At a Glance
- Tasks: Support children and families in court, advocating for their best interests.
- Company: Join Cafcass, the leading service representing children's voices in family court cases across England.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible remote work, extensive wellbeing support, and access to top-notch resources.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on children's lives while working in a diverse and inclusive environment.
- Qualifications: Must have a relevant Social Work qualification and be registered with Social Work England.
- Other info: Opportunities for professional development and a supportive team culture await you.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
We are hiring Children’s Social Workers for our Private and/or Public Law teams. Working in the Private and/or 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.
Children’s Social Workers key responsibilities include:
- 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 will be essential as you advocate for arrangements that prioritise the best interest of the children.
Who we’re looking for:
- Relevant Social Work qualification is essential.
- You must be registered with Social Work England regulator.
- You’ll ideally have a minimum of 3 years’ experience working with children and families in a social work capacity.
- 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:
Our teams work flexibly and remotely, your proximity to the Chelmsford 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.
Next steps / Timelines:
Below we have given you an indication of a timetable we are hoping to work towards, although dates are subject to change.
- Closing date: 31 March 2025
- Telephone interviews: As and when suitable candidate is shortlisted
- Final Interview: March/April 2025
Vacancy Contact:
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!
Be Their Voice:
We are Cafcass – the Children and Family Court Advisory and Support Service – and we represent children in family court cases in England. Independently advising the family courts about what is safe for children and in their best interests, we speak up for over 140,000 children every year when the family court makes critical decisions about their futures, ensuring their needs, wishes and feelings are heard. If our purpose resonates with you, and you share our ambitions for children - exceptional experiences, for every child, everywhere and every time - then if you join us, you will work alongside like-minded people in a diverse, inclusive and supportive organisation. You will be trusted to work flexibly and independently using outstanding technology (e.g. touchscreen laptops, iPhone, all with first class support, including IT Trainers) with access to substantial resources (e.g. Cafcass Library has over 27,000 resources on social work, child protection and related topics). You will also have opportunities to develop, whatever team you join, wherever you are in the country and at whatever stage you are at in your career. Whether you join us in one of our social work roles that work directly with children and families or our corporate and business services teams who provide technology, support and expertise, you will have the chance to make a difference for children and families.
Children\'s Social Worker employer: Cafcass
Contact Detail:
Cafcass Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Children\'s Social Worker
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the specific responsibilities of a Family Court Adviser. Understanding the nuances of conducting assessments and representing children's views in court will help you articulate your relevant experience during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with current or former Children’s Social Workers to gain insights into their experiences. This can provide you with valuable information about the role and may even lead to referrals or recommendations.
✨Tip Number 3
Stay updated on current legislation and best practices in child welfare and family law. Demonstrating your knowledge of recent changes can set you apart as a candidate who is proactive and well-informed.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare for potential interview questions by practising scenarios related to risk assessment and mediation. Being able to discuss real-life examples will showcase your expertise and problem-solving skills effectively.
We think you need these skills to ace Children\'s Social Worker
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your relevant social work qualifications and experience, particularly focusing on your work with children and families. Emphasise any experience you have in Family Court proceedings and your understanding of Private and/or Public Law.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that reflects your passion for advocating for children's welfare. Mention specific experiences where you've successfully engaged with children and represented their views, showcasing your skills in risk assessment and mediation.
Highlight Relevant Experience: In your application, clearly outline your minimum of 3 years’ experience in social work. Provide examples of how you've managed workloads effectively and worked independently, as these are key attributes the company is looking for.
Prepare for Interviews: If shortlisted, prepare for telephone interviews by reviewing common questions related to social work practice, particularly those involving child welfare and family law. Be ready to discuss your approach to assessments and how you advocate for children's best interests.
How to prepare for a job interview at Cafcass
✨Understand the Role
Make sure you have a clear understanding of what a Children's Social Worker does, especially in the context of Private and Public Law. Familiarise yourself with the responsibilities, such as conducting assessments and advocating for children's best interests.
✨Showcase Relevant Experience
Be prepared to discuss your experience working with children and families, particularly in social work settings. Highlight any specific cases or situations where you successfully advocated for a child's welfare, as this will demonstrate your capability in the role.
✨Demonstrate Your Skills
Emphasise your skills in risk assessment and mediation during the interview. Provide examples of how you've used these skills in past roles to resolve conflicts or make decisions that prioritise children's safety and wellbeing.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions about the organisation and its approach to supporting children and families. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you assess if the company aligns with your values and career goals.