At a Glance
- Tasks: Support children and families in court, advocating for their best interests.
- Company: Join Cafcass, a leading organisation dedicated to children's welfare.
- Benefits: Flexible working, wellbeing support, and competitive salary.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while developing your social work career.
- Qualifications: Must have relevant Social Work qualification and experience with children and families.
- Other info: Work remotely with a supportive team focused on children's voices.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Join to apply for the role at Cafcass. We are hiring Children’s Social Workers for our Private and Public Law teams in Chelmsford (covering Essex region). Working in the Private and Public Law teams, 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.
Responsibilities
- 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 to advocate for arrangements that prioritise the best interest of the children.
Qualifications
- Relevant Social Work qualification is essential.
- Registered with Social Work England (Cafcass reimburses costs of this annual cost).
- You’ll have demonstrable, relevant experience of working with children and families in a social work setting.
- 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 manage workload effectively.
Location
Whilst you may see the role has a contractual base in our Chelmsford office, 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.
Compensation and Benefits
The advertised salary reflects our 2024/25 pay award. We are awaiting confirmation of our 2025/26 salaries, which will be updated to reflect this.
Closing Date
30th November 2025
Contact
Vacancy Contact - Narinder.kaur2@cafcass.gov.uk
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 in Essex employer: Cafcass (Children and Family Court Advisory and Support Service)
Contact Detail:
Cafcass (Children and Family Court Advisory and Support Service) Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Qualified Children\'s Social Worker in Essex
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the social work field, especially those who might have insights into Cafcass or similar organisations. A friendly chat can sometimes lead to opportunities that aren’t even advertised!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by practising common questions related to children’s social work. Think about your experiences and how they relate to the role of a Family Court Adviser. We want you to shine when it comes to showcasing your skills!
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t forget to research Cafcass thoroughly! Understanding their values and mission will help you tailor your responses during interviews. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in being part of their team.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, you’ll find all the info you need about the role and the application process right there. Let’s get you on board!
We think you need these skills to ace Qualified Children\'s Social Worker in Essex
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight your relevant experience and skills. We want to see how your background aligns with the role of a Family Court Adviser, so don’t hold back on showcasing your expertise in social work!
Showcase Your Passion: Let your enthusiasm for working with children and families shine through! We love seeing candidates who are genuinely passionate about making a difference in the lives of young people, so share your motivations and experiences that fuel this passion.
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it clear and to the point. We appreciate well-structured responses that get straight to the heart of your qualifications and experiences. Avoid fluff and focus on what makes you the perfect fit for the role!
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy – just follow the prompts and you’ll be good to go!
How to prepare for a job interview at Cafcass (Children and Family Court Advisory and Support Service)
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of social work principles, especially those related to children and families. Familiarise yourself with Cafcass's role in the family court system and be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their mission.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare specific examples from your past work that demonstrate your skills in risk assessment, mediation, and working with children. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses and highlight your achievements.
✨Engage with Empathy
During the interview, convey your passion for advocating for children's welfare. Show that you understand the importance of representing their views and wishes, and be prepared to discuss how you would approach sensitive situations with empathy and professionalism.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare a few insightful questions about the role and the team dynamics at Cafcass. This shows your genuine interest in the position and helps you assess if it's the right fit for you. Consider asking about their approach to wellbeing support for staff or how they handle challenging cases.
