Experienced Social Worker – UASC (Unaccompanied Asylum Seeking Children) | Liverpool City Council | £40 per hour
Contract: Agency | Initial 3-Month Contract
Hours: 35 hours per week
Working Pattern: Hybrid – 2 days per week in the office, increasing to 5 days during the team's monthly duty week
Sheldon Phillips is working in partnership with Liverpool City Council to recruit an experienced Social Worker to join their specialist Unaccompanied Asylum Seeking Children (UASC) Service. This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced practitioner with a strong background in UASC and Children in Care who is confident managing complex cases, completing age assessments and delivering high-quality statutory interventions for some of the most vulnerable young people.
This role offers a supportive working environment, regular supervision, ongoing training and development opportunities, and a flexible hybrid working arrangement outside of duty weeks.
Role Overview
As a UASC Social Worker, you will manage a caseload of unaccompanied asylum-seeking children, undertaking comprehensive assessments and care planning to ensure their safety, wellbeing and long-term outcomes. You will play a key role in completing lawful and robust age assessments, supporting young people through the asylum process and ensuring all statutory responsibilities for looked after children are met.
Key Responsibilities
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Manage a caseload of Unaccompanied Asylum Seeking Children in line with statutory requirements.
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Complete high-quality UASC and Merton-compliant Age Assessments where required.
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Undertake statutory visits, assessments and reviews for children in care.
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Develop and progress outcome-focused care plans and pathway planning.
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Work closely with the Home Office, legal representatives, education, health providers and partner agencies.
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Ensure all Children in Care statutory duties are fulfilled within required timescales.
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Prepare detailed reports, assessments and court documentation where required.
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Build effective relationships with young people, promoting their welfare, independence and long-term stability.
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Maintain accurate and timely case recordings using the council's electronic case management system.
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Participate in the team's monthly duty week, working from the office throughout that period.
Benefits
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£40 per hour (Ltd)
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Initial 3-month contract with potential for extension
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35-hour working week
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Hybrid working with 2–3 office days outside of duty weeks
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Monthly duty week with full team presence in the office
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Free parking available at Parklands (L24 0TY), avoiding city centre parking
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Regular reflective supervision
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Access to ongoing learning, training and professional development
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Join a specialist, experienced and supportive UASC service
Requirements
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Social Work England registration
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Recognised Social Work qualification
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Significant post-qualified experience within Children's Services
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Demonstrable experience working within a UASC service
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Experience completing UASC and Age Assessments
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Strong knowledge of Children in Care legislation, statutory guidance and best practice
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Excellent assessment, analytical and report-writing skills
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Ability to work confidently with partner agencies and legal processes
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Full UK driving licence and access to a vehicle is desirable
Interested?
If you're an experienced UASC Social Worker looking for your next agency opportunity within a well-supported specialist service, we'd love to hear from you.