Social Work jobs in Canada

This role is located in a British Overseas Territory, therefore UK legislation such as the Data Protection Act (2018) and the Equality Act (2010), or similar, may not apply.

The Ascension Island Government is currently seeking a qualified and experienced Social Worker to lead the delivery of social care services in a truly unique environment. This is a high-impact, autonomous role within a remote island community in the South Atlantic, where youll provide essential safeguarding and welfare services across both childrens and adults social care.

Working collaboratively with local services and supported by off-island professional supervision, youll play a vital role in promoting community wellbeing and ensuring effective statutory support is in place for those most in need.

As the only Social Worker on Ascension Island, a small island community, the post holder will be required to work independently and using their own initiative.

The post holder will be required to lead on all Safeguarding issues and be the statutory welfare provision for the island in conjunction with partner agencies.

The post holder will be a key member of the Ascension Island Safeguarding Children Board and lead on policy development.

The work of the post holder will be guided by the changing needs of the population of Ascension.

Ascension Island Hospital provides essential healthcare to around 700 residents, as well as visitors and transient workers stationed on this remote South Atlantic island. Our small but dedicated team delivers general medical, emergency, and community health services, focusing on adaptability and personalised care.

Life on Ascension Island brings a warm climate, stunning landscapes, and a safe, friendly community. While remote, the island offers a slower pace of life, diverse wildlife, and activities such as hiking, diving, and fishing. The hospital supports new staff with relocation assistance to help you settle into work and island life.

We recruit not just for qualifications and experience, but for the commitment and adaptability needed to thrive in a small team serving a unique island community. Our values are rooted in teamwork, respect, and resourcefulness. We are committed to inclusive, supportive working practices, ensuring equality and fairness for all, and value collaboration and the ability to embrace the challenges and rewards of remote healthcare.

• Through a referral process, provide assessment and support for Children with support needs and Adults at Risk.
• Complete Safeguarding enquiries in accordance with the Child Welfare Ordinance, (2011) and local Child Safeguarding Procedures.
• Manage a caseload of clients, maintaining comprehensive and timely recording of interventions.
• Build and maintain a high standard of proactive multi-agency working with statutory agencies i.e. Health, School, Police and Social Care in other geographical locations.
• Undertake joint investigations with the police and assist with Achieving Best Evidence interviews.
• Build on previous work undertaken and continue to develop the relatively new Social Work role on Island to meet the specific needs of the community.
• Take appropriate action in conjunction with other agencies, within the legal and statutory framework, including Working Together, (2018).
• As appropriate, liaise with overseas agencies when individuals who require further support are leaving Ascension and lead on any transition between locations.
• Be responsible for the agenda and preparatory documents for the Ascension Island Safeguarding Children Board. Advising AIG on policy and procedure, areas of future work, writing policy and procedure as necessary.
• Maintain the supervisory and regulatory function of registered Child Minders and provide support, advice and training to this group as required.
• Maintain a supervisory and regulatory function to anyone volunteering with children or vulnerable groups.
• Depending on experience and skills, to provide regular, structured training programmes, particularly in areas of Safeguarding, Mental Health and Domestic Violence to key stakeholders in the Ascension community.
• Depending on experience and skills, provide structured training and proactive support to Mental Health First Aiders, Domestic Violence Champions and Organisational Welfare Leads.
• Depending on experience and skills, and in collaboration with the hospital, to provide a distinct Social Work therapeutic function, supporting those experiencing mental health difficulties, trauma, substance use, family difficulties and other emotional difficulties.
• Run specific, structured Social Work outreach clinics at the school, hospital and island wide organisations as appropriate.
• To assist the Court as periodically directed, in providing Pre Sentence reports as required (training can be provided).
• To run appropriate Safeguarding publicity campaigns in the local media and directly with employees and parents.
• Maintain a proactive presence within the school and hospital, building positive relationships with staff and pupils.
• To demonstrate a consistently high standard of practice that is child/person centred and puts the needs of vulnerable groups at the forefront of all activity.
• To actively promote anti-discriminatory practice and the celebration of diversity. Challenge injustice, discrimination and lack of access to services within a local context.
• To ensure a high standard of case recording and able to ensure reports and statements for Court and case conferences are prepared to a high standard, adhering to deadlines.
• Liaise effectively with stakeholders on the island across a broad range of Safeguarding issues, providing advice and support as required.
• To work with the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office and other UK Overseas Territories to deliver specific and wide-ranging initiatives.
• The role holder may be required to work occasional evenings, weekends and public holidays, in order to meet service user needs.
• To carry out any other duties which fall within the broad spirit, scope and purpose of this job description and which are commensurate with the grade of the post.

• Social Work England (SWE) recognised Social Work qualification and current SWE registration or equivalent.
• Disclosure and Barring Check, this post is classed as working within regulated activity or involves a high level of contact with children or vulnerable adults and is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974.
• An enhanced disclosure will be sought through the Disclosure and Barring Service as part of the Ascension Island Government pre-employment checks. If you are invited to an interview you will receive more information.
• Special Requirements, as a requirement of this role the post holder will need to have a full current driving licence. You will be required to travel to visit clients in their homes, workplaces and to attend meetings at sites other than your own work base.
• Counselling/Psychotherapy qualification.
• Mental Health First Aider (or willingness to complete training).
• Domestic Abuse, Stalking and Harassment Training (or willingness to complete).
• Trained in Achieving Best Evidence.
• Experience of delivering training to key stakeholders.
• Ability to contribute to the development of Social Work polices including the writing and management of such policies.
• Experience of providing reports to Court as appropriate.
• Experience working in a role where adult and children child protection is the primary focus.
• Knowledge and experience of supporting people with mental health issues.
• Experience of supporting people with alcohol issues.
• Experience of living and working in small communities.
• Experience of developmental roles.

• Demonstrable experience of applying UK social care legislation, statutory guidance, and best practice in professional practice. This may have been gained through working within a UK social care setting, or through equivalent international experience where UK frameworks have been applied.
• Significant post qualification experience including a broad range of direct Social Work and client groups, including both children and adults.
• Experience of providing therapeutic interventions to individuals and groups.
• 2 years experience working with child protection.
• Ability to take a community-based approach accounting for the specific context of the Social Work role on the island.
• Experience working within a multi-disciplinary context.
• A good understanding of equality issues and the ability to challenge issues arising.
• Insight of the pressures of working in a small community, and an understanding of professional behaviour in that context.
• An understanding of the intergenerational trauma within postcolonial communities.
• Be able to present expert advice to the Safeguarding Children Board and drive changes required from that forum.
• Ability to communicate effectively with a wide range of individuals and organisations (including the ability to deliver Safeguarding and other training).
• Systemic and adaptive approach to work.
• Flexible approach, able to think creatively in meeting the needs of clients given the limited resources available on island.
• Personally and professionally resilient.
• Highly motivated and ability to work autonomously.

Depending on experience£27,772 pa - Total Package up to £44,950 (see advert for details)