Social Work Assistant (SWA) Location: Birmingham (based at Lifford House with travel across the city)
Sector: Children’s Social Care
Contract Type: Agency
IR35 Status: Inside IR35
Hours: 36.5 hours per week
Contract Length: 3 months
Start Date: 5th February 2026
End Date: 5th May 2026
About the Role We are currently recruiting a Social Work Assistant (SWA) to support children and families across Birmingham. This is a hands-on, varied role working closely with social workers to deliver direct support to children of all ages who are placed across the city.
This position would suit someone with experience in children’s services who is confident working in the community, building relationships with children and families, and managing a flexible workload.
You will be Birmingham-based most days, with travel required between placements, schools, and family homes.
Key Responsibilities
Supporting children and young people of all ages through direct work
Completing life story work, pathway planning, and other child-focused interventions
Providing practical family support tasks
Transporting children to and from contact visits, placements, or appointments
Supervising children during contact with parents and wider family members
Supporting social workers with day-to-day operational tasks
Working with children placed throughout Birmingham
Participating in a duty/back-up rota (approximately once per week), which includes:
Being available for telephone calls throughout the day
Supporting with unforeseen issues if the allocated worker is unavailable
Flexibility to work later where required (rota agreed well in advance)
Working Hours & Flexibility
Core working hours are typically 10:00 – 18:00
The team usually finishes between 5:30pm – 6:00pm
On some days, particularly where children need to be transported further afield after school contact, later finishes may be required
Flexibility is essential for this role
What We’re Looking For
Experience working with children, young people, or families within social care
Confidence carrying out direct work with children
Ability to build positive, professional relationships
Willingness to travel across Birmingham as part of the role
Strong communication and organisational skills
A flexible and reliable approach to work
Ability to manage sensitive situations with professionalism and empathy
Why Apply?
Varied and meaningful work supporting children and families
Clear structure with an agreed rota for duty cover
Opportunity to gain experience within a large children’s service
Supportive team environment
How to Apply To apply or find out more, please contact:
? (url removed)
Referral Bonus Know someone who would be a great fit?
? Receive £250 if you refer a candidate who is successfully placed