At a Glance
- Tasks: Engage directly with children and families in court proceedings, ensuring their voices are heard.
- Company: Cafcass, dedicated to child-centred practice and family justice reform.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, generous leave, wellbeing support, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Join a diverse team committed to inclusion and professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while shaping family justice in your community.
- Qualifications: Qualified Children's Social Worker with strong analytical and communication skills.
The predicted salary is between 45749 - 49886 £ 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: £45,749 - £49,886 + £4,000 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 Winchester employer: Cafcass (Children and Family Court Advisory and Support Service)
Cafcass is an exceptional employer for qualified Children's Social Workers, offering a supportive and inclusive work culture that prioritises child-centred practice. With a competitive salary, generous annual leave, and strong professional supervision, employees have ample opportunities for growth and development while making a meaningful impact in the lives of children and families across Hampshire and Dorset. The organisation's commitment to diversity and inclusion ensures that all voices are valued, fostering a collaborative environment where social workers can thrive.
Contact Details:
Cafcass (Children and Family Court Advisory and Support Service) Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Qualified Children's Social Worker - Child focused courts in Winchester
✨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 related to child-focused practice. Think about your experiences and how they align with the role. We recommend doing mock interviews with friends or colleagues to boost your confidence.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your passion for child-centred practice during interviews. Share specific examples of how you've made a difference in children's lives. This will help you stand out as someone who truly cares about the role.
✨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 are proactive and engaged with our mission.
We think you need these skills to ace Qualified Children's Social Worker - Child focused courts in Winchester
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, so make sure your application is clear and to the point. Use straightforward language and avoid jargon. Highlight your qualifications and experience in a way that’s easy for us to digest.
Tailor Your Application:Don’t just send a generic application! Tailor it to the role by referencing the job description. Mention your understanding of family court processes and how your skills align with the responsibilities outlined in the listing.
Apply Through Our Website:Make sure to apply through our website for the best chance of success! It’s the easiest way for us to keep track of your application and ensures you’re considered for the role you’re excited about.
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 ensured their voices were heard in decision-making processes.
✨Be Child-Centred
During the interview, emphasise your commitment to child-centred practice. Discuss how you’ve previously prioritised children's wellbeing and safety in your assessments and reports, and be ready to explain how you would approach similar situations in this role.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare some insightful questions to ask your interviewers. This could include inquiries about the team dynamics, ongoing training opportunities, or how they support social workers in managing their caseloads. It shows you're genuinely interested in the role and the organisation.
