What Jobs are available for Social Assistance Services in the United Kingdom?

Approach Social Work

A fully funded training programme that helps you step into children’s social work with the training, tools and support to make a difference.

Why choose Approach Social Work?

Make a difference where it matters most

Social work is a career with meaning, development and room to grow.

On this programme, you’ll gain the skills, experience and master’s degree to build a career that makes life better for children.

Get qualified while you train

You’ll work towards your master’s degree during our three-year training programme.

In year one you’ll receive a tax-exempt bursary while training on the job. From year two, you’ll step into a paid role as a newly qualified social worker, earning up to £34,000.

Be supported from day one

Learn on the job with guidance from tutors, experienced social workers and a peer network with career-long support from the Frontline Fellowship.

What you’ll do

As a social worker, you’ll help make sure children are safe, supported and able to thrive. No two days are the same. Your work might involve things like:

– Visiting children at home or school

– Supporting parents through difficult circumstances

– Working with teachers, health professionals and police

– Using evidence to make complex decisions in children’s best interests

And that’s only part of it. The role is wide-ranging and shaped by the needs of each child you work with. It’s challenging work but when done well, it changes lives.

For further details regarding your opportunities click to visit our website

We're currently recruiting for a Social Work Assistant to join a dedicated team within a Durham-based Local Authority . This is a rewarding opportunity to make a real difference in the lives of children in care and their families.

Key Responsibilities:

• Supervise family time sessions between children in care and their family members, ensuring visits are safe, positive, and child-focused.
• Support with administrative duties , including completing Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaires (SDQs) with carers and updating dental and health records on the system.
• Undertake life story work with children to help them understand their personal journey and experiences.
• Work closely with social workers, carers, and other professionals to promote the welfare and stability of children in care.

Requirements:

• Previous experience working with children, young people, and families in a social care setting.
• Strong communication, organisational, and record-keeping skills.
• Ability to build positive and trusting relationships with children and families.

Enhanced DBS on the update service (or willingness to obtain one)

A full UK driving licence and access to a vehicle are desirable.

Contract length: 3-6 months (with expectation of an ongoing extension)

Rate of Pay: per hour (Negotiable DOE).

Hours: Full time, 37 hours each week.

Hit the apply button now and follow the steps below:

Contact Leasha on (phone number removed)

Here at Spencer Clarke Group, we pride ourselves on connecting you with the best career opportunities; our experienced Consultants have extensive market knowledge in Children's Services and will also provide expert career advice along the way.We also have a market leading referral scheme of up to 250* so if you know of someone who may also be looking for an exciting career opportunity, ask them to contact Leasha at Spencer Clarke Group.*T's & C's apply.

We're currently recruiting for a Social Work Assistant to join a dedicated team within a Durham-based Local Authority . This is a rewarding opportunity to make a real difference in the lives of children in care and their families.

Key Responsibilities:

• Supervise family time sessions between children in care and their family members, ensuring visits are safe, positive, and child-focused.
• Support with administrative duties , including completing Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaires (SDQs) with carers and updating dental and health records on the system.
• Undertake life story work with children to help them understand their personal journey and experiences.
• Work closely with social workers, carers, and other professionals to promote the welfare and stability of children in care.

Requirements:

• Previous experience working with children, young people, and families in a social care setting.
• Strong communication, organisational, and record-keeping skills.
• Ability to build positive and trusting relationships with children and families.

Enhanced DBS on the update service (or willingness to obtain one)

A full UK driving licence and access to a vehicle are desirable.

Contract length: 3-6 months (with expectation of an ongoing extension)

Rate of Pay: per hour (Negotiable DOE).

Hours: Full time, 37 hours each week.

Hit the apply button now and follow the steps below:

Contact Leasha on (phone number removed)

Here at Spencer Clarke Group, we pride ourselves on connecting you with the best career opportunities; our experienced Consultants have extensive market knowledge in Children's Services and will also provide expert career advice along the way.We also have a market leading referral scheme of up to 250* so if you know of someone who may also be looking for an exciting career opportunity, ask them to contact Leasha at Spencer Clarke Group.*T's & C's apply.

• Provide strategic leadership and operational management for all social work teams and services.
• Develop, implement, and monitor policies and procedures to ensure effective and ethical service delivery.
• Manage budgets effectively, ensuring efficient allocation of resources.
• Oversee staff recruitment, training, professional development, and performance management.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant legislation, regulations, and standards.
• Foster strong relationships with partner agencies, local authorities, and community stakeholders.
• Champion a person-centred approach to care, promoting the rights and dignity of service users.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives to enhance service quality and outcomes.
• Respond to complex cases and provide expert advice and support to social work staff.
• Represent the organisation in relevant forums and committees.

• Recognised professional qualification in Social Work (e.g., BA/BSc/MA/MSc in Social Work) and current registration with the relevant professional body (e.g., Social Work England, Scottish Social Services Council).
• Significant post-qualifying experience in social work, with substantial experience in a leadership or management role.
• In-depth knowledge of social care legislation, policy, and best practices in the UK.
• Proven ability to manage complex budgets and resources effectively.
• Strong leadership, team-building, and motivational skills.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and influencing abilities.
• Demonstrated experience in managing change and driving service improvement.
• Commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and adults at risk.
• A valid driving licence and access to a vehicle may be required for some duties.

As a Social Work Assistant, you'll be supporting vulnerable local families and their children to make a positive change. Giving the children a voice, you will work with them to express their wishes, thoughts and feelings by delivering support with a focus on what will make the biggest difference to them.

• Daily, you will organise and chair review meetings, prepare and share reports, as well as represent young people or the team/service at a variety of meetings relevant to the families allocated to you.
• Visiting children in a range of settings such as their home or school, you will develop positive relationships and gain an understanding of the child’s lived experiences.
• Working closely with agencies, providers and family members, you will make sure that we have the right level of multi-agency support around a child and family where there has been a history of domestic abuse.
• Regularly, you will review plans created by social workers within the Response team and make sure that these are producing good outcomes for children and families.
• It will be your responsibility to gather and share information to inform reviews, assessments and plans for children and families open to the team, and ensure that the needs, voice and views of the child remain central to all we do.

• It is essential that you are qualified to NVQ level 3 or equivalent, or working towards an appropriate qualification related to the provision of services to children and young people.
• You will have experience of working in a statutory setting with children, young people and families specifically where domestic abuse was a factor.
• You must have an awareness and experience of risk assessment whilst preparing for and performing a task, and the ability to take appropriate action if risks are identified
• It will be essential for you to have experience/knowledge of relevant childcare legislation i.e. child protection, regulations and codes of practice, processes and procedures.

• You will be working 2 days per week for a limited term ending 12 months from the agreed start date.
• Salary will be pro rata to hours worked.
• Please note that due to the nature of this role it is a requirement of employment that an enhanced
• Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check is obtained for this post.
• You will be expected to travel throughout the authority and surrounding area so you must have a full, valid driving licence with regular access to a vehicle or have an alternative means of travel.   
• Business insurance will need to be added to your current car insurance policy.

Interviews will be held on Thursday 13th November 2025.

• As part of our benefits package, you will receive generous annual leave  (pro rata), employee wellbeing support  and you will have access to a range of staff  discounts , including eye tests, travel, shopping and leisure activities. 
• We recognise that our diverse team  of skilled and dedicated people make us a great place to work. We welcome applications from everyone and ensure that individuals are selected, promoted and developed on the basis of their merits and abilities.  
• We know our team work best when they have balance in their lives and we offer genuine flexibility  to help them achieve that work/life balance .
• We value our staff as individuals, investing in their careers and we are recognized for the quality, breadth and depth of our training and development  offer, which helps make the greatest long-term difference in work.
• We are committed to safeguarding  and promoting the safety and welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. Ensuring all our staff are given right skills, knowledge and support to recognise and respond effectively to potential abuse or neglect.    

 
Our teams at South Gloucestershire Council are making a real difference to the lives of people who live, work and learn here. 

• We're building and shaping communities which people are proud of.
• We're working with the most vulnerable in our community to help them achieve what they want in life.
• We're investing in our schools to ensure every child and young person in South Gloucestershire achieves their full potential.     

We've achieved a great deal, but we need talented and dedicated people to ensure we continue to make a difference.   

We’re making a difference, be part of it! 

To view the full job description, please click this link: Social Work Assistant 2025 Job Description

Job Title: Lecturer in Social Work

Location: Birmingham

Salary: £38,784 - £43,482 per annum - AC2

Job type: Permanent, Full-time

UCB is an equal opportunities employer. We are TEF rated Silver, with a Good Ofsted rating.

The Role:

University College Birmingham is seeking to appoint an enthusiastic and knowledgeable Lecturer- in Social Work to join our new and growing team. Social work practice experience is preferred, and we welcome applications from candidates with a background in adults and/or mental health social work.

You will be an engaging and innovative educator, qualified to Postgraduate Diploma or Master's level and registered with Social Work England.

You will be involved in designing and delivering engaging, inclusive teaching that applies theory to real-world Social Work practice. You will also support students through their learning journey, helping them to build confidence and professional practice skills.

You will contribute to the design, delivery and assessment of Social Work modules across undergraduate and postgraduate programmes. You will bring current practice expertise, a student-centred approach, and a passion for collaborative, interprofessional education.

We welcome applicants with academic or practice teaching experience and a desire to support students from diverse backgrounds. Whether you are an experienced lecturer or transitioning from social work practice, we will support your development within our ambitious and supportive environment.

Benefits:

• Generous allocation of annual leave
  • 38 days' paid leave per year
  • 12 Bank Holidays & Concessionary Days
• Excellent Teachers' Pension Scheme
  • Employer Contributions - 28.6%
• Subsidised private healthcare provided by Aviva including a Digital GP Service.
• Employee Assistance Programme inclusive of counselling services, financial wellbeing support and bereavement support
• Annual health MOTs with our Registered Nurse
• Excellent staff development opportunities including professional qualification sponsorship
• A variety of salary sacrifice schemes including technology and cycle.
• Heavily-subsidised on-site car parking in central Birmingham
• Free on-site gym membership

Extra Information:

All applicants for employment at the University will be expected to demonstrate an understanding of the principles of Safeguarding and the PREVENT agenda in the context of further and higher education.

Closing Date - Sunday 16th November 2025.

Interview Date - Friday 28th November 2025.

Please click APPLY to be redirected to our website to complete an application form.

Candidates with experience of: Lecturer, Social Work Lecturer, Senior Lecturer, University Lecturer, HNC/D Lecturer, College Lecturer, Senior Academic Lecturer, Education Lead, Academic Lead, College Tutor, Tutor, Teacher, College Teacher will also be considered for this role.

Job Title: Lecturer in Social Work

Location: Birmingham

Salary: £38,784 - £43,482 per annum - AC2

Job type: Permanent, Full-time

UCB is an equal opportunities employer. We are TEF rated Silver, with a Good Ofsted rating.

The Role:

University College Birmingham is seeking to appoint an enthusiastic and knowledgeable Lecturer- in Social Work to join our new and growing team. Social work practice experience is preferred, and we welcome applications from candidates with a background in adults and/or mental health social work.

You will be an engaging and innovative educator, qualified to Postgraduate Diploma or Master's level and registered with Social Work England.

You will be involved in designing and delivering engaging, inclusive teaching that applies theory to real-world Social Work practice. You will also support students through their learning journey, helping them to build confidence and professional practice skills.

You will contribute to the design, delivery and assessment of Social Work modules across undergraduate and postgraduate programmes. You will bring current practice expertise, a student-centred approach, and a passion for collaborative, interprofessional education.

We welcome applicants with academic or practice teaching experience and a desire to support students from diverse backgrounds. Whether you are an experienced lecturer or transitioning from social work practice, we will support your development within our ambitious and supportive environment.

Benefits:

• Generous allocation of annual leave
  • 38 days' paid leave per year
  • 12 Bank Holidays & Concessionary Days
• Excellent Teachers' Pension Scheme
  • Employer Contributions - 28.6%
• Subsidised private healthcare provided by Aviva including a Digital GP Service.
• Employee Assistance Programme inclusive of counselling services, financial wellbeing support and bereavement support
• Annual health MOTs with our Registered Nurse
• Excellent staff development opportunities including professional qualification sponsorship
• A variety of salary sacrifice schemes including technology and cycle.
• Heavily-subsidised on-site car parking in central Birmingham
• Free on-site gym membership

Extra Information:

All applicants for employment at the University will be expected to demonstrate an understanding of the principles of Safeguarding and the PREVENT agenda in the context of further and higher education.

Closing Date - Sunday 16th November 2025.

Interview Date - Friday 28th November 2025.

Please click APPLY to be redirected to our website to complete an application form.

Candidates with experience of: Lecturer, Social Work Lecturer, Senior Lecturer, University Lecturer, HNC/D Lecturer, College Lecturer, Senior Academic Lecturer, Education Lead, Academic Lead, College Tutor, Tutor, Teacher, College Teacher will also be considered for this role.

• Lead, manage, and motivate a team of social workers and support staff.
• Oversee the effective management of complex cases, providing guidance and support to team members.
• Ensure that all services are delivered in accordance with legal frameworks, policies, and professional standards.
• Conduct regular supervision sessions with team members, focusing on performance, professional development, and well-being.
• Manage team workloads, ensuring fair allocation of cases and efficient resource utilization.
• Promote a culture of reflective practice and continuous improvement within the team.
• Liaise with other agencies and professionals to ensure integrated service delivery.
• Handle safeguarding concerns and complex client issues with expertise and sensitivity.
• Contribute to service planning and development initiatives.
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date case records and administrative documentation.

• Qualified Social Worker with a relevant degree (e.g., BA/BSc in Social Work) and current professional registration (e.g., Social Work England).
• Significant post-qualifying experience in social work, with demonstrable experience in a leadership or supervisory role.
• Thorough understanding of child protection, adult safeguarding, and relevant legislation.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Proven ability to manage a team effectively and foster a positive working environment.
• Strong assessment, planning, and intervention skills.
• Ability to handle complex and challenging situations with professionalism and resilience.
• Proficiency in using social care IT systems.
• Commitment to ongoing professional development.