At a Glance
- Tasks: Engage directly with children and families in family court proceedings.
- Company: Cafcass, leading transformation in family justice for children's voices.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, generous leave, wellbeing support, and professional development.
- Other info: Diverse and inclusive workplace committed to professional growth and support.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives through innovative social work practices.
- Qualifications: Qualified Children's Social Worker with strong analytical and communication skills.
Location: Engaging directly with children and families in Tyneside, Durham and Northumberland with a contractual base in Newcastle-upon-Tyne or Durham.
Salary: £45,749 - £49,886 + £4,000 joining incentive.
A once‑in‑a‑generation opportunity to practice social work differently. Family justice is changing, and Cafcass is at the heart of that change. With the national rollout of Child Focused Courts, we are leading a transformation in how children’s voices are heard and how decisions are made in family proceedings. Child Focused Courts place children’s safety, wellbeing and lived experience at the centre of decision‑making from the very start of proceedings. This problem‑solving, less adversarial approach allows decisions to be informed earlier by a clear understanding of children’s experiences, including through the preparation of Child Impact Reports.
The role at a glance:
- Undertake direct work with children and families involved in family court proceedings
- Ensure children’s voices are heard clearly and influence judicial decision‑making
- Collaborate closely with judges, legal professionals and partner agencies
- Practise social work that is purposeful, evidence‑informed and values‑led
What you will do:
- Conduct high‑quality assessments that focus on children’s lived experience, safety and wellbeing
- Engage directly with children, ensuring their views, wishes and feelings are understood and represented
- Prepare clear, analytical reports for the family court, including contributions to Child Impact Reports
- Apply robust risk assessment and mediation skills to support child‑focused decision‑making
- Work effectively across private law proceedings, with a strong understanding of public law context
- Manage your caseload independently while contributing to a supportive, learning‑focused team environment
Who we are looking for:
We welcome applications from qualified and experienced Children’s Social Workers who share our commitment to child‑centred practice. You will need:
- A recognised Social Work qualification
- Registration with Social Work England
- An understanding of family court processes and private and/or public law
- Strong analytical, organisational and communication skills
- Resilience, professional curiosity and confidence in working independently
We recognise that social workers bring experience from a wide range of settings, including local authority, court, voluntary, safeguarding and therapeutic roles. If your background aligns with our purpose, we encourage you to apply.
Why work for Cafcass?
- Opportunities to contribute to nationally significant reform in family justice
- Strong professional supervision and reflective practice
- Access to learning from ongoing Child Focused Court pilots and national rollout activity
- A competitive salary and Local Government pension
- Generous annual leave and wellbeing support
- The resources, equipment and flexibility needed to work effectively, connect with children and your colleagues
Together, we work to ensure that children and young people are heard when the family court makes critical decisions about their futures.
Inclusion and belonging: Cafcass is committed to building a diverse and inclusive workforce that reflects the children and families we serve. We welcome applications from individuals from all backgrounds and value professional diversity, lived experience and different career pathways. We are committed to making reasonable adjustments throughout our recruitment process and in the workplace. If you need support at any stage, we encourage you to tell us.
Application process and next steps: We aim to run a fair, transparent and supportive recruitment process. Indicative timescales are outlined below and may be subject to change.
Closing date: 22nd July 2026
Telephone interviews: We’ll offer dates/times as close to when you apply as we can.
Final interview: Once you’ve had your telephone interview, we’d hope to be able to offer dates/times quite quickly. If you have any questions about the role or recruitment process, please contact Kiera Manuel at kiera.manuel@cafcass.gov.uk.
Successful applicants will complete several pre‑engagement checks, including a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check. If any criminal offences are disclosed, we will conduct an individual assessment in line with the DBS code of practice and the Cafcass DBS policy.
Qualified Children's Social Worker - Child focused courts in North East employer: Community Care Live
Community Care Live is an exceptional employer that prioritises the well-being and professional growth of its staff. With a supportive work culture, dedicated consultants, and a commitment to empowering individuals in the community, employees can expect meaningful work and opportunities for development in the heart of Devon. The company also offers competitive pay and additional benefits, making it an attractive choice for those looking to make a difference in the lives of others.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Qualified Children's Social Worker - Child focused courts in North East
✨Dive into Local Community Groups
Social work thrives on community connections, so get involved in local groups or forums specific to your interests. Whether it’s volunteering at local shelters or joining community action boards, these are great ways to boost your visibility and make direct contacts that could lead to opportunities like the one at Community Care Live.
✨Attend Social Work Events and Workshops
Keep an eye out for workshops, seminars, or conferences in social work. These events are fantastic for meeting professionals in the field, learning about emerging trends, and spotting job openings. Plus, you might just bump into someone from Community Care Live!
✨Showcase Your Passion and Expertise
Use platforms like Instagram or LinkedIn to share your journey and insights into the social work sector. Whether it’s writing about your experiences or sharing relevant articles, this helps to establish you as an engaged professional. Potential employers, like Community Care Live, will notice your enthusiasm!
✨Leverage Your Network
Don’t hesitate to reach out to professors, mentors, or even past colleagues who are in social work. They might have inside knowledge about openings at Community Care Live or be able to connect you with someone who’s hiring. Networking is key, especially in a full-time role where relationships matter.
We think you need these skills to ace Qualified Children's Social Worker - Child focused courts in North East
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Social Work:In your cover letter, let us see your passion for social work shine through! Talk about the experiences that made you want to pursue this career—whether it’s volunteering, personal experiences, or academic projects. We want to know why this field matters to you.
Emphasise Relevant Qualifications:Make sure your CV highlights any relevant qualifications, like degrees in social work or certifications like a DBS check. If you've done any workshops or training, don’t forget to include those as well. We're keen to see your commitment to your professional development!
Detail Your Experience with Clients:Since this is a hands-on field, detailing any direct experience you have with clients is crucial. Whether it's internships, volunteer roles, or previous jobs, highlight those experiences in your CV to show us you've got the practical skills necessary for the job!
Tailor Your Application to Community Care Live:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Community Care Live! Research our mission and values, and refer to them in your cover letter. This shows us that you understand our work and are genuinely interested in being a part of our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Community Care Live
✨Understanding the Role of Empathy
In social work, understanding and demonstrating empathy is key. Be prepared to share personal experiences or scenarios where you effectively showed compassion and support. This helps show that you genuinely care about the well-being of others, which is crucial in social work.
✨Demonstrating Knowledge of Frameworks
Familiarise yourself with the frameworks and models used in social work, such as the Strengths-Based Approach or the Ecological Perspective. Be ready to discuss how these frameworks apply to your work, especially if you can tie them into real-world examples or case studies you've encountered.
✨Showcasing Your Multi-Disciplinary Skills
In a full-time social work role, you'll often collaborate with healthcare professionals, educators, and law enforcement. Be prepared to describe your teamwork experiences and how you've effectively communicated with other disciplines to achieve the best outcomes for clients.
✨Preparing for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that put you in hypothetical social work situations, such as dealing with a crisis or managing a complex case. Think through your thought process for these scenarios beforehand, considering how you'd assess the situation and what steps you'd take, as this demonstrates your critical thinking and problem-solving abilities.
