At a Glance
- Tasks: Engage with children and represent their views in family court cases.
- Company: Cafcass advocates for children's welfare in family court across England.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, wellbeing support, and competitive salary packages.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on children's lives while working in a supportive team culture.
- Qualifications: Must have a relevant Social Work qualification and experience with children and families.
- Other info: Roles are based in Birmingham but offer remote work flexibility.
The predicted salary is between 28800 - 43200 Β£ per year.
Overview
The Vacancy 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.
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 children.
Qualifications and requirements
- Relevant Social Work qualification is essential
- Registered with Social Work England (Cafcass reimburses costs of this annual cost)
- Youll have 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 would be an advantage
- Organised and resilient with ability to work independently and manage workload effectively
Location
Location: While these roles have a contractual base in our Birmingham office, we also cover Solihull. Our teams work flexibly and remotely; proximity to the office does not have to be a critical consideration. 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.
Benefits and salary
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. The advertised salary reflects our 2024/25 pay award. We are awaiting confirmation of our 2025/26 pay award when salaries will be updated to reflect this.
Next steps / Timelines
Below is an indication of the timetable we are hoping to work towards, although dates are subject to change. Closing date: 10 September 2025 Interviews: TBC Final Interview: TBC
Application process and contacts
We understand you may benefit from finding out more to help you decide to apply. There is a lot of information available at Cafcass. If there is something else you need to find out more about, you can contact J\\\’Nade Brady from our HR Resourcing team or Mark Brown if your questions relate more to the role, providing your contact information and best times/methods to get hold of you. 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 our policy, if a criminal offence is declared, an individual assessment will be conducted. For further details regarding this assessment, please refer to our policy. We look forward to receiving your application!
About Cafcass
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 140,0000 children every year when the family court makes critical decisions about their futures, ensuring their needs, wishes and feelings are heard. Watch our video to find out we donβt just listen to childrens voices but we can be their voice. Cafcass
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Qualified Children\'s Social Worker - Birmingham and Solihull employer: Cafcass
Contact Detail:
Cafcass Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice π€«
We think this is how you could land Qualified Children\'s Social Worker - Birmingham and Solihull
β¨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the specific responsibilities of a Family Court Adviser. Understanding the nuances of conducting assessments and engaging with children will help you articulate your relevant experience during interviews.
β¨Tip Number 2
Network with current or former Children's Social Workers, especially those who have worked in Birmingham or Solihull. They can provide insights into the role and the local context, which can be invaluable during your application process.
β¨Tip Number 3
Stay updated on current trends and legislation in child welfare and family law. This knowledge will not only enhance your understanding but also demonstrate your commitment to the field during discussions with potential employers.
β¨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 readiness for the challenges of the role.
We think you need these skills to ace Qualified Children\'s Social Worker - Birmingham and Solihull
Some tips for your application π«‘
Understand the Role: Before applying, make sure you fully understand the responsibilities of a Children's Social Worker and the specific requirements outlined in the job description. This will help you tailor your application to highlight relevant experiences.
Highlight Relevant Experience: In your CV and cover letter, emphasise your demonstrable experience working with children and families in a social work setting. Mention any specific cases or situations where you successfully advocated for children's best interests.
Showcase Qualifications: Clearly state your relevant Social Work qualifications and ensure you mention your registration with Social Work England. If you have experience in Family Court proceedings, be sure to include that as well.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that not only outlines your qualifications but also conveys your passion for advocating for children. Use specific examples to demonstrate your skills in risk assessment and mediation, and how they align with the role.
How to prepare for a job interview at Cafcass
β¨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 and how they relate to advocating for children's welfare.
β¨Showcase Relevant Experience
Prepare to discuss your previous experience working with children and families. Highlight any specific cases or situations where you successfully advocated for a child's best interests, particularly in Family Court settings.
β¨Demonstrate Your Skills
Be ready to talk about your skills in risk assessment and mediation. Provide examples of how you've used these skills in past roles to resolve conflicts or support families effectively.
β¨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions to ask during the interview. This could include inquiries about the team dynamics, the types of cases you might handle, or the support available for professional development within Cafcass.