Cafcass Cymru - Family Court Advisor - Mid & West Wales/South West Wales in Ammanford

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%.

• 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.

• 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.