Qualified Social Worker - Children Seeking Safety & Asylum

• Hold a varied caseload, including children we care for and children seeking safety & asylum
• Lead on care planning, direct work, and life story work
• Ensure permanence plans and contribute to Going Home (reunification) planning where appropriate
• Provide a high‑quality service responsive to the wishes and feelings of children and young people
• Work creatively and solution‑focusively, encouraging full participation of children in their care planning
• Receive training in DDP and access to CAMHS consultation to enhance direct work
• Carry out or contribute to Merton‑compliant age assessments
• Work confidently with immigration/asylum legislation and liaise with UKVI, NRPF teams, advocates and solicitors
• Provide trauma‑informed and culturally competent practice
• Recognise trafficking indicators and make referrals to the National Referral Mechanism when required
• Support newly arrived children with education, health and mental‑health pathways

• Holds a Diploma or Degree in Social Work and is registered with Social Work England (ASYE must be completed)
• Sound knowledge of the Children Acts 1989/2004 and a willingness to develop specialist expertise
• Understands the challenges faced by children in care and demonstrates empathy and insight
• Communicates effectively with children, families, and multi‑agency professionals
• Shows strong analytical skills to assess needs and plan effectively
• Is resilient and able to manage competing demands in a dynamic environment
• Is committed to achieving outstanding outcomes and embedding restorative, anti‑oppressive practice
• Is child‑centred, respects children’s views, and empowers them to make informed choices

• Knowledge of the Immigration & Asylum Act 1999
• Insight into experiences of unaccompanied children
• Experience in age assessments (or willingness to train)
• Understanding of trafficking indicators/NRM
• Experience supporting UASC approaching adulthood with immigration

Market Supplement: A £3,000 per annum market supplement