At a Glance
- Tasks: Support vulnerable young people in accessing essential services and navigating their journey.
- Company: Join Connect2Kent, the exclusive recruitment partner for Kent County Council.
- Benefits: Gain valuable experience while making a real difference in young people's lives.
- Other info: Flexible, dynamic role with opportunities to grow and make an impact.
- Why this job: Be a key support for unaccompanied asylum-seeking children and help them thrive.
- Qualifications: Experience with children or vulnerable adults and strong communication skills required.
The predicted salary is between 13.5 - 16.5 £ per hour.
Connect2Kent is the exclusive recruitment partner to Kent County Council, recruiting talented professionals into temporary and permanent opportunities across the county. We are currently recruiting a Social Work Assistant to join Kent County Council's Unaccompanied Asylum-Seeking Children (UASC) Service. This is a rewarding opportunity to support young people who have arrived in the UK without a parent or guardian, helping them access essential services, settle into their communities, and navigate key stages of their journey.
The successful candidate will play an important role in supporting Social Workers and assisting with National Transfer Scheme (NTS) movements, helping ensure that young people receive timely support and smooth transitions between local authorities.
The Role
As a Social Work Assistant within the UASC Service, you will work alongside Social Workers and partner agencies to support unaccompanied asylum-seeking children and young people. You will act as a key point of practical and emotional support, helping young people access accommodation, education, healthcare, and other essential services while ensuring their wellbeing remains at the centre of all interventions. A significant part of the role will involve supporting the coordination of National Transfer Scheme (NTS) transfers, liaising with partner authorities and professionals to ensure young people experience a smooth and well-planned transition.
Key Responsibilities
- Support Social Workers in delivering services to unaccompanied asylum-seeking children and young people.
- Assist with the coordination and administration of National Transfer Scheme (NTS) transfers.
- Liaise with receiving local authorities, placement providers, health professionals, education settings, and other partner agencies.
- Complete direct work with young people to promote their wellbeing, independence, and engagement with services.
- Assist young people in accessing accommodation, healthcare appointments, education, and community resources.
- Accompany young people to appointments, meetings, and placements where required.
- Support the gathering of information for assessments, reviews, and care planning.
- Maintain accurate electronic records and case notes in line with statutory and local requirements.
- Help identify and respond to safeguarding concerns, escalating issues appropriately to qualified Social Workers.
- Support young people through transition and resettlement processes, ensuring they understand available support and services.
About You
We are looking for a compassionate and organised individual who is passionate about supporting vulnerable young people. You will ideally have:
- Experience working with children, young people, or vulnerable adults within a social care, youth work, support work, education, or community setting.
- An understanding of safeguarding principles and the challenges faced by unaccompanied asylum-seeking children.
- Experience working in partnership with a range of agencies and professionals.
- Strong communication and relationship-building skills.
- The ability to manage competing priorities in a fast-paced environment.
- Excellent organisational and record-keeping skills.
- A flexible and proactive approach to supporting young people from diverse backgrounds.
- A full UK driving licence and access to a vehicle is essential.
Connect2Kent is a trading style of Commercial Services Kent LTD - A company wholly owned by Kent County Council. Connect2Kent is an equal opportunities Employment Agency & Business. It positively encourages applications from all suitably qualified and eligible candidates.
Social Work Assistant in Ashford employer: Connect2Kent
At Connect2Kent, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a supportive work culture that prioritises the well-being and professional development of our Social Workers. Located in Ashford, our team benefits from flexible working arrangements, comprehensive training opportunities, and a strong commitment to safeguarding children and families, making it a fulfilling place to advance your career in social work.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Social Work Assistant in Ashford
✨Dive into Local Community Groups
Social work thrives on community connections, so get involved in local groups or forums specific to your interests. Whether it’s volunteering at local shelters or joining community action boards, these are great ways to boost your visibility and make direct contacts that could lead to opportunities like the one at Connect2Kent.
✨Attend Social Work Events and Workshops
Keep an eye out for workshops, seminars, or conferences in social work. These events are fantastic for meeting professionals in the field, learning about emerging trends, and spotting job openings. Plus, you might just bump into someone from Connect2Kent!
✨Showcase Your Passion and Expertise
Use platforms like Instagram or LinkedIn to share your journey and insights into the social work sector. Whether it’s writing about your experiences or sharing relevant articles, this helps to establish you as an engaged professional. Potential employers, like Connect2Kent, will notice your enthusiasm!
✨Leverage Your Network
Don’t hesitate to reach out to professors, mentors, or even past colleagues who are in social work. They might have inside knowledge about openings at Connect2Kent or be able to connect you with someone who’s hiring. Networking is key, especially in a full-time role where relationships matter.
We think you need these skills to ace Social Work Assistant in Ashford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Social Work:In your cover letter, let us see your passion for social work shine through! Talk about the experiences that made you want to pursue this career—whether it’s volunteering, personal experiences, or academic projects. We want to know why this field matters to you.
Emphasise Relevant Qualifications:Make sure your CV highlights any relevant qualifications, like degrees in social work or certifications like a DBS check. If you've done any workshops or training, don’t forget to include those as well. We're keen to see your commitment to your professional development!
Detail Your Experience with Clients:Since this is a hands-on field, detailing any direct experience you have with clients is crucial. Whether it's internships, volunteer roles, or previous jobs, highlight those experiences in your CV to show us you've got the practical skills necessary for the job!
Tailor Your Application to Connect2Kent:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Connect2Kent! Research our mission and values, and refer to them in your cover letter. This shows us that you understand our work and are genuinely interested in being a part of our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Connect2Kent
✨Understanding the Role of Empathy
In social work, understanding and demonstrating empathy is key. Be prepared to share personal experiences or scenarios where you effectively showed compassion and support. This helps show that you genuinely care about the well-being of others, which is crucial in social work.
✨Demonstrating Knowledge of Frameworks
Familiarise yourself with the frameworks and models used in social work, such as the Strengths-Based Approach or the Ecological Perspective. Be ready to discuss how these frameworks apply to your work, especially if you can tie them into real-world examples or case studies you've encountered.
✨Showcasing Your Multi-Disciplinary Skills
In a full-time social work role, you'll often collaborate with healthcare professionals, educators, and law enforcement. Be prepared to describe your teamwork experiences and how you've effectively communicated with other disciplines to achieve the best outcomes for clients.
✨Preparing for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that put you in hypothetical social work situations, such as dealing with a crisis or managing a complex case. Think through your thought process for these scenarios beforehand, considering how you'd assess the situation and what steps you'd take, as this demonstrates your critical thinking and problem-solving abilities.
