At a Glance
- Tasks: Conduct assessments and prepare court reports to support children in legal proceedings.
- Company: Join Cafcass, a supportive team dedicated to children's welfare.
- Benefits: Competitive pay of £37ph and flexible working arrangements.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while advancing your social work career.
- Qualifications: Must be a registered Social Worker with relevant experience.
- Other info: Opportunity for professional growth within a dynamic environment.
The predicted salary is between 25 - 40 £ 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 in London 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 in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to fellow social workers or professionals in the field. Join relevant groups on social media or attend local meet-ups. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews! Research Cafcass and understand their values and mission. Think about how your experience aligns with their needs, especially in Public Law. Practice common interview questions to boost your confidence.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your skills! When you get the chance, highlight your experience with Section 7 assessments and court reports. Use specific examples that demonstrate your ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we’re always looking for passionate social workers like you to join our team at Cafcass. Don’t miss out!
We think you need these skills to ace Family Court Adviser - Cafcass Surrey & Sussex in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Experience: Make sure to highlight your Social Work qualification and SWE registration right at the start. We want to see your relevant experience, especially in Public Law, so don’t hold back on those details!
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it straightforward. Use clear language and avoid jargon. We appreciate a well-structured application that gets straight to the point, especially when it comes to your court report writing skills.
Tailor Your Application: Don’t just send a generic application! Make sure to tailor it to the Family Court Adviser role. Mention specific responsibilities from the job description, like your experience with Section 7 reports and risk assessments, to show us you’re the perfect fit.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates regarding your application status.
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 you've worked on 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 Your Court Evidence Skills
Since providing evidence in court is part of the role, consider doing a mock court scenario with a friend or colleague. This will help you feel more confident and articulate when discussing your reports and findings during the interview.
✨Familiarise Yourself with Cafcass
Research Cafcass and their values. Understanding their mission and how they operate will allow you to tailor your responses to align with their goals, showing that you're genuinely interested in being part of their team.