Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Support children and young people with cancer, navigating emotional and practical challenges.
- Company: Join Young Lives vs Cancer, dedicated to improving lives affected by childhood cancer.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, wellbeing days, generous leave, and an enhanced pension.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in young lives while being part of a supportive team.
- Qualifications: Must have a recognised Social Worker qualification and experience in social care settings.
- Other info: This role offers a mix of home and site-based work, with a focus on teamwork.
The predicted salary is between 28800 - 48000 £ per year.
Job Description
Today, 12 children and young people will be diagnosed with cancer. We’ll stop at nothing to make sure they get the right care and support at the right time.
Change lives in a life-changing career
When a child or young person is diagnosed with cancer, their whole world can feel like it’s falling apart. Independence is taken and confidence is stolen. Stability no longer exists. The future suddenly feels uncertain.
The impact of cancer on young lives is more than medical. That’s why we exist. Our specialist social workers help children and young people with cancer and their families navigate the emotional and practical impact of cancer. We remove barriers, solve problems and prioritise wellbeing. And we stop at nothing to make sure they get the right care and support at the right time.
We challenge the systems and policies that surround children and young people, we highlight gaps and campaign for change. Because we know what a better future could look like. And we know what we need to do to make that future a reality. We need to push harder, reach further and work smarter. And we need the right people on our team to help us get there. People like you.
About the role
We’re looking for a Social Worker to support children and young people diagnosed with cancer in our Glasgow Team.
We pride ourselves on delivering the highest quality support tailored to the needs of the children and young people and their families using a needs based assessment framework. The work we do is rewarding but also complex and demanding. You will be part of a close-knit Young Lives vs Cancer social work team, working with an established NHS multi-disciplinary team and services in the community.
This role is part home, part site-based. Your contractual base will be both Home and the Beatson West of Scotland Cancer Centre/Royal Children`s Hospital.
This post is subject to an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service check.
This role is also subject to a Social Worker Registration – SSSC.
What do I need?
The key skills we’re looking for in this role are:
- A recognised Social Worker qualification and current registration with Social Work England/ Scottish Social Services Council/Social Care Wales/Northern Ireland Social Care Council
- Experience working with children, young people and their families/carers in a social care setting.
- Experience of working in a multi-disciplinary environment, ideally in an NHS setting.
- Sound knowledge of child and young people development.
- An understanding of the impact of serious illness for children, young people and their families.
- Excellent interpersonal skills.
What will I gain?
For people to reach their full potential, they need the right environment. As a member of Team Young Lives, you’ll be made to feel supported, valued and appreciated. Here’s how we do it:
- Flexible working: we’re open to working hours outside of 9 – 5 and we can talk through your flexibility requirements at interview stage
- Wellbeing days: four days a year to do what works for you – from catching up on training to going for a walk
- Generous annual leave allowance
- Great family/caring leave entitlements
- Enhanced pension
- Access to our employee savings scheme
To find out more about our benefits package, have a look on our website.
Our commitment to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging
At Young Lives vs Cancer, we recognise that opportunities for too many people remain a condition of their sex, ethnicity, class, gender identity, disability, sexual orientation – or a combination. This has never been acceptable to us as an organisation. We don’t just accept difference, we value it, celebrate it, nurture it and we thrive because of it.
We’re on a journey to be reflective of the diverse children, young people and families we support. We know we aren’t there yet, and we’re passionately committed to taking actions and making changes to be a truly diverse, inclusive and equitable organisation. This includes taking anti-oppressive action and removing barriers in our recruitment practices. We particularly welcome applications from members of minoritised communities. Our Diversity, Inclusion, Equity and Belonging strategy will tell you more.
We operate an anonymised shortlisting process in our commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging. CVs can be uploaded, but we won't be able to view them until we invite you for an interview. Instead, we ask you to fully complete the work history sections of the online application form for us to be able to assess you quickly, fairly and objectively.
Accessibility
We’re committed to providing reasonable adjustments throughout our recruitment process and we’ll always aim to be as accommodating as possible. Please let us know in your application form of any adjustments or access requirements we could make to help you with the application process and interview.
To arrange an informal chat, please contact Joyce Brown.
#ShowTheSalary
- Interview date: Week commencing 8th September 2025
- Start date: Around end of November/start of December 2025
Social Worker (Maternity cover) employer: Young Lives vs Cancer
Contact Detail:
Young Lives vs Cancer Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Social Worker (Maternity cover)
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the specific challenges faced by children and young people diagnosed with cancer. Understanding their emotional and practical needs will help you connect better during interviews and demonstrate your commitment to supporting them.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the field of social work, especially those who have experience in paediatric oncology. Engaging with them can provide insights into the role and may even lead to valuable recommendations or referrals.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your experiences in multi-disciplinary settings. Highlighting your ability to collaborate with healthcare teams will show that you can effectively contribute to the established NHS multi-disciplinary team mentioned in the job description.
✨Tip Number 4
Research Young Lives vs Cancer and their approach to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging. Being able to articulate how your values align with theirs will strengthen your application and show that you are a good cultural fit for the organisation.
We think you need these skills to ace Social Worker (Maternity cover)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Read the job description thoroughly to grasp the responsibilities and requirements of the Social Worker position. Highlight your relevant experience and skills that align with the needs of children and young people diagnosed with cancer.
Tailor Your CV: Customise your CV to reflect your qualifications, particularly your Social Worker registration and experience in a multi-disciplinary environment. Emphasise your interpersonal skills and any specific experiences working with children and families in social care settings.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for supporting children and young people with cancer. Use specific examples from your past work to demonstrate how you can contribute to the team and the impact you hope to make.
Complete the Application Form Accurately: Fill out the online application form carefully, ensuring all sections are completed. Since the company uses an anonymised shortlisting process, focus on detailing your work history and relevant experiences without relying on your CV until the interview stage.
How to prepare for a job interview at Young Lives vs Cancer
✨Understand the Role
Make sure you thoroughly understand the responsibilities of a Social Worker in this context. Familiarise yourself with the emotional and practical challenges faced by children and young people diagnosed with cancer, as well as the support systems in place.
✨Showcase Relevant Experience
Prepare to discuss your previous experience working with children and families in a social care setting. Highlight any specific instances where you navigated complex situations or collaborated with multi-disciplinary teams, especially in an NHS environment.
✨Demonstrate Empathy and Understanding
During the interview, convey your understanding of the impact of serious illness on young lives. Share examples that illustrate your ability to empathise with families and provide the necessary support during challenging times.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions about the organisation's approach to diversity, equity, and inclusion, as well as their strategies for supporting staff wellbeing. This shows your genuine interest in their values and commitment to creating a supportive work environment.
