Cafcass is seeking talented, passionate, and experienced social workers to join us as Associate Family Court Advisers (FCAs) — a vital part of our national practice community.
As self-employed practitioners contracted by Cafcass, Associate FCAs play a key role in supporting our work with vulnerable children and young people, providing independent social work expertise to help families through some of the most challenging moments in their lives.
As an Associate FCA, you will be commissioned by local Cafcass teams across Bristol, Oxford, Reading, and Liverpool to undertake public and private law family court work. You will contribute expert case analysis, provide recommendations in the best interests of children, and help to manage caseload pressures while complementing the work of our employed practitioners.
Associates typically carry a mixed caseload, with thresholds set at 5 to 18 cases, ensuring workloads remain manageable and proportionate. There is also the opportunity to take on shorter-term work such as writing Work to First Hearing safeguarding letters.
Becoming a Cafcass Associate is ideal for practitioners used to working independently and who want to maintain high-level professional social work practice and shape their own workload. It also allows practitioners to combine working with Cafcass with other roles or commitments (e.g. ISW, IRO, lecturing, training, or other business interests) and obtain the balance they need to suit their personal circumstances, whilst undertaking challenging, rewarding practice that makes a real difference to vulnerable children across England.
Cafcass currently contracts over 100 Associate FCAs, and with continued demand, this number is expected to grow. Our dedicated Associates team provides onboarding and contract support to ensure effective collaboration with our commissioning teams. We also provide a professional induction to all new Associates including access to specialist training and resources throughout your time as an Associate.
We are looking for Social Work England registered social workers with:
- Significant post qualifying experience
- Expertise in safeguarding, child engagement, and multi‑agency working
- Strong analytical, assessment, and recording skills
- Confidence working directly with families, professionals, and the family courts
- Capacity to fulfil the time requirements of the role - the Associate Family Court Adviser role is not compatible with remaining in a substantive or full-time role, as the demands of the position would make it difficult to dedicate sufficient time to the work and meet the standards we expect for children and young people.
As this is a self-employed role, you will need to manage your own tax and contribution arrangements. Cafcass assesses that Associate FCA work is not within IR35.
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Associate Family Court Adviser employer: Cafcass (Children and Family Court Advisory and Support Service)
Cafcass is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive work culture that prioritises the well-being of families and children. With opportunities for professional growth and development, employees are encouraged to engage in meaningful work that makes a real difference in the community. Located in Newcastle, the company provides a collaborative environment where staff can thrive while contributing to vital family support services.
Contact Details:
Cafcass (Children and Family Court Advisory and Support Service) Recruitment Team
