At a Glance
- Tasks: Support disabled young people aged 18-25 in their transition to independence.
- Company: Join KCC, a diverse and inclusive organisation committed to flexibility.
- Benefits: Extensive training, hybrid working, and opportunities for personal development.
- Other info: Collaborative team environment with a focus on creativity and support.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in young people's lives while developing your skills.
- Qualifications: Level 2 Health and/or Social Care qualification and experience in relevant services.
The predicted salary is between 32508 - 39732 £ per year.
We have an exciting opportunity for a permanent full-time Social Work Assistant in the Disabled Young People's Team covering North Kent. The team covers Dartford, Gravesham, Swanley, Swale and surrounding villages. We promote hybrid working but do encourage working in an office at least twice per week so the team can get together and share ideas and knowledge whilst supporting each other. There is an expectation that you are able to work flexibly across the whole area covered by the team.
We are able to provide an extensive training and development programme and you will be provided with support and opportunities to further develop your own knowledge and skills with regular supervision.
Role and Responsibilities
Our team of Social Workers and Social Work Assistants predominantly work with young people aged 18 - 25 with a range of care and support needs and we place the individual at the centre of their support. You will hold your own caseload of young people who you will support as they transition into adulthood aiding the development of their skills and independence.
You will complete direct work with young people in a variety of settings ensuring that the young person's voice is heard, and you will take the lead in promoting their safety in their day to day lives and to help them to live as full and independent lives as possible.
You will be required to work alongside and in partnership with other professionals to develop plans to meet the care and support needs that have been identified. You will be required to ensure that all record keeping is accurate and kept up to date using the appropriate IT systems.
About You
We are looking for somebody who is highly motivated and can demonstrate excellent interpersonal and communication skills to deliver the highest quality service to disabled young people, their families and carers. The ideal candidate would have a positive, forward-thinking attitude and be creative and imaginative and be able to work collaboratively as part of the team.
A qualification of Level 2 Health and/or Social Care or equivalent would be required for this post and experience in either Adults or Children's Services is essential.
This post is subject to an Enhanced Disclosure Application to the Disclosure and Barring Service.
This post is considered by KCC to be a customer-facing position. The Council therefore has a statutory duty under Part 7 of the Immigration Act (2016) to ensure that post holders have a command of spoken English sufficient for the effective performance of the job requirements.
About us
KCC is committed to building a workforce which reflects the diversity of the county's working residents, encouraging applications from people of all ages, abilities, genders, sexual orientations, ethnic backgrounds, faiths and those with caring responsibilities, and aspires to create an inclusive workplace where everyone can be themselves at work.
Interviews will be held on Tuesday, 10 November 2026 at Swale MASH Orchards, Sittingbourne.
Contact Details
Please call the recruiting Team Manager, Josiah Nyathi (03000 413232) if you wish to know more or would like an informal discussion about the role.
Social Work Assistant employer: Kent County Council
As a KPAS Attendance Officer with Kent County Council, you will be part of a dedicated team committed to improving school attendance for children and young people across West Kent. The Council fosters a supportive work culture that values diversity and inclusion, offering flexible working arrangements and opportunities for professional development. With a focus on making a meaningful impact in the community, this role provides a unique chance to engage with various stakeholders while enjoying the benefits of a collaborative and dynamic work environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Social Work Assistant
✨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 Kent County Council.
✨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 Kent County Council!
✨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 Kent County Council, 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 Kent County Council 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
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 Kent County Council:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Kent County Council! 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 Kent County Council
✨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.
