At a Glance
- Tasks: Provide mental health support and guidance to British nationals through the FCDO.
- Company: Join the Foreign Commonwealth & Development Office, a key player in international support.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary of £40,000 plus benefits and opportunities for professional development.
- Other info: Potential for international travel and excellent career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while working in a dynamic and supportive environment.
- Qualifications: 2 years of statutory social work experience and knowledge of mental health legislation required.
Location: Foreign Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO), Consular Directorate, King Charles St, Westminster, London, SW1A 2AH and Heathrow Travel Care (HTC), London Heathrow Airport
Salary: £40,000 per annum, plus benefits
Vacancy Type: full-time, permanent contract
We currently have an exciting opportunity to join us as a Social Work Adviser (Mental Health) based at the Foreign Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) in Westminster, seconded from Heathrow Travel Care (HTC), the airport social work team. You will join us on a full-time, permanent contract and you will receive a competitive salary of £40,000 per annum, plus benefits.
The role of our Social Work Adviser (Mental Health) is to enable the FCDO to offer advice and assistance to vulnerable British nationals known to the UK Consular Network.
Responsibilities as our Social Work Adviser (Mental Health):
- Providing advice, support and guidance to consular assistance staff in London and overseas on mental health for British nationals
- Working collaboratively with the Social Work Adviser team to review cases and relevant policy
- Investigating, risk assessing, signposting, planning with consular staff who are working with British nationals to provide specialist advice to the consular staff
- Referral of 'meet and assist' cases to relevant service providers at UK ports
- Policy, guidance and training input to Consular staff on relevant issues
- Building and maintaining links with relevant assistance NGOs & travel partners via outreach work
- Building and maintaining links with Consular Regional Directors
- Cover for Social Work Adviser team as required
- Recording of all cases on a secure consular information network and monthly reporting to HTC
- International outreach – there may be opportunities for international travel to support FCDO staff abroad
HTC (1 day per 5 weeks):
- Liaison between airport crisis team (focus on 'meet and assist') and FCDO Consular Directorate
- Contribution to airport crisis preparation work
- Contribution to Heathrow Travel-Care policy, guidance and strategic planning
- Participation in emergency preparedness and response at Heathrow
- Continuing professional development
What we’re looking for in our Social Work Adviser (Mental Health):
- 2 years’ recent statutory social work experience
- Recent experience of working directly in the mental health sector
- Understanding of Mental Health Act and mental health procedures within Local Authorities / NHS / statutory frameworks
- Understanding of Mental Capacity Act
- Understanding of adult social care legislation and statutory frameworks
- Understanding of how mental health conditions affect individuals including stigma and discrimination
- Experience of problem-solving under time pressure
- Experience of prioritising casework according to risk and need
- Ability to make clear recommendations on how to address risk and need based on professional judgement and experience
- Experience of undertaking eligibility, risk and mental capacity assessments
- The ability to work effectively in partnership with other agencies
Closing date: Sunday 13th September 2026
Interview date: Thursday 24th September in person at Westminster
You must be legally able to work in UK. Security clearance is required for this role. You must have been resident in the UK for at least 2 of the previous ten years, at least one year of which must have been a consecutive 12-month period and you must have resided for at least 3 consecutive years in one country. All applicants should be aware that a lack of sufficient background information may preclude an applicant from being granted security clearance.
To Apply: If you feel you are a suitable candidate and would like to work for Heathrow Travel Care, please do not hesitate to apply.
FCDO Mental Health Social Work Adviser employer: Heathrow Travel Care
Joining the Foreign Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) as a Mental Health Social Work Adviser offers a unique opportunity to make a meaningful impact on the lives of vulnerable British nationals. With a competitive salary and benefits, you will thrive in a supportive work culture that values collaboration and professional development, all while being based in the vibrant setting of Westminster and Heathrow Airport. This role not only allows for personal growth through international outreach opportunities but also fosters a commitment to social responsibility and community support.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land FCDO Mental Health Social Work Adviser
✨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 Heathrow Travel Care.
✨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 Heathrow Travel Care!
✨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 Heathrow Travel Care, 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 Heathrow Travel Care 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 FCDO Mental Health Social Work Adviser
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 Heathrow Travel Care:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Heathrow Travel Care! 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 Heathrow Travel Care
✨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.
