Vacancies

The role of our Social Work Adviser (Child Welfare and Safeguarding) is to enable the FCDO to offer advice and assistance to vulnerable British nationals known to the UK Consular Network.

Responsibilities as our Social Work Adviser (Child Welfare and Safeguarding):

FCDO

– Providing advice, support and guidance to consular assistance staff in London and staff based overseas on child safeguarding social work issues for British nationals

– Working jointly with the consular child policy unit (CPU) to review child-related cases and policy

– Working collaboratively with the social work advisor team to review cases and relevant policy

– Investigating, signposting, planning with consular staff who are working with British nationals to provide specialist children and families advice to the consular staff

– Referring ‘meet and assist’ cases to relevant service providers at UK ports

– Undertaking the risk assessment of cases

– Ensuring policy, guidance and training are inputted to the consular staff on child welfare issues

– Building and maintaining links with relevant assistance NGOs & travel partners via outreach work

– Building and maintaining links with Consular Regional Directors

– Covering for the Social Work Adviser team as required

– Recording all cases on a secure consular information network and monthly reporting to HTC

– Maintaining international outreach – there may be opportunities for international travel to support FCDO staff abroad

HTC (1 day per 5 weeks)

– Working within the airport crisis team at Heathrow

– Advising and assisting a wide variety client groups

– Being part of a unique and interesting social work environment

– Participating in emergency preparedness and response at Heathrow

– Continuing professional development

What we’re looking for in our Social Work Adviser (Children & Families):

– 2 years’ recent statutory social work experience
– Recent experience of working directly with children and families to statutory standards
– Experience of direct work, working with the impact of trauma and ensuring safeguarding is always prioritised
– Experience of making and recording risk assessments, including Safe Lives RIC and other evidence-based assessment tools
– Experience of problem-solving under time pressure
– Experience of prioritising casework according to risk and need
– Working knowledge of child safeguarding procedures within Local Authorities
– An understanding of child safeguarding policy
– The ability to work effectively in partnership with other agencies
– The ability to make clear recommendations on how to address risk and need based on professional judgement and experience.
– The ability to recognise signs that a child may not be meeting developmental milestones, has been harmed or is at risk of harm
– The ability to advocate for children and young people, to ensure they receive organisational focus, resource and support as appropriate

Application form closing date: 9am, Tuesday 20^th January 2026

Interview date: Tuesday 3^rd February 2026 in Westminster

Child Welfare & Safeguarding Job Description 2026

Child Welfare & Safeguarding SWA person specification 2026

Child Welfare & Safeguarding SWA application form 2026
 

Please send completed applications to ross.erlam@heathrow.com