At a Glance
- Tasks: Support children in court by gathering their views and advocating for their best interests.
- Company: Cafcass, a diverse and inclusive organisation dedicated to children's welfare.
- Benefits: Extensive wellbeing support, hybrid working model, and excellent benefits.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while working flexibly and collaboratively.
- Qualifications: Registered social worker with experience in child and family support.
- Other info: Join a supportive team with opportunities for personal and professional growth.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Overview
We are offering a £4,000 ‘Professional Joining Incentive’ if you successfully join one of our teams in this area. Cafcass is recruiting Children’s Social Workers (Family Court Advisers – FCAs) to represent children in family court cases in England and facilitate positive outcomes for children involved in private and public law family court proceedings.
What You’ll Be Doing
- Complete high‑quality assessments, engaging directly with children to understand their experiences, wishes and feelings and ensure these are clearly and powerfully represented to the family court.
- Apply your expertise in risk assessment, mediation and analysis, advocating for solutions that place the child’s safety, wellbeing and long‑term interests at the centre of decision‑making.
- Work with adults, local authorities and a wide range of professionals to help resolve complex issues and influence better outcomes for children.
Who We’re Looking For
We’re looking for practitioners who are confident, curious, compassionate and committed to excellent social work practice.
To Join Us, You’ll Need
- A Social Work qualification is essential.
- Right to work in the UK (no sponsorship).
- Registered with Social Work England (or able to register quickly if practising outside England).
- Recent, relevant experience of working directly with children and families.
- Desirable experience in family court proceedings or knowledge of Private and/or Public Law.
- For applicants with limited post‑qualifying experience, relevant pre‑qualifying experience supporting children and families may be beneficial.
- Strong organisational skills, professional resilience and the ability to work independently while effectively managing a varied caseload.
Where you’ll work
Our Social Workers work flexibly across multiple settings – office in Coventry, home, courts, schools and other appropriate, safe locations. We provide the technology needed for remote and in‑person work, and regular team meetings, supervision and 1:1 support with managers.
How We Youh3>
- High‑quality equipment and technology to work efficiently and engage families effectively.
- Access to specialist resources, guidance and training to strengthen your practice.
- Commitment to wellbeing, reflective supervision and healthy work‑life balance.
- An inclusive environment that values diversity and encourages learning.
Next Steps
Closing Date: 9 February 2026. Telephone interviews will commence 9 and 16 February 2026, with final interviews 16 and 23 February 2026. Successful applicants will complete pre‑engagement checks including a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check.
Benefits
- Generous holidays 28 days holiday rising to 33 days with five years continuous service.
- Excellent pension – 18.1% employer contribution to Local Government Pension scheme.
- Flexible working – hybrid office and home setup with enhanced flexible working requests.
- Exclusive discounts – wide range of discounts covering leisure, technology, travel and personal finance.
- Professional fees – Social Work England membership fees reimbursed.
- Car leasing schemes – personal car leasing available at competitive rates.
Documents
View the full job description in the vacancy documents and learn more about how we support our practitioners on our website. For any questions about the role or recruitment process, please contact Michelle.Berridge@cafcass.gov.uk.
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Qualified Children\'s Social Worker 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
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know Cafcass and their values! Research their mission and the specific needs of the children and families they serve. This will help you tailor your approach during interviews and show that you're genuinely interested in making a difference.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Connect with current or former Cafcass employees on LinkedIn. Ask them about their experiences and any tips they might have for standing out in the interview process. Personal connections can give you an edge!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your interview skills! Prepare for common questions related to social work, especially those focusing on child welfare and family dynamics. Mock interviews with friends or mentors can help you feel more confident and articulate.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the Cafcass team and making a positive impact.
We think you need these skills to ace Qualified Children\'s Social Worker
Some tips for your application 🫡
Read the Job Description Carefully: Before you start writing your application, make sure to read the job description thoroughly. It’ll give you a clear idea of what Cafcass is looking for in a Qualified Children's Social Worker and help you tailor your application to match their needs.
Showcase Your Experience: When detailing your experience, focus on your work with children and families. Use specific examples that highlight your skills in risk assessment and mediation, as these are key aspects of the role. We want to see how you've made a difference in your previous roles!
Be Authentic: Cafcass values diversity and lived experiences, so don’t be afraid to let your personality shine through in your application. Share your unique perspective and how it can contribute to the team and the families you’ll be working with.
Apply Through Our Website: Make sure to submit your application through the Cafcass Careers page. This ensures that your application goes directly to the right place and helps us keep track of all applicants efficiently. Plus, it’s super easy to do!
How to prepare for a job interview at Cafcass (Children and Family Court Advisory and Support Service)
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you’re familiar with Cafcass and its mission. Understand the role of a Qualified Children’s Social Worker, especially in the context of the Private Law team. Brush up on relevant legislation and best practices in child welfare to show you’re not just qualified, but genuinely passionate about the work.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare specific examples from your past work that demonstrate your skills in risk assessment, mediation, and advocacy. Think about situations where you’ve successfully represented children’s views or navigated complex family dynamics. This will help you illustrate your experience effectively during the interview.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare some insightful questions about the team dynamics, support systems, and how Cafcass measures success in their roles. This shows you’re engaged and serious about finding the right fit for both you and the organisation.
✨Be Yourself
Cafcass values diversity and lived experiences, so don’t be afraid to let your personality shine through. Authenticity can set you apart from other candidates. Share your motivations for wanting to work in this field and how your unique background can contribute to the team.