Social Worker – and Separated Children Asylum Service

Shape the Future. Change a Life. Build Your Career in Cornwall

Are you ready to make a lasting difference at a defining moment in a young person’s life? Our team is growing — and we’re looking for passionate, skilled Social Workers who believe in giving young people the best possible start into adulthood.

Want to know what it’s really like to relocate and join our social work team? In this video, one of our social workers talks about his relocation journey and what makes working here so rewarding, you can find the video here - Interview - Social Worker Recruitment on Vimeo

We are seeking committed, compassionate Social Workers to join our dynamic, high‑performing service, supporting young people in and leaving care through relationship‑based pathway planning.

We work closely with Carefree, a young‑person‑led, award‑winning local charity, alongside a wide network of partner agencies to provide holistic, joined‑up support that transforms lives. You’ll work within a multi‑disciplinary team of Social Workers, Personal Advisors, youth workers, housing specialists, and mental health professionals—all dedicated to helping young people thrive.

Our service was recognised as Outstanding by Ofsted in 2024, who noted: ‘Care leavers receive an impressive level of support in Cornwall and the local authority’s partnership with a specialist commissioned service to young people is exemplary’.

You can access Cornwall’s Ofsted inspection report here Cornwall Council - Open - Find an Inspection Report - Ofsted

In this rewarding role, you will place young people at the heart of your practice. You’ll build trusted relationships that empower 16–18‑year‑olds to make positive decisions about their education, employment, housing, health, and wellbeing.

You will support young people who are in care, leaving care, and those seeking asylum, helping them feel secure and ready for independence. Through collaborative pathway planning, you’ll work alongside young people, carers, families, and key partners in housing, health, education, and the community to ensure each young person has the right support to prepare for adulthood.

Building strong, trusting relationships is central to the role—enabling young people to achieve their goals and move forward with confidence.

This role comes with a £4,000 welcome bonus alongside a generous relocation package of up to £8,000 to help support your move to Cornwall (for eligible candidates).

This is a public/customer-facing role, where the statutory English language requirement for public sector workers applies.

This position will be subject to an enhanced criminal record disclosure check.

• Hold a Social Work qualification (DipSW, BA Social Work, or equivalent) and are Social Work England registered.
• Have experience or an understanding of working with children in care and/or care leavers.
• Are able to build strong and supportive relationships with young people and understand the challenges they face.
• Can work independently and manage a busy caseload.
• Have strong assessment and risk management skills.
• Are I.T. literate and hold a full driving licence.
• Experience or an understanding of working with Unaccompanied Asylum‑Seeking Children is desirable.

Please note: If you have qualified within the last 2 years, but not completed your Assessed and Supported Year of Employment (ASYE) we would welcome your application as a Newly Qualified Social Worker (NQSW) in order to access Cornwall’s ASYE programme which runs twice yearly. You can apply for our NQSW advert here

• Be part of an Outstanding service that truly changes lives.
• Work in a supportive, collaborative team with access to specialist expertise, including psychologist, housing, youth justice and SCSA
• Enjoy a role that’s varied, rewarding, and impactful.
• Benefit from ongoing training and development and progression opportunities.

We actively encourage and enable our practitioners to progress and reward them for their commitment and expertise. If you are committed to continuing professional development, can demonstrate learning in your practice and in improved outcomes for…