Age Assessing Social Worker

Career Choices Dewis Gyrfa Ltd; Cardiff; Hybrid; GBP 46,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

A government agency is seeking qualified social workers to conduct Merton compliant age assessments on behalf of local authorities across the UK. This permanent, full-time position offers a salary range of £46,062 to £49,287 annually and includes comprehensive training and the flexibility of part-time hours. Successful applicants will engage with various professionals and must prioritize a child-centered approach throughout the assessment process. Frequent national travel is required, and expenses will be covered.

Benefits

Comprehensive training

Travel expenses covered

Flexible working options

Qualifications

• Must be a registered social worker with Social Work England or equivalent.
• Experience working in child protection or related fields is advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Conduct Merton compliant age assessments throughout the UK.
• Support local authorities in improving age assessment practices.
• Engage with various professionals involved in the care of young people.
• Provide statutory responses to safeguarding concerns.

Skills

Child-centred approach

Understanding of legislation

Trauma-informed approach

Collaboration with local authorities

Education

Social Work qualification

Job description

£46,062 to £49,287 per year, National pay locations: Bristol, Cardiff, Glasgow, Leeds, Liverpool, Newcastle-Upon‑Tyne, Peterborough, Poole, Salford, Sheffield, Solihull, Swindon: £46,062 - £49,287

Contract Type:

Permanent

Hours:

Full time

Disability Confident:

Yes

Closing Date:

28/01/2026

About this job

The Home Office works to build a safe, fair and prosperous UK. We achieve this through our work on counter‑terrorism, policing, fire, crime, drugs policy, immigration and passports. Visas, Passports, Citizenship & Resettlement Services and Asylum Group (VPCR & AG) is an important operational arm of the Home Office, responsible for delivering a wide range of public services that support the UK’s economy and cultural life.

Our work spans the administration of passports, citizenship, civil registration, and visas, as well as managing asylum applications, support and accommodation, along with resettlement and returns.

The National Age Assessment Board (NAAB) was established in March 2023 as part of the Nationality and Borders Act 2022 and is still a relatively new age assessment function in the Home Office. The NAAB is recruiting up to four social workers who will undertake Merton compliant age assessments on age‑disputed asylum seekers.

The role offers the opportunity for qualified and experienced social workers to join a national team conducting age assessments on behalf of local authorities across the UK, and to become experts in the field of age assessment, developing strong working relationships with a variety of stakeholders and partners.

Successful applicants will support local authorities in improving age assessment practices and raising standards.

NAAB social workers work in pairs to conduct ‘Merton’ compliant age assessments across the UK, ensuring young people remain at the heart of the process.

Assessments must be robust, legally defensible, and completed within agreed timescales.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop an excellent working knowledge and understanding of the Merton age assessment process.
• Represent the Home Office in local authority settings across the UK to deliver a high‑quality service through the completion of robust but fair age assessments.
• Engage with local authority social workers, teachers, foster carers and other professionals involved in the young person’s care.
• Support the Home Office response to legal challenges, including preparing court statements and giving evidence in court.
• Use working knowledge of legislation and case law relevant to age assessment across England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland, where applicable.
• Develop and contribute to activity as part of the NAAB’s quality assurance framework.
• Adopt a child‑centred and trauma‑informed approach to working with young people and undertaking assessments.
• Provide the appropriate statutory response to any child protection or safeguarding concerns that arise during the assessment process.
• Adapt personal practice in response to feedback given through the quality assurance process.
• Contribute to the delivery of the NAAB’s engagement strategy.
• Drive up expertise and quality in the age assessment field by contributing to and delivering high‑quality training to local authorities.
• A check will be made to verify you are a social worker, registered with Social Work England, or the equivalent in Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland.

When your application will not be progressed until this verification has been completed successfully.

Working Pattern

This role is available on a full‑time basis with the option of compressed hours. It is also suitable for part‑time working hours, with a minimum requirement to work 24 hours over a minimum of 3 days per week due to business requirements.

Training

You will receive comprehensive training, including Age Assessment and Level 2 Personal Safety, delivered online and on the job with ongoing support from managers and colleagues. Even after training, you’ll work as part of a team with advice and guidance always available.

Travel

The role involves frequent national travel, typically once or twice a week with occasional overnight stays. All travel and related expenses are covered by the Home Office.

When not conducting assessments, you can work from home or your nearest NAAB Home Office site.

Proud member of the Disability Confident employer scheme.

Jobs are provided by the Find a Job Service from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP).