarding procedures and the wider social services system.
• Skilled at engaging with diverse communities, ensuring that every child, young person, and family receives care that is inclusive, respectful, and tailored to their individual needs.

Discover the difference you can be.

Additional information

If you would like to hear more about this role, please contact People Services via email: [e-mail] .

At Princess Alice Hospice we are passionate about creating an inclusive workplace that values diversity. We are fully committed to equality of opportunities, and we warmly welcome applications from all backgrounds and cultures.

We are signed up to the Disability Confident scheme and we guarantee to interview all disabled applicants who meet the minimum criteria for the vacancy. We are a place where you can be you.

Please visit the Join our Team section on our website for tips and guidance on how to complete your application form, and what to expect when interviewing with us.

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The close date for this role is 09.10.2025 with interviews planned for 22.10.2025.

To apply for this role, please click HERE .