At a Glance
- Tasks: Support children in court, ensuring their voices are heard and represented.
- Company: Join Cafcass, a respected national organisation making a difference.
- Benefits: Earn £34.50 per hour with flexible working options and a referral bonus.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on children's lives while developing your social work skills.
- Qualifications: Qualified Social Worker with 3+ years in children & families social work.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for professional growth and meaningful contributions.
Overview
Agency Family Court Adviser – Work to First Hearing, Cafcass | Derby
Pay: £34.50 per hour
Hours: 37 per week
Caritas Recruitment, on behalf of Cafcass, is seeking four experienced Children\\\’s Social Workers to join as Agency Family Court Advisers (FCA) within the Derby Private and Public Law teams.
Location: Derby • Number of roles: 4 • Interview: Conducted via Teams • Advert live date: Wednesday 24th September • Advert close date: Thursday 25th September (may close earlier, around midday, if there is a high volume of applications)
Role and Responsibilities
- Undertake assessments and work directly with children to ensure their wishes and feelings are heard and represented in court.
- Apply expertise in risk assessment and mediation to support safe, child-focused outcomes.
- Advocate for arrangements that prioritise the welfare and best interests of the child.
- Manage a demanding caseload with resilience, independence, and strong organisational skills.
Public and Private Law Work
- Private Law: If, after the first court hearing, there is no agreement about children or concerns remain about their welfare, the court may request a Section 7 report to help the judge reach a safe decision. Responsibility for this work sits with the WAFH team.
- Public Law: Where a local authority has applied to court due to concerns that a child is at risk of significant harm, FCAs (often referred to as Children\\\’s Guardians) act as independent professionals promoting the child\\\’s welfare and ensuring decisions made are in their best interests.
- In some areas, FCAs manage both public and private law cases; in others, teams specialise. All WAFH teams undertake a combination of face-to-face visiting and remote working (video/phone calls).
Requirements
- Qualified Social Worker registered with Social Work England.
- Ideally 3+ years\\\’ experience in children & families social work.
- Experience of Family Court proceedings, with knowledge of Public Law.
- Ability to manage competing priorities effectively and work with independence.
Additional Information
- This is a rewarding opportunity to make a meaningful difference to children and families while working with a highly respected national organisation.
- Referral Bonus: Know someone perfect for this role? Successful referrals will receive £300!
How to apply
Interested? Contact Gemma Bridgman at Caritas Recruitment:
(phone number removed)
Caritas Recruitment is acting as an Employment Business in relation to this vacancy.
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Agency Family Court Adviser - Cafcass | Derby employer: Caritas Recruitment
Contact Detail:
Caritas Recruitment Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Agency Family Court Adviser - Cafcass | Derby
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company! Before your interview, do a bit of research on Cafcass and their values. This will help you tailor your answers and show that you're genuinely interested in making a difference in children's lives.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice makes perfect! Set up mock interviews with friends or family. This will help you get comfortable talking about your experience and how it relates to the role of an Agency Family Court Adviser.
✨Tip Number 3
Be ready to share real-life examples! Think of specific cases where you've made a positive impact in children's social work. This will demonstrate your skills and commitment to child welfare during the interview.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We encourage you to submit your application directly on our platform for a smoother process. Plus, it shows you're proactive and keen to join the team!
We think you need these skills to ace Agency Family Court Adviser - Cafcass | Derby
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the role of Agency Family Court Adviser. Highlight your experience in children and families social work, especially any relevant court proceedings you've been involved in. We want to see how your skills match what we're looking for!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about working with children and families. Share specific examples of how you've made a difference in similar roles. Remember, we love a good story!
Showcase Your Skills: In your application, be sure to showcase your organisational skills and ability to manage a demanding caseload. We’re looking for someone who can juggle priorities effectively, so give us examples of how you’ve done this in the past.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it makes the whole process smoother for us and you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Caritas Recruitment
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of Family Court proceedings and the specific responsibilities of an Agency Family Court Adviser. Familiarise yourself with both public and private law cases, as well as the importance of child welfare in your role.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare to discuss your previous experience in children's social work, especially any relevant cases you've handled. Be ready to share specific examples that highlight your skills in risk assessment, mediation, and advocacy for children's best interests.
✨Demonstrate Resilience and Organisation
Since this role involves managing a demanding caseload, be prepared to talk about how you handle competing priorities. Share strategies you use to stay organised and resilient, especially in challenging situations.
✨Engage in the Interview
Remember, interviews are a two-way street! Prepare thoughtful questions about the team dynamics, the challenges they face, and how they support each other. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you assess if it's the right fit for you.