At a Glance
- Tasks: Engage with children, conduct assessments, and represent their views in court.
- Company: Cafcass supports children in family court cases across England.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible remote work, wellbeing support, and comprehensive benefits.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on children's lives while working in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Must be registered with Social Work England and have relevant experience.
- Other info: Part-time role, 4 days a week, with flexible working arrangements.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 42000 £ per year.
Qualified Children\\u2019s Social Worker – Part Time
Location: Hampshire
Closing Date: 8 September 2025
Overview
We are hiring Children’s Social Workers for our Public Law team on a part time basis, 4 days a week. The Public Law teams handle cases where the local authority has serious concerns about a child’s safety or welfare, and Cafcass may become involved in the case. The Cafcass Social Worker, often referred to as Children’s Guardian, is typically involved with the child across an extended period, carrying out assessments to understand their needs and wishes and communicating this to the court through reports and giving evidence.
Responsibilities
- Conduct assessments and directly engaging with children to understand and represent their views and wishes to the court.
- Use robust risk assessment and mediation to advocate for arrangements that prioritise the best interests of the children.
Requirements / Experience
- You must be registered with Social Work England (Cafcass reimburses costs of this annual cost)
- 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 the ability to work independently and manage workload effectively
Location
Roles may have a contractual base in Portsmouth, but teams work flexibly and remotely. Proximity to the office is not a critical consideration, enabling you to work in a way that suits you.
Salary and Benefits
We provide resources, equipment and support so we can be the voice of children and young people in family court decisions. We offer extensive wellbeing support and excellent benefits. The advertised salary reflects the 2024/25 pay award; confirmation of the 2025/26 pay award is awaited.
Next steps / Timelines
Applications will be reviewed promptly. If we wish to progress, we will arrange a convenient interview time.
Vacancy Contact – Kiera.manuel@cafcass.gov.uk
Pre-employment checks
We encourage you to review our offer and pre-employment checks process. You can raise questions during your application. Successful applicants will undergo DBS checks. For details, refer to the Cafcass DBS policy.
About Cafcass and Diversity
We are Cafcass – the Children and Family Court Advisory and Support Service – representing children in family court cases in England. We strive to be diverse and inclusive and welcome applications from all backgrounds. We offer wellbeing resources and a range of benefits and supportive networks.
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Qualified Children\'s Social Worker - Part Time employer: Cafcass
Contact Detail:
Cafcass Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Qualified Children\'s Social Worker - Part Time
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the specific responsibilities of a Children’s Social Worker in the Public Law team. Understanding the nuances of conducting assessments and advocating for children's best interests will help you stand out during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with current or former Cafcass employees to gain insights into the work culture and expectations. This can provide you with valuable information that you can reference in your discussions, showing your genuine interest in the role.
✨Tip Number 3
Stay updated on current legislation and practices related to child welfare and family law. Being knowledgeable about recent changes can demonstrate your commitment to the field and your readiness to engage in meaningful discussions during the interview.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare specific examples from your past experience that highlight your skills in risk assessment and mediation. Being able to articulate these experiences clearly will showcase your ability to handle the responsibilities of the role effectively.
We think you need these skills to ace Qualified Children\'s Social Worker - Part Time
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Before applying, make sure you fully understand the responsibilities of a Children's Social Worker in the Public Law team. Familiarise yourself with the key aspects of the role, such as conducting assessments and advocating for children's best interests.
Tailor Your CV: Highlight your relevant experience working with children and families in a social work setting. Emphasise any experience you have in Family Court proceedings and your understanding of Private and/or Public Law to make your application stand out.
Craft a Strong Cover Letter: Write a compelling cover letter that showcases your passion for child welfare and your commitment to representing children's views. Use specific examples from your experience to demonstrate your skills and how they align with the job requirements.
Prepare for Interviews: If selected for an interview, prepare by reviewing common questions related to social work practices and your approach to risk assessment and mediation. Be ready to discuss your experiences and how they relate to the role.
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 Public Law. Familiarise yourself with the responsibilities and challenges involved, as well as the importance of advocating for children's best interests.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect to be asked about specific scenarios you might face in the role. Think about your past experiences and how they relate to the job. Be ready to discuss how you would handle difficult situations, particularly those involving risk assessments and mediation.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Highlight your relevant experience working with children and families, especially in social work settings. Be prepared to discuss your familiarity with Family Court proceedings and any specific cases that demonstrate your skills and resilience.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions to ask the interviewer about the team dynamics, support systems, and the resources available for social workers. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you assess if it's the right fit for you.