Independent Social Workers
Expression of Interest
Safe Passage International is calling for Independent Social Workers to conduct best interest assessments for unaccompanied children applying to reunite with family members who are in the UK.
About Safe Passage International
Safe Passage International aims to reunite unaccompanied children in migration with families members. Our UK legal team represents children in Entry Clearance family reunification applications for children overseas who wish to reunite with family members in the UK. As part of these family reunification applications, social work reports which include a best interest assessment is becoming increasingly important evidence in determining the outcome of cases.
About the work
Safe Passage UK Legal representative would instruct you on a case-by-case basis for children who are outside of the UK to produce your social work report, you will conduct a remote assessment with the child/ children, as well as any professionals working with them. It will also include assessment of the sponsor (can be in person or remote) and their ability to meet the child’s needs here in the UK. The aim of such reports is to assess the extent to which the child’s needs are met in their current situation, assess the likelihood that family reunification would meet the child’s needs, balance these two options and determine what is in the child’s best interests.
Requirements
To be a UK-qualified and registered social worker with Social Work England with the necessary insurance required to act as an Independent Social Worker.
Experience and expertise in producing social work reports or acting as an expert witness for UK courts and tribunals.
Working knowledge and experience with unaccompanied children, asylum seeking and refugee children in migration and an understanding of the UK’s immigration and children’s services systems.
Knowledge of the child protection context in other countries is desirable, in particular for children from Afghanistan, Palestine, Somalia and Sudan.
The ability to conduct social work assessments on a short timeframe. Safe Passage International will attempt to allow 4-8 weeks from the point of instruction to complete the assessment. However, due to the acute risks our young people face we may occasionally require rapid assessments to be completed within 1-2 weeks.
Fees
Safe Passage International is able to pay Independent Social Workers in line with Legal Aid rates for Independent Social Workers.
If you would like to express your interest in being instructed as an Independent Social Worker
for Safe Passage International, please email with a brief profile: