At a Glance
- Tasks: Support children and families in court, advocating for their best interests.
- Company: Cafcass, dedicated to representing children's voices in family law.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, wellbeing support, and flexible working options.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while developing your social work career.
- Qualifications: Relevant Social Work qualification and experience with children and families.
- Other info: Flexible working environment with strong support for professional growth.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Overview
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 families need assistance to agree on the best welfare and safety arrangements for the child(ren) or the local authority has serious concerns and Cafcass involvement is requested 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 interests of the child(ren).
Qualifications
- Relevant Social Work qualification is essential
- Registered with Social Work England (Cafcass reimburses costs of this annual registration)
- 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 is advantageous
- Organised and resilient with the ability to work independently and manage workload effectively
Location
Locations are based in Chelmsford, with teams working flexibly and remotely. Proximity to the office is not the sole determinant of how you work, allowing flexibility to suit you.
Salary and Benefits
The advertised salary reflects our 2024/25 pay award. We are awaiting confirmation of the 2025/26 pay award when salaries will be updated to reflect this. We provide extensive wellbeing support, excellent benefits, and the resources, equipment, and support to help you be the voice of children and young people in family court decisions.
Next steps / Timelines
Closing Date: 14th September 2025
Telephone interviews: TBC
Final Interview: TBC
Vacancy Contact: Narinder.kaur2@cafcass.gov.uk
Additional notes
Successful applicants will undergo pre-employment checks, including a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check. Details of the DBS process are described in the Cafcass DBS policy. This information will remain confidential during your application.
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Qualified Children\'s Social Worker - Professional Incentive Payment 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 - Professional Incentive Payment
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the social work field, attend local events, and join relevant online groups. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know that can help you land that dream job.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews! Research the organisation and understand their values, especially around child welfare. We suggest practising common interview questions with a friend or even in front of the mirror to boost your confidence.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your passion for social work! During interviews, share specific examples of how you've made a difference in children's lives. We want to see your commitment and enthusiasm shine through!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we’re always on the lookout for dedicated Family Court Advisers who are ready to make an impact.
We think you need these skills to ace Qualified Children\'s Social Worker - Professional Incentive Payment
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 in your written application. We’re looking for candidates who genuinely care about making a difference, so share any personal experiences or motivations that drive you.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your writing clear and to the point. We appreciate well-structured applications that are easy to read. Avoid jargon unless it’s relevant, and make sure to proofread for any typos or errors before hitting send!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website for a smoother process. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands and shows us you’re serious about joining our team!
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 the latest legislation and best practices in child welfare, as this will show your commitment and expertise during the interview.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare specific examples from your past work that highlight your skills in risk assessment, mediation, and working with families. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses, making it easier for the interviewers to see how you can contribute to their team.
✨Engage with Empathy
As a Children’s Social Worker, empathy is key. During the interview, demonstrate your ability to connect with children and families by discussing how you’ve effectively communicated with them in the past. This will help convey your understanding of their needs and how you prioritise their welfare.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare some insightful questions about the role and the organisation. This not only shows your interest but also helps you gauge if the position aligns with your values and career goals. Consider asking about the support available for social workers or how the team collaborates on cases.