At a Glance
- Tasks: Support unaccompanied asylum-seeking children and help them build their lives in the UK.
- Company: Leicestershire County Council, dedicated to supporting vulnerable young people.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working options, and a supportive team environment.
- Other info: Join a passionate team committed to inclusivity and professional development.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of young people facing trauma and adversity.
- Qualifications: Degree in Social Work and experience with UASC children required.
The predicted salary is between 46110 - 50079 € per year.
Organisation: Leicestershire County Council
Work Location: County Hall, Glenfield, LE3 8RA
Salary: £46,110 - £50,079 (inclusive of market premia at £2,250) per annum (pro rata for part-time) (Pay award pending)
Working Hours: 18.5 hours per week
Contract Type: Permanent
Closing Date: 21st May 2026
About the Role
An exciting opportunity has become available in the Unaccompanied Asylum-Seeking Children's Team. Working in the UASC Team gives you a chance to support young people who have faced the trauma of war, exploitation, smuggling and trafficking and help them build their lives in the UK. It is hugely rewarding and a fantastic learning opportunity. Whilst the skills needed in this team are similar to working with any children and young people, if you are fascinated by diversity and keen to offer a sense of belonging to those who have lost everything, you would be well suited to this role.
We are seeking an experienced UASC Children In Care and Age Assessment Social Worker to complete the challenging yet crucial role of age assessments. You would be part of a specialist team completing this bespoke work and also hold a small caseload of UASC young people in the care of the Local Authority. You would be joining our passionate and dedicated team of Social Workers and Personal Advisors who are very experienced and knowledgeable in this area and are very supportive and approachable. An enhanced with barred list DBS check is required for this post.
About You
To apply for this post, you must:
- Degree in Social Work approved by the Social Work England (SWE) or equivalent social work qualification i.e. Certificate of Qualification in Social Work or Diploma in Social Work.
- The worker must also be registered with Social Work England.
- Successful completion of ASYE programme in a social work team.
- Knowledge of the issues affecting young people who seek asylum in the UK and how their needs can be best met in Local Authority care and as care leavers.
- Experience of undertaking age assessments on unaccompanied asylum-seeking young people.
- Full understanding and strong record of practising using the signs of safety methodology or commitment to further development.
- Ability to complete statutory tasks within time frames and demonstrate child-centred practice.
- Able to analyse information to reach sound decisions, often under pressure, and take responsibility for their outcome and regular reporting to the Team manager.
In addition, we also expect you to share our commitment to our values and to delivering accessible and inclusive services which meet the needs of all of our residents. You will be asked to demonstrate your understanding of these commitments as part of the selection process. Reasonable adjustments will be considered for applicants with a disability. We are a Disability Confident Employer.
Flexible Working
We are open to discussions about flexible working, which may include part time working, job sharing, term‑time working, flexible start and finish times, and hybrid working, depending on the requirements of the role and the service.
Senior Practitioner-UASC Team employer: Leicestershire County Council
Leicestershire County Council is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and inclusive work culture that prioritises the well-being of its staff while making a meaningful impact on the lives of vulnerable young people. With a focus on professional development and flexible working arrangements, employees are encouraged to grow within their roles, contributing to a team dedicated to providing essential services to unaccompanied asylum-seeking children. Located in Glenfield, the council provides a unique opportunity to engage with diverse communities and make a real difference in the lives of those who have faced significant challenges.
Contact Detail:
Leicestershire County Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Practitioner-UASC Team
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the social work field, especially those who have experience with UASC. They might have insider info on job openings or can even put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your knowledge of the issues affecting unaccompanied asylum-seeking children. Be ready to discuss how you would apply your skills in a real-world context, showing your passion for making a difference.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t underestimate the power of a follow-up! After an interview, send a quick thank-you email to express your appreciation and reiterate your enthusiasm for the role. It keeps you fresh in their minds!
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We make it easy for you to find roles that match your skills and interests. Plus, it shows you're serious about joining our team and contributing to the amazing work we do.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Practitioner-UASC Team
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to highlight your experience with unaccompanied asylum-seeking children. Use specific examples that showcase your skills and understanding of the issues they face.
Showcase Your Passion:Let your enthusiasm for working with diverse young people shine through! Share why you’re drawn to this role and how you can contribute to creating a sense of belonging for those who have faced trauma.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language and avoid jargon, making it easy for us to see your qualifications and fit for the role at a glance.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this rewarding opportunity.
How to prepare for a job interview at Leicestershire County Council
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on the key issues affecting unaccompanied asylum-seeking children. Familiarise yourself with the signs of safety methodology and be ready to discuss how you've applied it in your previous roles. This shows that you're not just qualified, but genuinely passionate about the work.
✨Show Your Empathy
In this role, you'll be working with vulnerable young people who have faced immense challenges. Be prepared to share examples from your experience that highlight your ability to connect with and support these individuals. Demonstrating empathy can set you apart from other candidates.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect to face scenario-based questions during your interview. Think about how you would handle specific situations involving age assessments or supporting UASC young people. Practising your responses can help you articulate your thought process clearly and confidently.
✨Align with Their Values
Leicestershire County Council is looking for candidates who share their commitment to accessible and inclusive services. Be ready to discuss how your values align with theirs and provide examples of how you've contributed to creating inclusive environments in your past roles.
