Job Title and Details
Job Title: Social Worker - Private Law
Hours: 37 Hours per Week
Location: Wildwood
Team: Permanency Planning and Support Team
Contract: Permanent
Overview
Worcestershire County Council are looking for skilled, child-focused Social Workers to join the rollout of the Pathfinder model in Worcestershire. Pathfinder is a pioneering approach to private law family court cases that puts the child’s voice and experience at the centre of every decision. This is a new and transformative pilot scheme, now being introduced in Worcestershire. It aims to break the cycle of lengthy, adversarial proceedings by helping families resolve disputes earlier and more constructively.
Responsibilities
* Complete Child Impact Reports, a report prepared before the first hearing, to help Courts and families understand the child’s needs from the outset, reducing delays and conflict.
* Undertake specialist training and become AIM3 qualified with a view to undertake assessments using the AIM3 framework.
* Develop expertise in working with children and young people around Child Sexual Abuse (CSA) and Harmful Sexual Behaviour (HSB).
* Be supported by a skilled team and provided with ongoing professional development to enhance knowledge and practice in this area.
* Produce good quality Child Impact Reports and s37s in line with national Pathfinder guidance.
* Work directly with children, parents and carers to understand their experiences, wishes and feelings.
* Liaise effectively with Cafcass, the Family Court, and partner agencies to support safe and timely outcomes.
* Provide clear, evidence-based analysis and recommendations to assist the court and families in decision-making.
* Maintain accurate and timely case records in accordance with statutory requirements and local policy.
* Contribute to service learning and development as part of a reflective and supportive team environment.
* Have a strong understanding of private law work, including orders the court may make (e.g. Child Arrangements Orders, Prohibited Steps Orders, Specific Issue Orders) and how these impact children and families.
* Work directly with children, young people and their families to achieve positive outcomes and reduce risks in the field of CSA and HSB.
* Experience of completing holistic assessments and delivering recommendations from reports.
About You
* Will produce good quality Child Impact Reports and s37s in line with national Pathfinder guidance.
* Work directly with children, parents and carers to understand their experiences, wishes and feelings.
* Liaise effectively with Cafcass, the Family Court, and partner agencies to support safe and timely outcomes.
* Provide clear, evidence-based analysis and recommendations to assist the court and families in decision-making.
* Maintain accurate and timely case records in accordance with statutory requirements and local policy.
* Contribute to service learning and development as part of a reflective and supportive team environment.
* Have a strong understanding of private law work and the impact of orders on children and families.
* Work with children, young people and their families to achieve positive outcomes and reduce risks in CSA and HSB.
* Experience of completing holistic assessments and delivering recommendations from reports.
Experience of court work (public or private law) is highly desirable, but full training and professional support will be provided.
Why Join Us
* Work within a supportive, reflective and forward-thinking environment.
* Access high-quality training, supervision and development opportunities.
* Enjoy flexible and hybrid working arrangements.
* Join a service that values innovation, professional integrity, and putting children first.
Application Information
For further information please contact: Emma Finch (efinch1@worcestershire.gov.uk) or Jessica Grove (jgrove1@worcestershire.gov.uk).
Benefits
* Great Holiday Entitlement: 26 days paid holiday (pro rata for part-time staff), rising to 31 days after 5 years. Holiday may be matched up to 31 days if you join without a break.
* Brilliant Pension Scheme: Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS).
* Professional Learning & Development: Opportunities to progress within the organisation.
* Flexible Working: Hybrid working where possible.
Regulatory and Diversity Notes
Disclosure Barring Service (DBS): This post is exempt under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and appointment is conditional upon a satisfactory DBS check. The County Council is committed to safeguarding service users.
Equality & Diversity: The County Council is committed to equality of opportunity and celebrates diversity.
Application Closing Date: 8 February 2026
Anticipated Interview Date: TBC
Attachments
Children's Social Worker JD PS.pdf
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