Senior/Social Worker

About the role We're looking for committed and compassionate Social Workers and Senior Social Workers to join Hillingdon's Cared for Children Service – a forward-thinking team working with looked after children, including our unaccompanied children seeking asylum. As a Social Worker in our Cared for Children Service, you'll be responsible for holding a statutory caseload of looked after children. This includes developing and implementing care plans, undertaking regular reviews, and ensuring all children receive the right support to achieve stability and long-term permanence. You will also contribute to our vital work with unaccompanied asylum-seeking children, supporting them through care planning, immigration processes, and transition pathways. Senior Social Workers will take on more complex casework and play a key role in supporting and mentoring colleagues, contributing to service improvement and reflective practice within the team. You'll work in a diverse and dynamic borough with a strong culture of learning and professional support, including access to high-quality supervision, training, and clear career progression. About You We're looking for professionals who are driven by a genuine desire to make a difference in the lives of vulnerable children and young people. You will bring empathy, resilience, and a strong commitment to relationship-based practice. You will need: A recognised social work qualification and registration with Social Work England Experience working with looked after children in a statutory setting A clear understanding of relevant legislation and statutory responsibilities Strong skills in assessment, care planning, and partnership working For Senior Social Worker roles: significant post-qualifying experience and the ability to support less experienced staff Experience of working with unaccompanied asylum-seeking children or knowledge of immigration processes is desirable, but not essential. Salary Information This role is open to experienced Social Workers at different levels, with salary offered according to assessed experience and qualifications: Social Worker (POA): £42,771 – £46,968 Senior Social Worker (POB): £48,003 – £52,194 Please note: Salary will be offered within the appropriate banding based on skills, experience, and interview assessment. About You About us We value our employees and are committed to ensuring that they enjoy a fulfilling and rewarding career with us. We understand that a happy and motivated workforce is essential for the success of our organisation. That is why we offer a wide range of employee benefits to enhance your work-life balance, financial wellbeing, health, and professional development. Here's a comprehensive overview of the fantastic benefits we provide: Flexible Working Hours – We recognise the importance of flexibility in managing your work and personal life. 36 Hour Week – Enjoy a standard 36-hour workweek for all full time staff. Generous Holiday Entitlement – increasing with length of service (for non-casual roles). Hillingdon Sports & Leisure – Stay active and healthy with discounts at council owned leisure centres and swimming pools across the borough. Salary Sacrifice Schemes – option to join schemes for cycle purchase, electric vehicle leasing and additional voluntary pension contributions (subject to scheme rules). Cycle to Work – Eco-friendly commuting with our cycle purchase scheme. We also provide bicycle parking, lockers, and showers at the Civic Centre. Local Government Pension Scheme – access to Local Government Pension Scheme and membership to the Credit Union. Vivup Benefits – Access a variety of offers and discounts through our Vivup Benefits. Mental Health Support and Counselling Services – Our mental health first aiders are trained to identify, understand, and help employees experiencing mental health issues. Access free 24-hour confidential advice and counselling as well as a legal advice service for you and your immediate family. Travel Support – Make your daily commute easier with our season ticket loans and free car parking. Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Statement At the London Borough of Hillingdon, we are committed to creating a diverse, inclusive, and equitable workplace. This commitment means that all employees, job applicants and others who work for us will be treated fairly. The aim is for our workforce to be representative of all sections of society and Hillingdon residents so we welcome applicants from a wide variety of backgrounds. We strive to ensure that our recruitment process is free from discrimination and bias, and we are dedicated to providing reasonable adjustments to applicants with disabilities. Join us in building a workplace where everyone feels respected, able to give their best and be themselves at work, whilst contributing meaningfully to our organisation's success. Recruitment Information Hillingdon Council operates a guaranteed interview scheme for candidates with disabilities that meet the essential criteria for the role and wish to be considered under this scheme. We believe in the option to choose, so candidates declaring a disability have the choice to opt in for consideration under this scheme, on a 'per application' basis. We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable groups and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Some posts are subject to The Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (Amendment) (England and Wales) Order 2019 and it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service. In addition to verifying Right to Work in the UK and a new starter health questionnaire, the post is subject to the following pre-employment screening: Basic/ Standard/ Enhanced DBS Check Qualifications Check Professional Registration Check 3/ 5 years of Referencing Please note: Priority will be given to those at risk of redundancy within Hillingdon Council. Current employees who are part of the redeployment pool must meet the essential criteria for shortlisting to be prioritised. It may be necessary due to a high volume of applications to close this role early. We therefore recommend you apply as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.