At a Glance
- Tasks: Support children and families in family court, providing expert advice and assessments.
- Company: Join Cafcass, a leading organisation focused on children's welfare in the UK.
- Benefits: Competitive pay, flexible working hours, and valuable experience in family court.
- Other info: Temporary contract with potential for career growth in a supportive environment.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while developing your social work skills.
- Qualifications: Must be a registered Social Worker with at least 3 years' experience.
The predicted salary is between 26.11 - 26.11 £ per hour.
Please note that only Social Work England Registered Social Workers with Right to Work in the UK will be considered for this role, please do not apply if you are not a SWE Registered Social Worker who has the Right to Work in the UK.
Caritas Recruitment is looking for experienced Family Court Advisers to join Cafcass in Bournemouth on a temporary contract. This is an excellent opportunity for experienced Children and Families Social Workers looking to use their assessment, safeguarding and analytical skills within the family court environment, helping to ensure that children's welfare remains central to court decision-making.
The role
As a Family Court Adviser, you will provide advanced social work advice and support to children, families and the courts within family proceedings. Responsibilities will include:
- Working directly with children and families within family court proceedings
- Completing high-quality assessments and analysing complex information
- Assessing risk, safeguarding and child welfare concerns
- Providing professional advice and recommendations to the court
- Ensuring the voice and welfare of the child remain central to your work
- Managing complex and sensitive cases, including situations involving conflict
- Working closely with families, courts and other professionals
- Producing clear, evidence-based written work
- Managing your own caseload and competing priorities effectively
What we're looking for
You will need:
- A recognised Social Work qualification
- Social Work England registration
- At least 3 years' post-qualifying experience working with children and families
- Strong safeguarding and risk assessment experience
- Excellent assessment, analysis and case management skills
- Strong written and verbal communication skills
- The confidence to negotiate and communicate effectively in sensitive or high-conflict situations
- Good IT and organisational skills
- The ability to work effectively under pressure
Previous experience within family court work would be beneficial, but strong statutory Children and Families Social Work experience will be particularly relevant.
Contract details
Location: Bournemouth, BH7 7DS
Hours: 37 hours per week
Contract: Temporary, initially 12 weeks
Target start date: 30 November 2026
IR35: Inside IR35
PAYE rate: £26.11 per hour
Limited/Umbrella rate: £35.50 per hour
Flexible working will be required to accommodate court appearances and office meetings.
This could be a particularly good opportunity for an experienced Children and Families Social Worker who is confident with complex assessment and safeguarding work and is interested in developing or continuing their experience within family court proceedings.
Interested? Call, text, WhatsApp or email Gemma at Caritas Recruitment for more information about this role or to discuss other Social Work opportunities across England and Wales.
CAFCASS - Family Court Advisor - Bournemouth employer: Caritas Recruitment
Caritas Recruitment is an excellent employer for those passionate about making a difference in the lives of individuals facing mental health challenges. Located in Southampton, we foster a supportive work culture that prioritises collaboration and professional growth, offering ongoing training and development opportunities. Our commitment to client-centred care ensures that our employees are empowered to make meaningful contributions while enjoying a fulfilling career in a vibrant community.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land CAFCASS - Family Court Advisor - Bournemouth
✨Get Involved in Local Community Projects
One of the best ways to land a temporary role in social work is to dive headfirst into local community projects. Volunteer your time or skills at local charities or community centres to not only gain experience but also to connect with professionals in the field. They might just have some insider knowledge on temporary positions that pop up!
✨Engage with Social Work Networks
Join online forums and social media groups specifically for social workers. Platforms like Facebook or LinkedIn have dedicated groups where professionals share temporary job opportunities. Being an active member can help you stay in the loop and even get recommendations from those already in the field.
✨Attend Workshops and Seminars
Keep an eye out for workshops, seminars, or conferences related to social work in your area. These events aren't just great for learning; they're also hotbeds for networking! You never know who might be hiring or can point you towards a temporary position while you're soaking up new skills.
✨Apply Directly Through Our Website!
When you spot a role that piques your interest, especially for a temporary position, make sure to apply directly through our website! This not only shows your commitment to Caritas Recruitment, but also gives you an edge by putting your application right in front of the hiring team. Let’s get you moving on that path to your next opportunity!
We think you need these skills to ace CAFCASS - Family Court Advisor - Bournemouth
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Social Work:In your cover letter, let's highlight why you're passionate about social work and how your values align with those of Caritas Recruitment. Share specific experiences where you made a difference, as this field thrives on genuine motivation and connection.
Demonstrate Relevant Experience:When listing your experience, focus on any internships, volunteer roles, or temporary positions you've had in social work or related fields. Those skills are gold! Think about situations where you helped individuals or communities, and don't forget to mention any relevant certifications, like safeguarding or mental health first aid.
Keep It Concise and Relevant:Remember, for a temporary role, hiring managers want to see how you fit in and can hit the ground running. Keep your CV clear and to the point, showcasing only the experience that really matters for the role at Caritas Recruitment. We recommend a two-page limit – make every word count!
Emphasise Flexibility and Adaptability:Considering this is a temporary position, it's vital to show you can adapt to new environments quickly. In your application, highlight any past experiences where you had to adjust to different teams or roles smoothly. This shows you understand the nature of temporary work and are ready for the challenge!
How to prepare for a job interview at Caritas Recruitment
✨Sharpen Your Empathy Skills
In social work, it's all about understanding and connecting with people from diverse backgrounds. Make sure to prepare some examples from your experience where you've demonstrated empathy and resilience. Practising active listening techniques can help you articulate your approach during the interview with Caritas Recruitment.
✨Know Your Frameworks
Familiarise yourself with key social work theories and frameworks, like the ecological systems theory or person-centred approaches. These concepts might pop up during your interview for the temporary CAFCASS - Family Court Advisor - Bournemouth role at Caritas Recruitment, so it's good to have a couple of insights ready to share.
✨Highlight Flexibility and Adaptability
Since this is a temporary position, showcasing your flexibility is key. Be prepared to discuss past experiences where you quickly adapted to new environments or changing client needs, which is crucial in the dynamic world of social work.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect some scenario-based questions that test your decision-making skills and ethical judgement. Think about how you would handle specific challenges you might face in the field. Having a clear structure for your answers will show Caritas Recruitment that you can think critically and act effectively under pressure.
