At a Glance
- Tasks: Conduct assessments and prepare court reports to support families in need.
- Company: Join Cafcass, a supportive team dedicated to making a difference in children's lives.
- Benefits: Competitive pay of £37ph, flexible working, and professional development opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in family law while working with a passionate team.
- Qualifications: Must be a registered Social Worker with 3+ years of experience.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for growth and learning in a collaborative environment.
The predicted salary is between 25 - 30 £ per hour.
Caritas Recruitment is supporting Cafcass in recruiting an Agency Family Court Adviser (FCA) to join their Public Law Team covering Sussex and Surrey.
Key Responsibilities
- Undertake assessments under Section 7, Children Act 1989
- Prepare high‑quality Section 7 reports within court deadlines
- Carry out safe and robust risk assessments for court
- Work at pace within Public Law proceedings
- Hold and manage care proceedings effectively
- Write clear, analytical court reports
- Provide evidence in court when required
Essential Criteria
- Social Work qualification
- SWE registration
- Right to Work in the UK (no sponsorship available)
- Enhanced DBS
Desirable Criteria
- 3+ years post‑qualifying experience
- Strong Public Law experience
- Experience working directly to court timescales and expectations
Contract & Working Pattern
- 37 hours per week
- Office attendance: At least monthly in Brighton, plus in‑person visits across Surrey/Sussex as required
- More frequent office time during the first few weeks as part of induction
- Induction: Combination of remote and office‑based learning
Interviews: Via Microsoft Teams
If you are an experienced Social Worker seeking a fulfilling role within a supportive Cafcass team, we would love to hear from you.
Family Court Adviser - Cafcass Surrey & Sussex employer: Caritas Recruitment
Contact Detail:
Caritas Recruitment Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Family Court Adviser - Cafcass Surrey & Sussex
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the social work field, especially those who have experience with Cafcass. They might have insider info or even know about unadvertised roles that could be perfect for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews! Brush up on your knowledge of the Children Act 1989 and be ready to discuss your experience with Section 7 assessments. We want to see you shine and show how you can handle the pressures of Public Law proceedings.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t forget to showcase your report writing skills! Bring along examples of your previous court reports to demonstrate your analytical abilities. This will help us see how you can contribute to the team right from the start.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the quickest way to get your application in front of the right people. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to apply directly!
We think you need these skills to ace Family Court Adviser - Cafcass Surrey & Sussex
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight your experience and skills that match the Family Court Adviser role. We want to see how your background aligns with the key responsibilities listed in the job description.
Showcase Your Qualifications: Don’t forget to mention your Social Work qualification and SWE registration right at the start. We need to know you meet the essential criteria, so make it clear from the get-go!
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it straightforward and to the point. Use clear language to describe your experience with Section 7 reports and court proceedings, as we appreciate clarity in communication.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website for a smoother process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensure it gets the attention it deserves!
How to prepare for a job interview at Caritas Recruitment
✨Know Your Legislation
Make sure you brush up on the Children Act 1989 and any relevant legislation. Being able to discuss how these laws impact your assessments and reports will show that you're not just familiar with the theory, but also how it applies in practice.
✨Prepare Your Case Studies
Think of specific cases from your experience that highlight your skills in risk assessment and report writing. Be ready to discuss these examples in detail, focusing on your decision-making process and the outcomes for the children involved.
✨Practice Courtroom Scenarios
Since you'll need to provide evidence in court, it’s a good idea to practice how you would present your findings. Consider doing mock interviews or role-plays with a friend to build your confidence in articulating your thoughts clearly and concisely.
✨Show Your Team Spirit
Cafcass values teamwork, so be prepared to discuss how you've collaborated with other professionals in the past. Highlight your ability to work under pressure and how you contribute to a supportive environment, especially in high-stakes situations.