Social Work Assistant KIU OOH

What will you be doing?

Part‑Time – 18.5 hours per week (Evenings/Weekends)

The Kent and Medway Out of Hours Service has a dedicated permanent team responsible for supporting the arrival of unaccompanied asylum‑seeking children at the Port of Dover.

We have an exciting opportunity within the Kent Out of Hours Kent Intake Unit (KIU) Team. We are seeking to recruit a highly motivated, friendly, and supportive Social Work Assistant. This is a part time position. The role is offered on a permanent basis, subject to a 6-month probationary period in line with Kent County Council recruitment policy.

The Kent and Medway Out of Hours Service has a dedicated team of permanent staff who provide support to new arrivals of unaccompanied asylum-seeking children at the Port of Dover. The OOH Kent Intake Unit (KIU) team ensures coverage for all hours starting from 9pm on weekdays and throughout the weekends/bank holidays.

The role requires working weekends (9am-6pm or 12pm-9pm). Shift preferences can be discussed during the interview to ensure alignment with the service needs for supporting children and young people.

The Social Work Assistant will support Social Workers to ensure the efficient processing of children through the KIU. A key responsibility is to promptly update systems, record case notes, collate information, and liaise with social workers and other professionals to inform our interventions and support. It is vital to demonstrate the ability to develop strong working relationships with children, young people, and other professionals. Proficiency in communication and IT skills is essential.

We are seeking a Social Work Assistant who can effectively support our service, particularly during evenings, weekends, and Bank Holidays on a rota basis. The ideal candidate will be:

• Committed to maintaining high standards.

• Resilient, flexible, adaptable, and proactive in improving services outside regular working hours.

• Capable of working quickly and efficiently under pressure.

• Equipped with excellent communication skills and proficiency in Information Technology, including service user case management systems.

• Eager to expand their knowledge and skills, especially in working with children.

• Ready for a change from the traditional Mon-Fri 9–5 routine.

• Comfortable and capable of managing shift and unsociable hours.

KCC offer an attractive benefits package, this includes a fixed market premium payment for working unsociable hours (pro rata). You will receive a high level of good quality supervision and work alongside other team members.

This post is subject to an Enhanced Disclosure Application to the Disclosure and Barring Service.

As this role is a customer-facing position, KCC has a statutory duty under Part 7 of the Immigration Act (2016) to ensure that post holders have a command of spoken English/Welsh sufficient for the effective performance of the job requirements. The appropriate standards are set out in the Job Description/Person Specification. Additionally, this position requires the candidate to possess a valid driving licence and have access to a car.

Interviews to be held on Thursday 19th March 2026.

Please note that, due to external vetting requirements, applicants must have been living in the United Kingdom for a minimum of three years.

About you

Please contact Ross Hymas via email (ross.hymas@kent.gov.uk) to arrange an informal discussion regarding this post.

About us

Work that works for you and us - let's talk flexibility!

KCC is committed to building a workforce which reflects the diversity of the county's working residents, encouraging applications from people of all ages, abilities, genders, sexual orientations, ethnic backgrounds, faiths and those with caring responsibilities, and aspires to create an inclusive workplace where everyone can be themselves at work.

Please note - if you are interested, please apply soon as possible as the closing date for this advert may be earlier than stated should a number of suitably qualified candidates apply.