Social Work assistant

Social Work Assistant (SWA) Location: Birmingham (based at Lifford House with travel across the city)
Sector: Children’s Social Care
Contract Type: Agency
IR35 Status: Inside IR35
Hours: 36.5 hours per week
Contract Length: 3 months
Start Date: 5th February 2026
End Date: 5th May 2026

About the Role We are currently recruiting a Social Work Assistant (SWA) to support children and families across Birmingham. This is a hands-on, varied role working closely with social workers to deliver direct support to children of all ages who are placed across the city.

This position would suit someone with experience in children’s services who is confident working in the community, building relationships with children and families, and managing a flexible workload.

You will be Birmingham-based most days, with travel required between placements, schools, and family homes.

Key Responsibilities

• Supporting children and young people of all ages through direct work
  
  
• Completing life story work, pathway planning, and other child-focused interventions
  
  
• Providing practical family support tasks
  
  
• Transporting children to and from contact visits, placements, or appointments
  
  
• Supervising children during contact with parents and wider family members
  
  
• Supporting social workers with day-to-day operational tasks
  
  
• Working with children placed throughout Birmingham
  
  
• Participating in a duty/back-up rota (approximately once per week), which includes:
  
  
  • Being available for telephone calls throughout the day
    
    
  • Supporting with unforeseen issues if the allocated worker is unavailable
    
    
  • Flexibility to work later where required (rota agreed well in advance)
    
    

Working Hours & Flexibility

• Core working hours are typically 10:00 – 18:00
  
  
• The team usually finishes between 5:30pm – 6:00pm
  
  
• On some days, particularly where children need to be transported further afield after school contact, later finishes may be required
  
  
• Flexibility is essential for this role
  
  

What We’re Looking For

• Experience working with children, young people, or families within social care
  
  
• Confidence carrying out direct work with children
  
  
• Ability to build positive, professional relationships
  
  
• Willingness to travel across Birmingham as part of the role
  
  
• Strong communication and organisational skills
  
  
• A flexible and reliable approach to work
  
  
• Ability to manage sensitive situations with professionalism and empathy
  
  

Why Apply?

• Varied and meaningful work supporting children and families
  
  
• Clear structure with an agreed rota for duty cover
  
  
• Opportunity to gain experience within a large children’s service
  
  
• Supportive team environment
  
  

How to Apply To apply or find out more, please contact:
? john.deane@servicecare.org.uk

Referral Bonus Know someone who would be a great fit?
? Receive £250 if you refer a candidate who is successfully placed.