Support unaccompanied young people as they build new lives and brighter futures. As a Social Work Practitioner in the Unaccompanied Minors and Independent Support Team (UMIST), you'll provide direct, compassionate support to unaccompanied asylum-seeking children and care leavers, guiding them through complex legal, emotional and practical challenges whilst ensuring they feel safe, valued and supported as they start to build independence in a new country.
You'll be based in the Borough for 4 days a week, playing a key role in serving the local community. Whether you're working on the frontline or behind the scenes, you'll be part of a dedicated team making a real difference to residents' lives. This is a full case-holding role where your empathy, resilience and professional skill will make a real, lasting difference in the lives of those you support. Key responsibilities include:
At RBKC, we're all in – investing in our people, our communities and our future. You'll be part of an Outstanding Children's Services team that's recognised nationally for its stability, innovation and impact. This role perfectly reflects our 'we're all in' mindset – you'll get stuck in, providing consistent, thoughtful support to unaccompanied minors and care leavers as they navigate complex systems and new beginnings.
Please apply online explaining how you meet the requirements set out in the person specification and job description. For any queries, contact recruitment@rbkc.gov.uk. Interviews will take place on 18th and 19th November 2025.
We're looking for a qualified Social Worker who shares our commitment to supporting vulnerable young people and embodies our 'we're all in' approach. You'll bring both professional expertise and personal qualities that enable you to build meaningful relationships with young people from diverse backgrounds who have faced extraordinary challenges. The ideal candidate will:
We are committed to promoting equality and respecting diversity and welcome applications from all sections of the community. We are a Disability Confident Employer – committed to ensuring that our recruitment and selection process is inclusive and accessible. This role requires an Enhanced DBS with Adults and Children's Barred List.
As a social worker, Kensington and Chelsea presents a unique and rewarding work environment. The borough is home to a diverse community and the demographic make up of our staff reflects this.
We are committed to promoting equality and celebrating the benefits of diversity. We are a Disability Confident Employer – committed to ensuring that our recruitment and selection process is inclusive and accessible.
The borough’s commitment to social care is reflected in its innovative approach to service delivery. For example, the Council has established a Bi-Borough partnership with neighbouring borough Westminster, which allows for the sharing of resources and expertise. The partnership has resulted in improved service delivery and better outcomes for vulnerable residents, which was recognised in our last ILACS inspection which found Kensington and Chelsea to be Outstanding in all judgement areas.
“Children in care and care leavers receive an outstanding service from workers who know them exceptionally well and are caring and ambitious for them. There is strong corporate support from the wider council to provide high-quality social work services for children, including significant financial investment so that the conditions are in place for excellent social work practice to flourish.”
Ofsted
Social workers in Kensington and Chelsea can look forward to a package that includes a competitive salary and child protection payment of £2,500 for social worker positions, membership of the Local Government pension scheme, Travel allowance scheme for zones 1 and 2, cycle scheme, reimbursement of Social Work England fees, generous annual leave plus bank holidays and discounts for many leisure activities, restaurants, shops and other establishments. Employees also benefit from an extensive training package, with access to the West London Alliance essential training and to years 1 and 2 of Systemic Practice.
In addition, we offer an annual leave purchase scheme where you can purchase up to 5 days annual leave per annum at 90 per cent of the actual cost. The Council has a staff contributory private healthcare scheme, open to all staff and offers a Dental Insurance Plan.