Team: Young Asylum Seekers Team, Corporate Parenting
Base: County Hall, Exeter
We are seeking Experienced Social Workers for a Specialist Social Work Role supporting Young Asylum-Seekers in Devon.
About the Role
As an Experienced Social Worker in our Young Asylum-Seekers Team, you will champion high standards of professional practice to support young asylum-seeking children in Devon to achieve their potential.
Working within a skilled social work team, you will conduct comprehensive assessments (including age assessments, initial and risk assessments) of the needs and experiences of young asylum seekers, considering their cultural, emotional, and educational backgrounds.
You will create and implement Individualised Support (Pathway) Plans that address the unique challenges faced by asylum-seeking children, including trauma-informed care and integration into the local community.
Working collaboratively with multi-agency teams, including legal representatives, educational institutions the Home Office, and health professionals, you will provide a coordinated approach to support.
About You
As a strong advocate for young asylum seekers, you will help and support them in navigating the complexities of the asylum process, education systems, and access to healthcare.
You will ensure that each child has an active, up-to-date care plan that reflects their unique circumstances. You will assist young people as they navigate the complexities of transitioning to adulthood in a new country.
By establishing positive, trusting, and respectful relationships with children, families, and other stakeholders, you will ensure that the voices of young asylum seekers are heard and valued.
We are particularly interested in experienced social workers with robust assessment skills. You will be required to undertake age assessment training and update it annually.
Skills & Experience
1. A social work qualification and registration with Social Work England
2. Successful completion of your Assessed and Supported Year in Employment (ASYE)
3. Experience working within social care, specifically with young asylum seekers, and in multi-agency and court environments
4. The ability to build effective professional relationships with children, families, and other professionals
5. Knowledge and understanding of the legislation, models, and theories relevant to children’s social work, particularly those impacting asylum-seeking children
6. A valid UK driving licence and access to a car *
7. It is a requirement of this role for candidates to be able to travel, as some of our young people have placements outside of Devon.
*Exceptions may apply under the Equality Act
This is an excellent opportunity for Social Workers with an interest in working alongside Young Asylum-Seekers and their families within an established, skilled and knowledgeable team.
The Young Asylum-Seekers team is a challenging, yet incredibly rewarding environment where you will see first-hand, the positive impact our dedicated team has on the future of Children and Young people.
This role is currently eligible for an annual Retention payment of £2,000 per annum pro rata.
About Children’s Social Care in Devon
Devon County Council is currently on an ambitious journey of cultural change. We're continuing to embed and relational ways of working and we believe that for most, the family home is the best place for children to live and thrive. We are extremely proud of our Children’s Social Care workforce and what they have achieved (and will continue to achieve) for children and families throughout Devon.
There are many benefits to joining Devon County Council and in exchange for your dedication, skills and experience we can offer a number of employee benefits including:
8. Generous annual leave
9. Free onsite parking
10. Flexible working opportunities and promotion of a healthy work-life balance, including working from home where possible – Please visit for more information
11. Employee Assistance for the times you may need some support and a variety of employee well-being services
12. Membership of the Local Government Pension Scheme
13. Discounts at over 900 national & local high street retailers through our benefits platform
14. Cycle to work scheme
15. Electric Vehicle salary sacrifice scheme
Relocation Package
For anyone thinking of relocating to Devon, we offer a generous relocation allowance (subject to subject to qualifying conditions), so there has never been better time to make the move!