At a Glance
- Tasks: Engage with children to represent their voices in family court and advocate for their wellbeing.
- Company: Cafcass, a unique organisation dedicated to transforming children's lives.
- Benefits: Flexible working, high-quality tech, training resources, and a strong focus on wellbeing.
- Other info: Join a supportive team that values diversity and promotes professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while developing your social work skills.
- Qualifications: Social Work qualification and experience with children and families required.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
At Cafcass, we're recruiting Children's Social Workers who share our passion, commitment and ambition to facilitate positive outcomes for children involved in public law family court proceedings. Our Social Workers – professionally known as Family Court Advisers (FCAs) – play a vital role. Within the Public Law team, you will deal with local authorities who have raised serious welfare concerns. The underlying role is to speak on behalf of children and young people to ensure their thoughts, wishes and feelings are not just understood but heard. As the only organisation that does this kind of work, FCAs can make recommendations leading to lasting change for children and families, which is why this responsibility we take seriously. And why we're committed to creating a safe, healthy and supportive environment for our colleagues to practice.
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, analysis and mediation, 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.
- Our Social Workers work flexibly across multiple settings – including the office in Maidstone, Kent, home, courts, schools and other appropriate, safe locations – and we ensure you have the technology to do this.
Shared learning is very important to us, and we bring our teams together regularly, both remotely and in‑person, for team meetings and group supervision, which creates space to connect with peers and managers, reflect on practice, and feel supported. You’ll also have regular 1:1 time with your manager, especially during your induction, and again there will be a balance between doing this remotely and in‑person, so you have opportunities to form in‑person connections.
How we support you:
- High‑quality equipment and technology to help you work efficiently and engage with families effectively.
- Access to specialist resources, guidance and training to strengthen your practice.
- A strong commitment to wellbeing, reflective supervision and healthy work‑life balance.
- An inclusive environment that values diversity, encourages learning and constantly strives to improve outcomes for children, families and colleagues alike.
Qualifications:
- A Social Work qualification is essential.
- Have the Right to Work in the UK (we don’t sponsor people to work in the UK).
- Registered with Social Work England (or likely to be able to register quickly if practising outside England).
- Recent, relevant experience of working directly with children and families.
- It’s desirable you have 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.
Family Court Adviser | Transforming Children's Lives in Maidstone employer: Cafcass
Cafcass is an exceptional employer dedicated to transforming children's lives through meaningful work in family court proceedings. Our Family Court Advisers benefit from a supportive and inclusive work culture that prioritises wellbeing, professional development, and flexible working arrangements across various settings in Maidstone, Kent. With access to high-quality resources and a commitment to shared learning, we empower our staff to make a lasting impact on the lives of children and families.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Family Court Adviser | Transforming Children's Lives in Maidstone
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former Family Court Advisers on LinkedIn or at local events. They can give you insider tips and might even know about job openings before they're advertised.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by practising common questions related to child welfare and family court proceedings. We recommend role-playing with a friend to build your confidence and refine your answers.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your passion for children's welfare during interviews. Share specific examples from your experience that highlight your commitment to making a difference in children's lives.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed, and you’ll find all the latest opportunities right there.
We think you need these skills to ace Family Court Adviser | Transforming Children's Lives in Maidstone
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:When writing your application, let your passion for working with children and families shine through. We want to see your commitment to making a difference in their lives, so share personal experiences or motivations that drive you to apply for this role.
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored specifically for the Family Court Adviser position. Highlight relevant experience, especially any work with children and families, and don’t forget to mention your social work qualifications. We love seeing how your background aligns with our mission!
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application clear and to the point. Use straightforward language and avoid jargon where possible. We appreciate well-structured applications that make it easy for us to understand your skills and experiences without wading through unnecessary fluff.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us directly. Plus, you’ll find all the information you need about the role and our organisation right there, making it easier for you to tailor your application.
How to prepare for a job interview at Cafcass
✨Know Your Role Inside Out
Before the interview, make sure you thoroughly understand the role of a Family Court Adviser. Familiarise yourself with the responsibilities, especially around advocating for children's voices in court. This will help you articulate how your skills and experiences align with what Cafcass is looking for.
✨Showcase Your Experience with Children
Be ready to discuss your direct experience working with children and families. Prepare specific examples that highlight your ability to engage with children, assess their needs, and represent their wishes effectively. This will demonstrate your commitment to their wellbeing and safety.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving and mediation skills. Think about past situations where you've had to navigate complex issues or conflicts, and be prepared to explain your thought process and the outcomes of your actions.
✨Emphasise Teamwork and Support
Cafcass values shared learning and support among colleagues. Be sure to express your enthusiasm for teamwork and how you’ve benefited from collaboration in previous roles. Highlight any experiences where you’ve contributed to a supportive environment or learned from peers.
