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- Tasks: Support vulnerable families and safeguard children in fast-paced court settings.
- Company: Cafcass is dedicated to promoting children's welfare in family law cases.
- Benefits: Gain valuable experience, flexible working options, and a chance to make a real impact.
- Why this job: Join a passionate team focused on child safety and well-being in challenging situations.
- Qualifications: Must be a qualified social worker with at least 3 years of relevant experience.
- Other info: Roles available in Early Intervention and Work After First Hearing teams.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
We have several interim opportunities at the Cafcass Stevenage office covering Hertfordshire, Bedfordshire and Buckinghamshire.
- Early Intervention Team: You are considering risks to children subject to private law applications only. The work is fast-paced and time limited, focusing solely on the work undertaken leading up to the first hearing to help the court consider how to proceed. The role is focused on safeguarding of children, and FCAs review applications, gather and analyse information from the police and local authorities, and interview the parties to consider the risks and alert the court to any safeguarding concerns. The role requires excellent skills in analysis, leading to Cafcass providing advice to the court about next steps. They may also need to consider referrals to other services to support families. FCAs may also attend private law First Hearings and give evidence as required, either in person or remotely at the court’s discretion.
- Work After First Hearing: In private law cases after the first court hearing, if there is not an agreement about children or there are concerns about their welfare, the court may ask us to write a Section 7 report to help the judge make a safe decision. 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 promotes the child’s welfare and ensures the arrangements made for the child are in their best interests.
Requirements of the role:
- Social Work qualified
- Social Work England registered
- Minimum 3 years’ post-qualifying experience in social work with children and families at risk
- For EIT: Experience of child protection work, preferably within a statutory agency. The nature and speed of the work means experience of working recently in a MASH / Duty team (or similar) is helpful as there is a need to respond to and analyse high levels of information quickly.
- For WAFH: A commitment to seeing and hearing the child or children concerned and undertaking direct work to engage with children and families, ensuring they are at the centre of your report writing, ability to write focused and analytical reports, excellent time management – court deadlines are non-negotiable, and court experience, confidence in the court arena.
Family Court Advisor - Early Intervention or Work After First Hearing - Cafcass employer: Reed
Contact Detail:
Reed Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Family Court Advisor - Early Intervention or Work After First Hearing - Cafcass
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the specific responsibilities of a Family Court Advisor. Understanding the nuances of both Early Intervention and Work After First Hearing roles will help you articulate your relevant experience during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the field of social work, particularly those who have experience in MASH or Duty teams. Engaging with them can provide insights into the role and may even lead to referrals or recommendations.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for potential scenario-based questions that assess your analytical skills and decision-making abilities. Think about past experiences where you had to make quick assessments regarding child welfare and how you handled those situations.
✨Tip Number 4
Stay updated on current legislation and best practices related to child protection and family law. Demonstrating your knowledge of recent changes can set you apart as a candidate who is proactive and well-informed.
We think you need these skills to ace Family Court Advisor - Early Intervention or Work After First Hearing - Cafcass
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Read the job description thoroughly to grasp the specific responsibilities and requirements of the Family Court Advisor position. Highlight your relevant experience in social work, particularly with children and families at risk.
Tailor Your CV: Customise your CV to reflect your qualifications and experiences that align with the role. Emphasise your social work qualifications, registration, and any relevant experience in child protection or MASH/Duty teams.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for safeguarding children and your analytical skills. Mention specific examples from your past work that demonstrate your ability to handle fast-paced environments and complex cases.
Proofread and Edit: Before submitting your application, carefully proofread all documents for spelling and grammatical errors. Ensure that your writing is clear, concise, and professional, as this reflects your attention to detail and communication skills.
How to prepare for a job interview at Reed
✨Showcase Your Experience
Make sure to highlight your relevant experience in social work, especially with children and families at risk. Discuss specific cases where you had to analyse information quickly and make decisions that prioritised the welfare of children.
✨Demonstrate Analytical Skills
Prepare to discuss how you gather and analyse information from various sources, such as police and local authorities. Be ready to provide examples of how your analytical skills have led to effective recommendations in previous roles.
✨Understand the Role's Challenges
Familiarise yourself with the fast-paced nature of the Early Intervention Team and the Work After First Hearing roles. Be prepared to discuss how you manage time effectively and meet court deadlines, as this is crucial for success in these positions.
✨Engage with the Court Process
Since court experience is essential, be ready to talk about your familiarity with court procedures and your confidence in presenting evidence. Share any experiences where you had to advocate for a child's welfare in a court setting.