Age Assessing Social Worker

Age Assessing Social Worker

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Bristol, Cardiff, Glasgow, Leeds, Liverpool, Newcastle‑upon‑Tyne, Peterborough, Poole, Salford, Sheffield, Solihull, Swindon

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A Civil Service pension with an employer contribution of 28.97%

The National Age Assessment Board (NAAB) was established in March 2023 as part of the Nationality and Borders Act 2022 and is still a relatively new age assessment function in the Home Office.

The NAAB is recruiting up to four social workers who will undertake Merton compliant age assessments on age disputed asylum seekers. The role offers the opportunity for qualified and experienced social workers to join a national team conducting age assessments on behalf of local authorities across the UK, and to become experts in the field of age assessment, developing strong working relationships with a variety of stakeholders and partners.

• Develop an excellent working knowledge and understanding of the Merton age assessment process.
• Represent the Home Office in local authority settings across the UK to deliver a high‑quality service through the completion of robust but fair age assessments. This could include engagement with local authority social workers, teachers, foster carers and other professionals involved in the young person’s care.
• Support the Home Office response to legal challenges, where they arise, including preparing court statements and giving evidence in court.
• Use working knowledge of legislation and case law relevant to age assessment in all parts of the UK (England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland, where applicable). Develop and contribute to activity as part of the NAAB’s quality assurance framework.
• Adopt a child centred and trauma informed approach to working with young people and undertaking assessments. Provide the appropriate statutory response to any child protection or safeguarding concerns that come to light during the age assessment process.
• Adapt personal practice in response to feedback given through the quality assurance process.
• Contribute to the delivery of the NAAB’s engagement strategy. Drive up expertise and quality in the age assessment field, by contributing to and delivering high quality training to local authorities.

You will receive comprehensive training, including Age Assessment and Level 2 Personal Safety, delivered online and on the job with ongoing support from managers and colleagues. Even after training, you’ll work as part of a team with advice and guidance always available.

The role involves frequent national travel typically once or twice a week with occasional overnight stays. All travel and related expenses are covered by the Home Office. When not conducting assessments, you can work from home or your nearest NAAB Home Office site.

The successful candidate will hold a Social Worker Degree. Qualified and registered social worker with Social Work England, or the equivalent in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.

Mid‑Senior level

Full‑time

Other

Industries

Government Administration