At a Glance
- Tasks: Support young people in care, manage cases, and ensure compliance with safeguarding policies.
- Company: Join a respected provider of trauma-informed support for looked-after children across London, Kent, and the West Midlands.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, £2,000 bonus, and a Monday to Friday schedule with no weekends.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in vulnerable young people's lives while working in a supportive, values-led environment.
- Qualifications: A relevant degree or one year of experience in Social Care, plus knowledge of key legislation.
- Other info: Embrace diversity and inclusivity in a workplace that values your unique background and experiences.
We are recruiting for an Assistant Social Worker on behalf of a respected provider of supported accommodation for looked-after children and care leavers aged 16 and over. With a strong presence across London, Kent, and the West Midlands, our client specialises in person-centred, trauma-informed support delivered within small home environments.
As an Assistant Social Worker, you will play a central role in promoting placement stability and helping young people with complex needs move toward independent living. You will be responsible for case management, safeguarding, and multi-agency collaboration, ensuring every young person receives tailored, consistent support. Working across home settings and head office, the Assistant Social Worker will coordinate move-ins, support care plan reviews, and maintain compliance with all statutory requirements.
This is an exciting opportunity for someone passionate about making a difference, committed to trauma-informed practice, and ready to contribute to a high-impact, values-led service.
Do you have?
- A relevant degree and either recent graduation or at least one year of experience in a Social Care setting.
- Experience supporting young people with complex needs, ideally within community or residential settings.
- Knowledge of key legislation including the Childrens Act, Leaving Care Act, and related safeguarding policies.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Confidence working both independently and collaboratively within a multi-disciplinary team.
- Full UK driving license and ability to travel between services.
Benefits:
- Competitive salary with annual reviews
- £2,000 bonus after successful probation
- Monday to Friday daytime schedule (no weekends)
- Opportunities to make a real difference in the lives of vulnerable young people
- Regular clinical supervision and support from a dedicated Social Work Operations Manager
- Supportive multidisciplinary team culture
- Comprehensive training and development opportunities
At Olive Recruit, we are committed to fostering a workplace culture that embraces diversity and promotes inclusivity. Our core values, Integrity, Impact, Inclusivity, and Innovation, guide our efforts to create an environment where every employee feels valued, respected, and empowered to excel.
We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people, and vulnerable adults. All colleagues are expected to share this commitment and participate fully in safeguarding training and processes.
The successful applicant will undergo a free enhanced disclosure from the disclosure barring service and other compliance checks required.
Assistant Social Worker employer: Olive Recruit
Contact Detail:
Olive Recruit Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Assistant Social Worker
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the key legislation mentioned in the job description, such as the Children's Act and Leaving Care Act. Understanding these laws will not only help you in interviews but also demonstrate your commitment to safeguarding and supporting young people.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the social care field, especially those who work with looked-after children or in similar settings. Attend relevant workshops or seminars to connect with others and gain insights that could be beneficial during your application process.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for potential scenario-based questions in interviews by thinking about how you would handle specific situations involving young people with complex needs. This will showcase your problem-solving skills and your ability to apply trauma-informed practices.
✨Tip Number 4
Research the organisation's values and culture, particularly their commitment to diversity and inclusivity. Be ready to discuss how your personal values align with theirs, as this can set you apart as a candidate who truly fits within their team.
We think you need these skills to ace Assistant Social Worker
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in social care, particularly with young people and complex needs. Emphasise any specific roles or responsibilities that align with the job description.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for supporting vulnerable young people. Mention your understanding of trauma-informed practice and how your values align with those of the organisation.
Highlight Relevant Legislation Knowledge: In your application, demonstrate your knowledge of key legislation such as the Children's Act and Leaving Care Act. This shows your preparedness for the role and understanding of the legal framework.
Showcase Communication Skills: Since excellent written and verbal communication skills are essential, ensure your application is clear, concise, and free of errors. Consider including examples of how you've effectively communicated in previous roles.
How to prepare for a job interview at Olive Recruit
✨Show Your Passion for Social Work
Make sure to express your genuine passion for working with young people and making a difference in their lives. Share personal experiences or motivations that led you to pursue a career in social work, especially in supporting those with complex needs.
✨Demonstrate Knowledge of Relevant Legislation
Familiarise yourself with key legislation such as the Children Act and Leaving Care Act. Be prepared to discuss how these laws impact your role and the importance of compliance in safeguarding practices during the interview.
✨Highlight Your Communication Skills
Since excellent communication is crucial in this role, prepare examples of how you've effectively communicated with young people, families, and multi-disciplinary teams. This will showcase your ability to build rapport and collaborate effectively.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving skills and approach to case management. Think about past experiences where you successfully navigated challenges and how you would apply those lessons in this role.