At a Glance
- Tasks: Support families in court by conducting assessments and writing reports on children's welfare.
- Company: Join Cafcass, a leading organisation dedicated to children's welfare in Birmingham.
- Benefits: Hybrid working, competitive pay, and a £250 joining bonus for new starters.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while gaining valuable social work experience.
- Qualifications: Must be a qualified social worker with experience in children and families social care.
- Other info: Flexible working environment with opportunities for professional growth.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Job Description
We have an opportunity for an agency worker in the Work After First Hearing service covering Birmingham for Cafcass – are you interested? Or can you recommend someone for £250 if placed?
This role will be to support the current work whilst others support the pathfinder project – heavily consisting of Section 7 report writing
We are an approved supplier to Cafcass, achieving this status through a competitive process and retaining it by delivering quality, timely and compliant services. Being one of Cafcass’ preferred partners ensures we will always be given priority access to any Social Work vacancies they ask external agencies to support them with.
The role will involve the following:
- Working in the Private and/or Public Law teams, Children’s Social Workers (or as we will professionally call you – Family Court Advisers) are involved in a combination of cases where either the families require the assistance to agree on the best arrangements for the welfare and safety of the child(ren) involved or the local authority has serious concerns and requests the involvement of Cafcass in the case.
- Children’s Social Workers key responsibilities include:
- Conducting assessments and directly engaging with children to understand and represent their views and wishes to the court.
- Using expertise in robust risk assessment and mediation will be essential as you advocate for arrangements that prioritise the best interest of the children.
- Private Law – If in a private law case after the first court hearing there is not an agreement about children or there are concerns about the welfare of children the court may ask us to write a Section 7 report to help the judge make a safe decision and the responsibility for doing this will transfer to the WAFH team.
- Public Law – In public law a local authority has made an application to the court for authority to intervene in a child’s life as it is believed they are at risk of significant harm. FCAs are often referred to as ‘Children’s Guardians’ – they are the independent person who is there to promote the child’s welfare and ensure the arrangements made for the child are in their best interests.
- Face-to-face visits
- Lots of hybrid working
Requirements of the role:
- Social Work qualified
- Social Work England registered
- Significant post-qualified experience in children & families social care (not subject to DFE rules)
- A commitment to seeing and hearing the child or children concerned and undertaking direct work to engage with children and families and ensure they are at the centre of your report writing
- Ability to write focused and analytical reports
- Excellent time management – court deadlines are non-negotiable
- Court experience, confidence in the court arena
Please contact Lindsey Morgan asap to discuss in more detail. We are offering £250 joining bonus for new starters with Reed.
Alternatively, we are offering £250 if you refer a friend or colleague and they are placed successfully into this or any other QSW role.
Family Court Adviser - Cafcass - Birmingham employer: Reed
Contact Detail:
Reed Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Family Court Adviser - Cafcass - Birmingham
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in social work or related fields. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by practising common questions and scenarios specific to Family Court Advisers. Role-play with a friend or use online resources to boost your confidence and refine your answers.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your passion for child welfare during interviews. Share real-life examples of how you've made a difference in children's lives, as this will resonate with potential employers and demonstrate your commitment.
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed, and you might even snag that £250 joining bonus if you're successful!
We think you need these skills to ace Family Court Adviser - Cafcass - Birmingham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application for the Family Court Adviser role. Highlight your relevant experience in children and families social care, and don’t forget to mention your skills in report writing and risk assessment!
Showcase Your Passion: We want to see your commitment to prioritising children's welfare. Share examples of how you've engaged with children and families in your previous roles, and how you’ve made a difference in their lives.
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it focused and to the point. Use clear language and structure your thoughts logically. Remember, we’re looking for analytical skills, so make sure your writing reflects that!
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way to ensure we receive your details directly and can get back to you quickly about this exciting opportunity.
How to prepare for a job interview at Reed
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of child welfare laws and the role of a Family Court Adviser. Familiarise yourself with Section 7 reports and be ready to discuss how you would approach writing one, as this is a key part of the job.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare to share specific examples from your past work that demonstrate your skills in risk assessment and mediation. Think about situations where you successfully advocated for a child's best interests and how you managed challenging cases.
✨Engage with the Interviewers
Remember, interviews are a two-way street! Ask insightful questions about the team dynamics and the challenges they face. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you gauge if it’s the right fit for you.
✨Time Management is Key
Since court deadlines are non-negotiable, be prepared to discuss how you manage your time effectively. Share strategies you’ve used in the past to meet tight deadlines while ensuring quality in your report writing.