Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Support children with disabilities and ensure families receive timely help.
- Company: Brent Council, a vibrant and diverse London borough.
- Benefits: Up to 33 days leave, excellent pension, hybrid working, and health support.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of vulnerable children and young people.
- Qualifications: Childcare qualification or A Level standard with English and Maths.
- Other info: Join a supportive team with great career growth opportunities.
The predicted salary is between 34000 - 42000 ÂŁ per year.
Salary range: ÂŁ40,182 - ÂŁ42,060 p.a. inc. London weighting
Contract: Permanent
Hours of work: 36 hours per week
Location: Civic centre and other locations from time to time
Make a real difference to the lives of children and young people with disabilities in Brent. Brent is a tremendously vibrant London borough where the iconic arch of Wembley Stadium dominates the skyline. Spanning both inner and outer London, it is a borough of huge contrasts in terms of its economic, environmental, ethnic and social make up. Brent’s diversity is evident to all who visit our borough and our long history of ethnic and cultural diversity has created a place that is truly unique and valued by those who live and work here. The council is pursuing a far-reaching transformation agenda that better meets the needs of our community so it is an exciting time to join us.
The Post
We are looking for a committed and compassionate Social Work Assistant to join our Short Breaks Service within Children and Young People (CYP). The role supports children and young people with disabilities and complex needs by ensuring families receive the right help, at the right time. As part of this role you will:
- Undertake focused visits, gather vital information, and undertake review assessments that promote the welfare of children and young people, and recommend short breaks.
- Build strong working relationships with families, carers, health services, schools, voluntary agencies and other partners to support and safeguard children with disabilities.
- Ensure that the child’s voice and lived experience are central to all work.
- Work flexibly within a fast‑paced environment where excellent communication, problem‑solving and organisation skills are essential.
This is a fantastic opportunity to grow your skills, develop your confidence and play an active part in strengthening outcomes for local families.
The Person
The successful candidate will hold a qualification in childcare e.g. NNEB, NVQ Level 3, Access to Social Care NVQ Level with evidence of competencies of English and Maths. Or educated to A Level standard with English and Maths GCSE or equivalent. We are also looking for someone who is:
- Child‑centred, empathetic and genuinely passionate about supporting vulnerable children and young people.
- Organised and reliable, able to prioritise competing tasks and work calmly under pressure.
- A strong communicator who can build rapport with families and present information clearly and sensitively.
- Analytical and curious, able to observe, record and escalate concerns appropriately.
- A collaborative team player, committed to working across agencies and supporting social work colleagues.
- Adaptable, with a positive approach to learning, reflection, and professional growth.
Why join us?
We know people achieve their best when they feel valued. At Brent, you’ll benefit from:
- Up to 33 days annual leave (depending on length of service) plus bank holidays
- Excellent pension with generous employer contributions
- Hybrid and flexible working options available for most roles
- Supportive family-friendly policies for parents, guardians, and carers
- Health and wellbeing support, including access to eye test support and a 24/7 Employee Assistance Programme
- Financial support such as education sessions, childcare deposit loans, and season ticket loans
- Travel perks including affordable parking nearby, a Cycle to Work scheme, and great onsite facilities
- Learning and development opportunities to help you grow your career
- Access to My Brent Rewards with exclusive discounts on shopping, travel, leisure, and entertainment
Additional information
Closing date: 19 February 2026 (23:59) We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive sufficient applications for the role, therefore, early application is advised.
Application guidance
If you are interested in applying for this job, please start by clicking the "Apply Now" button below. You must provide a supporting statement as part of your application that clearly shows how you meet the criteria on the Person Specification. We will accept a CV in support of your application, however, you should still provide a supporting statement.
Brent Council values the diversity of its community and aims to have a workforce that reflects this and therefore encourages applications from all sections of the community. We positively encourage all applicants to self-identify their characteristics in the diversity survey section in the application. We are committed to safer recruitment and safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Applicants should be aware that posts working with children, young people and vulnerable adults are subject to an Enhanced DBS check as well as other employment clearances.
Brent has a positive approach to flexible working. As a disability confident employer Brent welcomes applications from people with all disabilities, including “non-visible” disabilities and mental health conditions. We will interview any disabled applicant who meets the essential criteria. If you require reasonable adjustments to be made to any part of the recruitment process due to your disability, please contact us.
Social Work Assistant employer: Borough of Brent
Contact Detail:
Borough of Brent Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Social Work Assistant
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the social work field, especially those already working in Brent. Attend local events or workshops to meet potential colleagues and learn more about the community.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for your interview by researching Brent's diversity and the specific needs of children with disabilities in the area. Show us you understand the community and are ready to make a real difference!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your communication skills! As a Social Work Assistant, you'll need to build rapport with families and professionals. Role-play common scenarios with friends or family to boost your confidence.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage directly with us.
We think you need these skills to ace Social Work Assistant
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: When writing your application, let your passion for supporting children and young people shine through. We want to see that you genuinely care about making a difference in their lives, so share any relevant experiences or motivations that drive you.
Tailor Your Supporting Statement: Make sure your supporting statement is tailored to the job description. Highlight how your skills and experiences align with the role of a Social Work Assistant. We’re looking for specific examples that demonstrate your child-centred approach and ability to work collaboratively.
Keep It Clear and Concise: While we appreciate detail, clarity is key! Keep your application clear and concise, focusing on the most relevant information. Avoid jargon and ensure your points are easy to understand, as this reflects your communication skills.
Apply Early!: Don’t wait until the last minute to submit your application. We encourage you to apply early, as we may close the vacancy if we receive enough applications. Head over to our website and get your application in as soon as you can!
How to prepare for a job interview at Borough of Brent
✨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, make sure you understand the role of a Social Work Assistant and the specific needs of children and young people with disabilities. Familiarise yourself with Brent's diversity and community initiatives, as this will show your commitment to making a real difference.
✨Show Your Empathy
During the interview, be prepared to share examples of how you've supported vulnerable individuals in the past. Highlight your child-centred approach and your ability to build strong relationships with families and other professionals. This will demonstrate your genuine passion for the role.
✨Communicate Clearly
Excellent communication is key in this role. Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and sensitively. You might even want to prepare a few scenarios where you had to communicate complex information effectively, as this will showcase your skills in a practical context.
✨Be Ready to Reflect
The council values adaptability and professional growth. Be ready to discuss how you've learned from past experiences and how you approach reflection. This shows that you're not just looking for a job, but are committed to developing your skills and contributing positively to the team.
