Children’s Social Workers – Family Court Advisers (FCAs)
We’re recruiting Children’s Social Workers who are passionate, committed and ambitious to facilitate positive outcomes for children involved in private and public law family court proceedings.
Overview
As a FCA in the Work to First Hearing (Private Law) team, you will play a key role in determining when Cafcass should intervene in the lives of children. The role requires strong child protection expertise, analytical risk assessment, and the ability to make safe recommendations for the best interests of the child.
Responsibilities
* Conduct telephone interviews with applicants and respondents.
* Access and collate information received from other agencies.
* Produce evidence‑based reports and representations for the court.
* Attend court duty as required, usually once a week, to support and advise at First Hearing Dispute Resolution Appointments.
Qualifications & Experience
* A Social Work qualification is essential.
* Right to work in the UK (no sponsorship).
* Registered with Social Work England, or likely to register quickly if practising outside England.
* Recent, relevant experience working directly with children and families.
* Experience in family court proceedings or knowledge of Private and/or Public Law is desirable.
* For those with limited post‑qualifying experience, relevant pre‑qualifying experience supporting children and families may be beneficial.
* Strong organisational skills, professional resilience and the ability to work independently with a varied caseload.
Location
The role can be based in Leicester, Lincoln or Peterborough. Social workers work flexibly across the office, home, courts and other safe locations, supported by the necessary technology.
How We Support You
* High‑quality equipment and technology.
* Access to specialist resources, guidance and training.
* A commitment to wellbeing, reflective supervision and a healthy work–life balance.
* Inclusive environment that values diversity and encourages learning.
Benefits
* Generous holidays – 28 days (including three Christmas days) rising to 33 days with five years of continuous service.
* Excellent pension – 13.7% employer contribution to a local government pension scheme.
* Flexible working – hybrid arrangements and the ability to request more flexible options.
* Health and wellbeing support – dedicated well‑being days, a cash plan, access to an external Employee Assistance Provider, and support for specific health conditions.
* Professional fee reimbursement – Social Work England membership fees.
* Car leasing scheme at competitive rates.
Diversity and Inclusion
We represent children and families from diverse backgrounds and actively welcome applications from individuals who reflect this diversity, including those with disabilities or neuro‑divergence, caring responsibilities, religious or spiritual beliefs, and those from Black, Asian, Minority Ethnic, LGBT+ or other under‑represented groups. Cafcass is a disability‑confident leader and provides reasonable adjustments upon request.
About Cafcass
We are the Children and Family Court Advisory and Support Service, representing children in family court cases across England. Our work seeks to ensure that children’s voices, wishes and feelings are heard in court decisions that shape their futures.
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