Family Court Adviser – North Wales

The Family Court Adviser sits within Cafcass Cymru, the Welsh Government’s child welfare and family justice service. The role involves independent social work assessments and advice to family courts, representing children’s interests and helping secure safe outcomes. Work takes place flexibly in court, at home, in an office and with children and families, with regular travel across the assigned area. A recognised social work qualification and Social Care Wales registration or eligibility are required; visa sponsorship is not available for this campaign.

What the job involves

• Manage a caseload of private and/or public law cases
• Advise and assist courts to reach timely decisions and achieve outcomes suited to each child
• Provide high-quality written and oral evidence to the court
• Keep the child’s welfare paramount and safeguard children under organisational requirements and All-Wales Child Protection Procedures
• Arrange and instruct legal representation for children when required
• Assess children’s needs, ensure their wishes and feelings are considered, and report on them promptly and to a high standard
• Advise parents and other relevant parties in disputes to reduce conflict and limit court intervention
• Work with partner organisations, stakeholders and service users while maintaining independence in proceedings
• Keep current with legislation, guidance, court rules, policies, procedures and good practice, and comply with relevant requirements
• Maintain personal learning and development in line with Social Care Wales requirements and Welsh Government performance processes
• Work as a team member, attend relevant meetings and contribute to Cafcass Cymru’s effectiveness and wider planning
• Provide workload, practice and performance information; use ICT for case planning, recording and service delivery; represent Cafcass Cymru and the Welsh Government professionally

Qualifications

• Recognised social work qualification

Registration & licences

• Social Care Wales registration or eligibility to register

Experience

• Knowledge and experience of safeguarding children and young people in a statutory setting
• Trauma-informed assessment of children involved in family proceedings
• Evidence-based analysis and recommendations in a case involving domestic abuse

Skills & knowledge

• Resilience and strong organisational skills
• Proportionate approach to work
• Strong IT skills
• Excellent verbal and written communication

Checks & eligibility

• Enhanced vetting
• Eligibility to work in the Civil Service under its nationality requirements
• Valid driving licence and motor insurance if claiming the personal-car travel allowance

Other

• Prepared to travel regularly within a reasonable distance of the assigned area
• Able to work flexibly in court, at home, in the office and with children and families

Nice to have

• Welsh language skills

What’s offered

• Annual pay progression
• 31 days’ annual leave plus 10 public and privilege days
• Civil Service pension
• Training and development opportunities
• Reimbursement of Social Care Wales fees
• Flexible and smart working arrangements
• Cycle2Work Scheme
• Green Car Scheme and a £1,000 annual allowance for qualifying official car travel

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