At a Glance
- Tasks: Support children in family court, ensuring their voices are heard and welfare is prioritised.
- Company: Cafcass Cymru, part of the Welsh Government, dedicated to child welfare.
- Benefits: Flexible working, tailored learning, 28.97% employer pension contribution, and a supportive culture.
- Other info: Join a diverse team committed to continuous improvement and professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while developing your social work skills.
- Qualifications: Diploma in Social Work and registration with Social Care Wales required.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Cafcass Cymru is operational - advising the court on cases where a child's welfare is at stake - and is part of Welsh Government. We are an organisation that values service delivery and the ability to shape and influence. We support thousands of children and families in family court proceedings each year, safeguarding the child and ensuring their voice is heard within the family justice system. The child's future is at the heart of every recommendation and action.
Our learning organisation aims to invest in staff to maintain quality, develop our services and continuously improve. We offer learning tailored to the role, flexible working options, a culture of inclusion and diversity, and a Civil Service pension with employer contribution of 28.97%.
Responsibilities- Carry a case load of private and/or public law cases.
- Provide professional social work advice and assistance to Courts to achieve a timely conclusion to proceedings and secure the best possible outcome for the child based on their individual needs and best interests.
- Provide high quality evidence (orally and in writing) to the Court.
- Ensure the child's welfare is paramount throughout proceedings, including safeguarding in line with organisational requirements and the All-Wales Safeguarding Procedures.
- Ensure the appointment and instruction of legal representation for the child as required and in line with statutory and organisational requirements.
- Ensure the child's wishes and feelings are appropriately considered and reported upon in a timely, high-quality fashion as part of family proceedings.
- Advise and assist parents and other relevant parties in dispute, aiming to reduce conflict and minimise the need for court intervention.
- Work effectively with partner organisations, stakeholders and service users, while maintaining independence as part of proceedings.
- Keep up to date with changes in legislation, guidance, court rules, policies, procedures and best practice developments.
- Comply with organisational policies, procedures, statutory requirements, and court rules in the delivery of services to children and families involved in family proceedings.
- Be responsible for personal learning and development in accordance with Social Care Wales registration requirements and the Welsh Government's performance management process.
- Work as a team member, attend relevant meetings and contribute to Cafcass Cymru's effectiveness and wider planning.
- Provide management information on workloads, practice and performance as required.
- Use ICT effectively for case planning and recording and to support service delivery.
- Represent Cafcass Cymru and the Welsh Government in a professional manner conducive to a positive image.
- Diploma in Social Work (or Social Care Wales registered equivalent) and I am a registered Social Worker with Social Care Wales or other Care Regulator.
- A recognised social work qualification and registration with Social Care Wales or eligibility.
- Knowledge and experience of safeguarding children and young people within a statutory sector.
- You must be resilient, well organised, able to work proportionately, with strong IT skills and excellent verbal and written communication skills.
- To be a Family Court Adviser you must hold a recognised social work qualification and be registered with, or eligible to be registered with Social Care Wales.
- You must have knowledge and experience of safeguarding children within a statutory sector.
We welcome applicants from diverse backgrounds and provide opportunities through learning and development; we particularly encourage diversity networks including The Minority Ethnic Staff Network, PRISM LGBTI+ Network, and Women Together Network.
Additional Information- ECUA - An allowance of £1,000 per year is available if you use your own car for official business travel and cover more than 2,000 statutory miles per year. A valid driving licence and motor insurance are required.
- This vacancy uses Success Profiles to assess Behaviours and Experience. Stages: 2 stage process – Stage 1 Application Form, Stage 2 Interview. Feedback provided if you attend an interview or assessment. Successful candidates must undergo a criminal record check and baseline security checks for government assets.
- Nationality requirements include UK nationals, certain others with right to work in the UK, and EUSS status details as applicable. Nationality information provided for eligible groups.
Cafcass Cymru - Family Court Advisor - Mid & West Wales/South West Wales in Ammanford employer: Welsh Government
Cafcass Cymru is an exceptional employer dedicated to safeguarding children's welfare and ensuring their voices are heard in family court proceedings. With a strong commitment to employee development, we offer tailored learning opportunities, flexible working arrangements, and a culture that champions inclusion and diversity. Our generous Civil Service pension scheme and supportive work environment make Cafcass Cymru a rewarding place to build a meaningful career in social work.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Cafcass Cymru - Family Court Advisor - Mid & West Wales/South West Wales in Ammanford
✨Dive into Local Community Groups
Social work thrives on community connections, so get involved in local groups or forums specific to your interests. Whether it’s volunteering at local shelters or joining community action boards, these are great ways to boost your visibility and make direct contacts that could lead to opportunities like the one at Welsh Government.
✨Attend Social Work Events and Workshops
Keep an eye out for workshops, seminars, or conferences in social work. These events are fantastic for meeting professionals in the field, learning about emerging trends, and spotting job openings. Plus, you might just bump into someone from Welsh Government!
✨Showcase Your Passion and Expertise
Use platforms like Instagram or LinkedIn to share your journey and insights into the social work sector. Whether it’s writing about your experiences or sharing relevant articles, this helps to establish you as an engaged professional. Potential employers, like Welsh Government, will notice your enthusiasm!
✨Leverage Your Network
Don’t hesitate to reach out to professors, mentors, or even past colleagues who are in social work. They might have inside knowledge about openings at Welsh Government or be able to connect you with someone who’s hiring. Networking is key, especially in a full-time role where relationships matter.
We think you need these skills to ace Cafcass Cymru - Family Court Advisor - Mid & West Wales/South West Wales in Ammanford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Social Work:In your cover letter, let us see your passion for social work shine through! Talk about the experiences that made you want to pursue this career—whether it’s volunteering, personal experiences, or academic projects. We want to know why this field matters to you.
Emphasise Relevant Qualifications:Make sure your CV highlights any relevant qualifications, like degrees in social work or certifications like a DBS check. If you've done any workshops or training, don’t forget to include those as well. We're keen to see your commitment to your professional development!
Detail Your Experience with Clients:Since this is a hands-on field, detailing any direct experience you have with clients is crucial. Whether it's internships, volunteer roles, or previous jobs, highlight those experiences in your CV to show us you've got the practical skills necessary for the job!
Tailor Your Application to Welsh Government:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Welsh Government! Research our mission and values, and refer to them in your cover letter. This shows us that you understand our work and are genuinely interested in being a part of our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Welsh Government
✨Understanding the Role of Empathy
In social work, understanding and demonstrating empathy is key. Be prepared to share personal experiences or scenarios where you effectively showed compassion and support. This helps show that you genuinely care about the well-being of others, which is crucial in social work.
✨Demonstrating Knowledge of Frameworks
Familiarise yourself with the frameworks and models used in social work, such as the Strengths-Based Approach or the Ecological Perspective. Be ready to discuss how these frameworks apply to your work, especially if you can tie them into real-world examples or case studies you've encountered.
✨Showcasing Your Multi-Disciplinary Skills
In a full-time social work role, you'll often collaborate with healthcare professionals, educators, and law enforcement. Be prepared to describe your teamwork experiences and how you've effectively communicated with other disciplines to achieve the best outcomes for clients.
✨Preparing for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that put you in hypothetical social work situations, such as dealing with a crisis or managing a complex case. Think through your thought process for these scenarios beforehand, considering how you'd assess the situation and what steps you'd take, as this demonstrates your critical thinking and problem-solving abilities.
