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- Tasks: Support children's voices in court and ensure their welfare is prioritised.
- Company: Join NYAS, a leading rights-based charity making a real difference.
- Benefits: Flexible self-employed role with ongoing support and professional development.
- Why this job: Make a meaningful impact on children's lives while maintaining your independence.
- Qualifications: Qualified Social Worker with 5+ years in children's social care and court experience.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with access to best practice reviews and training.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Help ensure children's voices are heard where it matters most. When families are in dispute and the court needs an independent view focused solely on a child's welfare, NYAS can be appointed as a Guardian. We are now looking to recruit experienced, self-employed Independent Social Workers to join our Rule 16.4 service, working within the NYAS tandem model alongside a solicitor. This is a vital role for skilled practitioners who want to make a real difference to children and young people involved in private law proceedings.
About the role
When appointed by the Court under Rule 16.4 of the Family Procedure Rules 2010, NYAS acts as Guardian for a child or young person where parents are unable to agree arrangements and the child requires an independent voice. As an Independent Social Worker, you will:
- Work directly with children and young people to understand their lived experiences, wishes and feelings
- Ensure every child's voice is heard clearly, thoughtfully and safely within court proceedings
- Undertake assessments and prepare high quality reports for the Court
- Provide clear, well reasoned recommendations where the child's welfare is always the paramount consideration
- Analyse risk and safeguarding concerns to support children's safety and wellbeing
- Liaise with professionals from across the system to inform your assessment
- Confidently present your professional opinion, including providing oral evidence in court
You will be supported to deliver consistently high quality practice, while maintaining your professional independence.
About you
You will be a highly experienced social work professional who brings confident analysis, emotional intelligence and a child centred approach to complex situations. You must:
- Be a qualified Social Worker, registered with Social Work England
- Have a minimum of 5 years' experience working within children's social care
- Experience of court work and private law proceedings is highly desirable.
- Demonstrate strong assessment, analytical and report writing skills
- Be organised and able to manage caseloads to meet court deadlines
- Be confident, resilient and able to hold professional views under challenge
- Build trusting, respectful relationships with children, parents and professionals
- Remain compassionate, curious and committed to best outcomes for children
If you have any queries about the role, please email.
Support, supervision and professional development
Although this is a self employed role, you will not be working in isolation. NYAS is committed to maintaining excellent social work practice and supporting our practitioners. You will benefit from:
- Best practice reviews with the NYAS Social Work Best Practice Manager
- Monthly best practice meetings with fellow NYAS caseworkers (via Microsoft Teams)
- Access to a training platform (at minimal cost) to support CPD and mandatory training
- A professional network within a respected, rights based national charity
You will be expected to evidence ongoing CPD in line with Social Work England requirements. This position is self-employed and you will be responsible for access to your own IT equipment and preparing your financial accounts and declarations to HMRC with regards to tax.
Note for candidates - when completing the application form, it is important that you refer to the person specification within the contract delivery specification attached below, and detail how you can evidence the criteria. NYAS operates robust safe procedures to ensure the protection of the children, young people and adults at risk we work with. To comply with NYAS's Safeguarding and Child Protection Policy candidates will be subject to an enhanced DBS check, references and a Digital Risk Assessment. We reserve the right to close this vacancy early once we receive a high number of applications.
About NYAS
As an established leading rights-based charity, NYAS (National Youth Advocacy Service) is well positioned to ensure that children, young people, and adults across England and Wales are fully respected, represented, and supported in expressing their views and having their rights upheld. We work with care-experienced children, young people, and adults who are often reliant on statutory services suffering the negative impact of the cuts in public expenditure. Our combination of social care and legal services places us in a unique position to ensure that they receive the services they need and that their voices are heard, allowing us to champion rights and create meaningful change in people's lives.
We are an equal opportunities recruiter, and we are committed to creating an inclusive environment which means NYAS welcomes applications from all individuals regardless of age, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation, ethnic origin, nationality, religion or belief, or any other protected characteristic. NYAS is proud to share that we are a Disability Confident Employer, and we guarantee to interview all disabled applicants who meet the minimum criteria for our vacancies. Work with us to help change young lives.
Independent Social Worker (Self-Employed) in Birkenhead employer: The National Youth Advocacy Service
Contact Detail:
The National Youth Advocacy Service Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Independent Social Worker (Self-Employed) in Birkenhead
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to fellow social workers, attend local events, and connect with professionals in the field. Building relationships can lead to opportunities that aren’t even advertised.
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your expertise! Prepare a portfolio of your work, including reports and assessments you've done. This will help you demonstrate your skills and experience when meeting potential clients or employers.
✨Tip Number 3
Be proactive! Don’t just wait for job postings; reach out directly to organisations like NYAS. Express your interest in working with them and highlight how your experience aligns with their mission.
✨Tip Number 4
Stay updated on best practices! Join online forums or groups related to social work. Engaging with the community can provide insights and tips that will make you stand out in interviews.
We think you need these skills to ace Independent Social Worker (Self-Employed) in Birkenhead
Some tips for your application 🫡
Know the Role Inside Out: Before you start writing, make sure you really understand what the Independent Social Worker role entails. Dive into the job description and highlight key responsibilities and requirements. This will help you tailor your application to show how you fit the bill.
Showcase Your Experience: When detailing your experience, be specific! Use examples from your past work that demonstrate your skills in assessment, report writing, and working with children. We want to see how your background aligns with the needs of the role, so don’t hold back!
Be Personal and Professional: While it’s important to maintain professionalism, don’t forget to let your personality shine through. Share your passion for child welfare and advocacy. We’re looking for someone who is not just qualified but also genuinely cares about making a difference.
Apply Through Our Website: Make sure to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way to ensure we receive all your details correctly. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining us at NYAS and ready to take that next step in your career!
How to prepare for a job interview at The National Youth Advocacy Service
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on the key aspects of child welfare and the legal framework surrounding it. Familiarise yourself with Rule 16.4 and how it applies to your role as an Independent Social Worker. This will show that you’re not just experienced, but also well-informed and ready to engage in meaningful discussions.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare specific examples from your past work that highlight your skills in assessment, report writing, and presenting in court. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses, making it easy for the interviewers to see how your experience aligns with their needs.
✨Demonstrate Emotional Intelligence
As this role requires a child-centred approach, be ready to discuss how you build trusting relationships with children and families. Share instances where your emotional intelligence helped you navigate complex situations, ensuring that children's voices were heard and respected.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare some insightful questions about NYAS's approach to social work and how they support their practitioners. This not only shows your genuine interest in the role but also gives you a chance to assess if their values align with yours. It’s a two-way street!
