At a Glance
- Tasks: Support children and families in legal matters, advocating for their best interests.
- Company: Cafcass is dedicated to representing children's voices in family court decisions.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working options, extensive wellbeing support, and great corporate perks.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on children's lives while working in a supportive and dynamic team.
- Qualifications: Must be registered with Social Work England and have 3+ years of relevant experience.
- Other info: Role covers Durham and Darlington area with remote work flexibility.
The predicted salary is between 28800 - 48000 £ per year.
We are hiring Children’s Social Workers for our Private and Public Law teams. Working in the Private and Public Law team, Children’s Social Workers (or as we will professionally call you - Family Court Advisers) are involved in a combination of cases where either the families require the assistance to agree on the best arrangements for the welfare and safety of the child(ren) involved or the local authority has serious concerns and requests the involvement of Cafcass in the case.
Children’s Social Workers key responsibilities include:
- Conducting assessments and directly engaging with children to understand and represent their views and wishes to the court.
- Using expertise in robust risk assessment and mediation will be essential as you advocate for arrangements that prioritise the best interest of the children.
Who we’re looking for
- You must be registered with Social Work England regulator.
- You’ll ideally have a minimum of 3 years’ experience working with children and families in a social work capacity.
- Experience in Family Court proceedings and understanding of Private and/or Public Law would be an advantage.
- Organised and resilient with ability to work independently and managing workload effectively.
Location
Whilst this role has a contractual base in our Middlesbrough office, the role is to cover Durham and Darlington area, across Teesside and Newcastle Courts, with available touch down office in Durham city. Our teams work flexibly and remotely, your proximity to the office doesn’t always have to be a critical consideration. This hopefully will allow you to work in a way that suits you best.
We provide the resources, equipment, and support, so that individually and collectively, we can be the voice of children and young people when the family court makes critical decisions about their futures. We provide extensive wellbeing support for colleagues, as well as excellent benefits, all of which we hope encourages you to work within our dedicated team.
Next steps / Timelines
Below we have given you an indication of a timetable we are hoping to work towards, although dates are subject to change.
- Final Interview: TBC
In anticipation of your successful application, we encourage you to review our offer and pre-employment checks process. You are welcome to raise any questions or concerns about these checks during your application, with the assurance that this information will remain confidential. Successful applicants will undergo various pre-engagement checks, including a Disclosure and Barring Service check (DBS). In line with the DBS code of practice and our policy, if a criminal offence is declared, an individual assessment will be conducted. For further details regarding this assessment, please refer to the Cafcass DBS policy.
We look forward to receiving your application!
Qualified Children\'s Social Worker employer: Cafcass
Contact Detail:
Cafcass Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Qualified Children\'s Social Worker
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with Cafcass and its role in family law. Understanding their mission and values will help you align your approach during interviews, showcasing how your experience and passion for child welfare fit with their objectives.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with current or former Children's Social Workers at Cafcass. Engaging with them can provide insights into the work culture and expectations, which can be invaluable when discussing your suitability for the role.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss specific cases from your past experience that demonstrate your skills in risk assessment and mediation. Being able to articulate these examples clearly will show your practical knowledge and readiness for the challenges of the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Stay updated on current trends and legislation in children's social work. This knowledge will not only enhance your confidence but also allow you to engage in meaningful discussions during interviews, highlighting your commitment to continuous professional development.
We think you need these skills to ace Qualified Children\'s Social Worker
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Before applying, make sure you fully understand the responsibilities of a Children's Social Worker. Familiarise yourself with the key tasks such as conducting assessments and advocating for children's welfare.
Tailor Your CV: Highlight your relevant experience in social work, particularly with children and families. Emphasise any experience you have in Family Court proceedings and your understanding of Private and Public Law.
Craft a Strong Cover Letter: Write a compelling cover letter that showcases your passion for child welfare and your ability to work independently. Mention specific examples from your past experience that demonstrate your skills in risk assessment and mediation.
Prepare for Pre-Employment Checks: Be ready for various pre-engagement checks, including a Disclosure and Barring Service check. Familiarise yourself with the Cafcass DBS policy and be prepared to discuss any concerns during your application process.
How to prepare for a job interview at Cafcass
✨Understand the Role
Make sure you have a clear understanding of the responsibilities of a Children's Social Worker, particularly in relation to Family Court Advisers. Familiarise yourself with the key aspects of the role, such as conducting assessments and advocating for children's best interests.
✨Showcase Relevant Experience
Prepare to discuss your experience working with children and families, especially in social work settings. Highlight any specific cases or situations where you successfully navigated challenges, particularly in Family Court proceedings.
✨Demonstrate Your Skills
Be ready to provide examples of your skills in risk assessment and mediation. Think of scenarios where you effectively represented children's views and wishes, as this will be crucial in your role.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions about the team dynamics, support systems, and resources available for Children's Social Workers. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you assess if the organisation aligns with your values.