Family Court Adviser: A2 - Social Care Qualified

Family Court Adviser (FCA) – Cafcass L ocation: Blackburn, Lancashire Employer: Cafcass Contract: Temporary – 20 Weeks Hours: 36 Hours per Week Working Pattern: Hybrid – Office Attendance Required for Monthly Team Meetings and Group Supervision Rate: £24.64ph PAYE / £33.50ph Umbrella

About the Role Service Care Solutions are currently recruiting for an experienced Family Court Adviser (FCA) to join Cafcass in Blackburn, Lancashire, on an initial 20-week contract. This is an excellent opportunity for a qualified and experienced Children's Social Worker to utilise their safeguarding, assessment and court work expertise within a specialist service dedicated to protecting children and promoting their welfare throughout family court proceedings. As a Family Court Adviser, you will play a vital role in ensuring that children's voices are heard, their welfare remains paramount and the courts receive high-quality, evidence-based assessments and recommendations. The role offers a flexible working arrangement, with office attendance expected for monthly team meetings and group supervision.

Key Responsibilities

• Undertake comprehensive assessments of children and families involved in family court proceedings.
• Identify and assess safeguarding concerns, risks of significant harm and complex family dynamics.
• Provide professional, evidence-based recommendations to the Family Court regarding children's welfare and best interests.
• Complete detailed court reports, safeguarding assessments and case documentation within statutory timescales.
• Undertake direct work with children and families to understand their wishes, feelings and lived experiences.
• Work collaboratively with Local Authorities, legal professionals, health services and other relevant agencies.
• Represent the interests of children throughout court proceedings, ensuring their voices remain central to decision-making.
• Manage complex and sensitive cases, including situations involving parental conflict, domestic abuse and safeguarding concerns.
• Attend court hearings where required, providing professional advice and recommendations.
• Maintain accurate case records and demonstrate high standards of professional practice.

Areas of Practice

• Work to First Hearing (WTFH) Undertaking initial safeguarding checks, identifying risk factors and providing early recommendations to support safe decision-making at the first hearing.
• Work After First Hearing (WAFH) Completing detailed assessments, direct work with children and families, and preparing reports to support the court in reaching appropriate child-focused outcomes.
• Public Law Proceedings Working on cases where Local Authorities have initiated care proceedings due to safeguarding concerns. Family Court Advisers may act as Children's Guardians, representing children's wishes and best interests.
• Private Law Proceedings Supporting proceedings involving disputes between parents or carers regarding child arrangements, contact and residence, with a focus on safeguarding and children's welfare.
• Child Focused Court Model (CFC) Promoting a child-centred approach to proceedings, ensuring children's voices, needs and experiences inform assessments and recommendations while supporting timely decision-making.

Essential Requirements

• A recognised Social Work qualification (Degree, Diploma or equivalent).
• Current registration with Social Work England.
• A minimum of 3 years' post-qualifying experience working with children and families.
• Strong experience in Children's Social Care, particularly safeguarding, child protection and complex assessments.
• Excellent analytical skills and the ability to make informed professional judgements.
• Strong written communication skills, including experience producing detailed assessments and professional reports.
• The ability to manage challenging, sensitive and high-conflict situations professionally.
• Excellent organisational, case management and IT skills.
• Confidence working independently and collaboratively with multidisciplinary professionals.
• The ability to work effectively under pressure and meet demanding court deadlines.
• Previous experience within Cafcass, court proceedings, Public Law, Private Law or Children's Guardian work would be advantageous.

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