Family Court Adviser (A2) – Cafcass – York

Family Court Adviser (A2) – Cafcass – York Location: York, YO1 7PX Contract: Temporary – 20 Weeks Hours: 37 Hours per Week PAYE Rate: £24.64 per hour Umbrella/Limited Rate: £33.50 per hour Working Arrangement: Attendance required for in-person team meetings and group supervision

About the Role

Service Care Solutions are currently recruiting for an experienced Family Court Adviser (A2) to join Cafcass in York on an initial 20-week contract. This is an excellent opportunity for a qualified and experienced Children's Social Worker to play a vital role in safeguarding children, supporting families and providing expert advice to the Family Courts. As a Family Court Adviser, you will ensure that children's welfare, wishes and best interests remain central to court proceedings, undertaking complex assessments, analysing safeguarding concerns and making evidence-based recommendations to support positive outcomes. The successful candidate will have a minimum of three years' post-qualifying experience working with children and families , alongside strong assessment, safeguarding and court-related skills.

Key Responsibilities

• Undertake comprehensive assessments of children and families involved in family court proceedings.
• Identify, assess and manage safeguarding risks, including concerns relating to abuse, neglect and significant harm.
• Prepare high-quality court reports, assessments and evidence-based recommendations.
• Represent children's wishes, feelings and best interests throughout proceedings.
• Undertake direct work with children and families to understand their circumstances and experiences.
• Work collaboratively with Local Authorities, legal professionals, the judiciary and other relevant agencies.
• Provide professional advice to the Family Courts regarding child protection, welfare and appropriate arrangements.
• Manage complex and sensitive cases, including situations involving parental conflict and high-risk safeguarding concerns.
• Maintain accurate case records and ensure compliance with relevant legislation, policies and professional standards.
• Attend team meetings, group supervision and relevant court hearings as required.

Areas of Practice

Depending on service requirements, the successful candidate may undertake work across the following areas:

Work to First Hearing (WTFH)

Undertaking initial safeguarding checks, identifying potential risks and providing early recommendations to assist the court in making safe decisions for children before the first hearing.

Work After First Hearing (WAFH)

Completing detailed assessments, undertaking direct work with children and families, preparing court reports and providing recommendations following the initial hearing.

Public Law Proceedings

Working on cases involving Local Authority intervention due to safeguarding concerns or risk of significant harm, including acting as a Children's Guardian to represent children's interests throughout care proceedings.

Private Law Proceedings

Supporting proceedings involving disputes between parents or carers concerning child arrangements, contact and residence, ensuring that children's welfare remains the primary consideration.

Child Focused Court Model (CFC)

Working within a child-centred approach that prioritises children's voices, lived experiences and welfare, collaborating with families and professionals to reduce delays and achieve positive outcomes.

Essential Requirements

• A recognised Social Work qualification (Degree, Diploma in Social Work or equivalent).
• Current registration with Social Work England.
• A minimum of three years' post-qualifying experience working with children and families.
• Strong experience in Children's Safeguarding, Child Protection and complex risk assessments.
• Sound knowledge of the Children Act 1989 and relevant safeguarding legislation.
• Excellent written communication skills, including the ability to produce detailed professional assessments and reports.
• Strong analytical, negotiation and decision-making abilities.
• The ability to manage complex caseloads and work effectively under pressure.
• Confidence working with families experiencing conflict, safeguarding concerns and challenging circumstances.
• Good IT skills and the ability to maintain accurate electronic case records.
• Willingness to attend in-person team meetings and group supervision.
• Previous Cafcass experience, experience preparing reports for Family Courts or working within court proceedings would be particularly advantageous.

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