Royal Surrey County Hospitals jobs

Job Introduction

This role has a starting salary of £43,633 per annum, based on a 36-hour working week.

“Working in a hospital setting is fast paced and time pressured. We are an integral part of discharge planning for patients, attending daily morning meetings with other professionals such as Consultants, Occupational Therapists, Case Managers, and Nursing staff. For those that love learning, working in a multi-disciplinary setting can be fun as well as supportive.”

We are hiring a Social Worker to join our fantastic Royal Surrey Hospital team. The team is based in Guildford and covers the Royal Surrey County Hospital and Milford Hospital. There could be an expectation that you work from our Milford Hospital site. We’re currently on a journey of growth and innovation where your passion and hard work will make a real impact.

This service runs from 8am to 8pm Monday to Friday and 9am to 5pm Saturday and Sunday. The role will require being based onsite with some Hybrid working supported. Further information regarding the working pattern can be discussed at interview.

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 Team

The team is based within the Royal Surrey County Hospital which is one of five Surrey’s acute hospital teams and consists of qualified and non-qualified staff. In addition to the Royal Surrey acute hospital, the Team also supports discharges from the community rehab beds at Milford hospital. Patients are supported on discharge with packages of care to return to living in the community or short-term placements under discharge to assessment framework enabling assessment post discharge within a set timeframe as they regain their independence to the maximum.

About the Role

We are a busy and diverse team managing hospital discharges, as well as carrying out Care Act and Mental Capacity Act assessments and support planning. The complexity of our work varies greatly, supporting all adult patients of the hospital who are residents of Surrey, and who appear to have a need for care and support. We always strive to get people back home; this is the focus of what we do.

When joining us, you will be well supported with regular supervision, management support as well as peer-to-peer learning and support. You will form part of a fantastic team that works closely with our acute hospital health colleagues, enabling a positive and collaborative approach. Our team is committed to making a difference to residents’ lives, and working in a positive, inclusive manner. To help to promote this we will provide you with training, excellent supervision, and development opportunities to progress your career and get the most out of your role.

Your work in this role will include:

• Care Act assessments
• Mental Capacity Act assessments and leading on Best Interest Decisions
• Screening residents for Continuing Healthcare
• Carers assessments
• Safeguarding work and partnership working with our Hospital NHS colleagues, including Discharge to Assess
• Attending Multi-Disciplinary Team meetings on the wards
• Working with and supporting adults and their carers, advocates and families through the discharge process

You will also work closely with Adult Social Care frontline and specialist teams as well as community health, charity and voluntary organisations. Taking on this role is a fantastic opportunity to develop your skills through promoting strengths-based and person-centred practice that is legally compliant, supporting our residents to be discharged from a large acute hospital setting in a safe and timely manner.

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
• Completion of an Assessed and Supported Year in Employment (relates to qualification from 2012)
• Knowledge and experience of current legislation, including the Care Act and the Mental Capacity Act and its application to practice in a social care setting. Knowledge of the relevant guidance and person-centred strengths-based practice.
• Knowledge of and experience in carrying out safeguarding enquiries, carrying out assessments within the hospital and/ or community and working with a diverse group of individuals and partner agencies.
• Experience of supporting non-qualified or less experienced members of staff with their development
• Commitment to your own professional development
• Willingness to be based onsite each day

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.

Before submitting your application, we recommend you read the job description & Our Life at Surrey handbook to get an insight into working at Surrey

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 Edward by email at edward.parker@surreycc.gov.uk or by telephone on 01483 464008.

The job advert closes at 23:59 on 5th July 2026 with interviews to follow.

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

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

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 criteria, 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.