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- Tasks: Engage directly with children and families in court proceedings, ensuring their voices are heard.
- Company: Join a leading organisation committed to child-centred social work.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, generous leave, wellbeing support, and a Local Government pension.
- Other info: Diverse and inclusive workplace with strong professional development opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while shaping family justice reform.
- Qualifications: Qualified Social Worker with experience in family court processes.
The predicted salary is between 45749 - 49886 ÂŁ per year.
Location: Engaging directly with children and families in Hampshire (including Portsmouth and Winchester) and Dorset (including Bournemouth, Christchurch, Poole and Weymouth) with a contractual base in either Portsmouth or Bournemouth.
Salary: ÂŁ45,749 - ÂŁ49,886 + ÂŁ4,000 joining incentive (see wider benefits below)
The role at a glance:
- Undertake direct work with children and families involved in family court proceedings
- Ensure children’s voices are heard clearly and influence judicial decision‑making
- Collaborate closely with judges, legal professionals and partner agencies
- Practice social work that is purposeful, evidence‑informed and values‑led
What you will do:
- Conduct high‑quality assessments that focus on children’s lived experience, safety and wellbeing
- Engage directly with children, ensuring their views, wishes and feelings are understood and represented
- Prepare clear, analytical reports for the family court, including contributions to Child Impact Reports
- Apply robust risk assessment and mediation skills to support child‑focused decision‑making
- Work effectively across private law proceedings, with a strong understanding of public law context
- Manage your caseload independently while contributing to a supportive, learning‑focused team environment
Who we are looking for:
We welcome applications from qualified and experienced Children’s Social Workers who share our commitment to child‑centred practice.
You will need:
- A recognised Social Work qualification
- Registration with Social Work England
- An understanding of family court processes and private and/or public law
- Strong analytical, organisational and communication skills
- Resilience, professional curiosity and confidence in working autonomously
Benefits:
- Opportunities to contribute to nationally significant reform in family justice
- Strong professional supervision and reflective practice
- Access to learning from ongoing Child Focused Court pilots and national rollout activity
- A competitive salary and Local Government pension
- Generous annual leave and wellbeing support
- The resources, equipment and flexibility needed to work effectively, connect with children and your colleagues
Inclusion and belonging:
Cafcass is committed to building a diverse and inclusive workforce that reflects the children and families we serve. We welcome applications from individuals from all backgrounds and value professional diversity, lived experience and different career pathways. We are committed to making reasonable adjustments throughout our recruitment process and in the workplace. If you need support at any stage, we encourage you to tell us.
Qualified Children's Social Worker - Child focused courts in Hampshire 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 - Child focused courts in Hampshire
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to fellow social workers, attend local events, and connect with professionals in the field. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by practising common questions and scenarios specific to children's social work. Think about how you would handle real-life situations and be ready to share your experiences that showcase your skills and values.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your passion for child-centred practice during interviews. Share stories that highlight your commitment to ensuring children's voices are heard and how you've made a difference in their lives.
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage directly with us.
We think you need these skills to ace Qualified Children's Social Worker - Child focused courts in Hampshire
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Child-Centred Practice: When writing your application, let your passion for child-centred practice shine through. Share specific examples of how you've engaged with children and families in your previous roles, and how you’ve ensured their voices are heard.
Be Clear and Concise: We want to see your skills in action, so make sure your application is clear and to the point. Use straightforward language and avoid jargon where possible. This will help us understand your experience and qualifications better.
Highlight Relevant Experience: Make sure to emphasise your experience with family court processes and your understanding of both private and public law. Tailor your application to reflect how your background aligns with the role we’re offering.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity. Plus, it’s super easy to navigate!
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 family court processes and the specific laws relevant to children’s social work. Familiarise yourself with recent cases or reforms that might impact your role, as this will show your commitment and understanding of the field.
✨Showcase Your Skills
Prepare examples that highlight your analytical, organisational, and communication skills. Think about situations where you've successfully engaged with children and families, and how you’ve ensured their voices were heard in decision-making processes.
✨Be Ready for Scenario Questions
Expect to be asked about how you would handle specific situations involving children and families. Practise articulating your thought process and decision-making skills, especially in high-pressure scenarios, to demonstrate your resilience and professional curiosity.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
At the end of the interview, have a few thoughtful questions ready about the team dynamics, ongoing training opportunities, or the support available for managing your caseload. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you assess if it’s the right fit for you.