Location: Aylesbury
Overview
We are seeking a Senior Social Worker to join the Unaccompanied Asylum Seeking Children’s (UASC) team within the Corporate Parenting Service to support UASC who are children in care to the Local Authority and those leaving care.
As a Senior Social Worker in our UASC team you will support children and young adults on their continued journey into UK life and on to reach their full potential through their journey in care and on to independence, alongside the asylum process. You will hold a caseload of children in care, supporting them to achieve their full potential through their journey in care and on to independence. All referrals of UASC in Buckinghamshire come straight to the UASC teams so the children may be as young as 12, up to the age of 18 where they are then supported as care leavers whilst the asylum claims are processed.
The successful applicant will:
1. Manage a complex caseload within a framework of appropriate reflective supervision, undertaking focused, analytical assessments, SMART plans and reviews that have clear objectives and outcome measures to ensure that UASC children in care receive a service that reflects the Council’s commitment to achieving positive outcomes for children in our care.
2. Safeguard and promote the wellbeing of vulnerable children and young people through the provision of high-quality trauma-informed social work practice, supporting them to achieve their full potential.
3. Participate in effective partnership working and engagement and to work collaboratively with a range of organisations, statutory and voluntary in delivering services to children and young people, including immigration solicitors and the Home Office and the court system.
4. Support the Service in providing effective service delivery and promote excellent performance whilst striving to be ambitious corporate parents.
5. Comply with legislation, statutory guidance and local policies and procedures.
6. Able to write excellent court reports and assessments in relation to UASC processes.
7. Be competent in working with the Home Office, associated processes and the age assessment process.
Applicants for the UASC senior social worker role will need to have good knowledge and experience of working with, assessing and supporting UASC who are therefore children in care, with full understanding of the Age Assessment, Home Office, Asylum and Children in Care processes and legislations. Applicants will need to demonstrate their experience of working with children in care, UASC, care leavers, adolescents and/or children and families without recourse to public funds, but also a keen interest in working with and supporting young people who have experienced trauma and where English is not their first language is key. Ability and experience to lead less experienced UASC social workers and personal advisors is desirable. Training of and ability to undertake age assessments with/as a lead assessor would be desirable.
In this role, you will work within a supportive and ambitious team committed to delivering exceptional practice, driving positive change, and championing the rights of the children and young people we serve.
In addition to the advertised salary, you will receive a market premium of £2,750 per annum.
You will also be entitled to a Golden Hello payment of £2,125 after 1 years service (external candidates only)
Take a look at our to find out more.
About the role
As a Senior Social Worker, you will take a leading role within a multi-disciplinary team of Social Workers and Personal Advisors. Reporting to the Team Manager, you’ll support the delivery of high-quality statutory services and ensure that practice is consistent, purposeful, and focused on improving outcomes.
You will:
8. Provide expert guidance, oversight, and support to colleagues, contributing to their professional development.
9. Lead on complex assessments, planning, interventions, and reviews for children in care and care leavers.
10. Champion robust transition planning, ensuring young people are supported confidently into adulthood.
11. Maintain oversight of delegated casework and team performance, ensuring quality and consistency.
12. Build meaningful relationships with children and young people to understand their lived experiences.
13. Work collaboratively with parents, carers, and multi-agency partners to develop strength‑based support plans.
14. Contribute to the effective running of the duty system and represent the local authority in court when required.
About you
You are a committed and experienced social work professional with a passion for making a positive difference in the lives of vulnerable children and young people. You thrive in a role that blends direct practice with leadership support, bringing confidence, empathy, and resilience to every situation.
To succeed in this role, you will have:
15. Substantial experience working directly with vulnerable children and young people.
16. Strong assessment, planning, and case management skills.
17. The ability to mentor and support other professionals.
18. Excellent communication skills and experience working with multi-agency partners.
19. SWE registration and ongoing CPD.
20. A full driving licence and the ability to travel across the county.