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.

THIS ROLE HAS A STARTING SALARY OF £14,848.50 PER ANNUM, WORKING 18 HOURS PER WEEK.

We are excited to be hiring a new Early Help Hub Advisor to join our Early Help Hub team within the Childrens Single Point of Access (CSPA) Team. We are dedicated to the recruitment and development of employees who are passionate about supporting and safeguarding vulnerable children and families.
The role is located in our Woking office (Quadrant Court) from Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm. There is flexibility for hybrid working from home with an expectation of being office based a minimum of two days a week. It is our intention to move within the local area away from Quadrant Court to Victoria Gate in Central Woking later this year.

ABOUT THE ROLE

You will work as part of a well-supported team consisting of a social work qualified team manager and advanced practitioner alongside advisors and senior advisors. You will be provided with regular guidance and support inclusive of regular case review and reflection, supervision, and support from colleagues who have a diverse range of experience and specialisms.

The role primarily consists of screening contacts within the CSPA which includes:

• Speaking with parents/carers and children whenever possible.
• Undertaking checks with agencies when proportionate to do so.
• Signposting and referring families to support, providing advice and undertaking safety planning when required.
• Regular threshold review of families with management, inclusive of escalating safeguarding concerns when required.
• To ensure families have the most timely response, we strive to ensure each family has an outcome within 24-48 hours.

Shortlisting Criteria

To be shortlisted to interview for this position your application will clearly evidence:

• A minimum of a Level 3 qualification in a related area such as Education, Social Care etc. and/or at least 2 years’ experience of directly working with children and families in a safeguarding and supporting capacity.
• A good understanding of the functioning and purpose of CSPA.
• Alignment with Early Help services being a preventative and timely approach to meeting the needs of vulnerable children and families.
• Ability to work collaboratively within the team, the wider service and with other agencies such as health and education.
• Ability to communicate clearly in a respectful and professional manner with children, families, agencies and colleagues.
• Organisational ability to manage and prioritise your workload in line with service needs and needs of families.
• A curious and reflective approach as to the needs of children and families inclusive of families with complex needs, safeguarding concerns and ability to analyse information to make threshold recommendations.

• Training and experience in responding to safeguarding concerns for children and families.

  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.