Engineer

Description:

Cafcass (Children and Family Court Advisory and Support Service) is a public organization that represents the voice of children in family court proceedings across England.
Cafcass works with families in both Private and Public Law cases, ensuring that children’s welfare, safety, and best interests are at the heart of all decisions made by the family courts.

The service operates through a network of Family Court Advisers (Children’s Social Workers), providing independent advice, risk assessments, and recommendations to help courts make informed decisions regarding children’s futures.

Job Description:

As a Qualified Children’s Social Worker (Family Court Adviser), you will work in Cafcass’s Private and Public Law teams covering the Essex region (Chelmsford base).

You will engage directly with children and families, conducting comprehensive assessments to ensure that the wishes, feelings, and best interests of children are effectively represented in court.

Your expertise in risk assessment, safeguarding, and mediation will be essential in guiding and influencing family court outcomes that prioritize child welfare.

Key Responsibilities:

• Conduct in-depth assessments and engage directly with children to understand and present their perspectives to the court.

• Advocate for arrangements that prioritize the best interests and safety of children.

• Apply expertise in risk assessment, mediation, and case analysis within Private and Public Law contexts.

• Provide clear, evidence-based reports and recommendations to inform court decisions.

• Manage caseloads independently while maintaining professional accountability.

• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to ensure a coordinated approach to family and child welfare cases.

Qualifications:

• Essential: Recognized Social Work qualification (Degree or equivalent).

• Mandatory Registration: Social Work England (annual registration fee reimbursed by Cafcass).

• Demonstrable experience working with children and families in social work settings.

• Knowledge of Family Court proceedings, Private Law, and/or Public Law preferred.

• Strong organizational and workload management abilities.

• Excellent communication, documentation, and assessment skills.

• Resilience, empathy, and commitment to safeguarding principles.

Desired Characteristics:

• Ability to work independently and flexibly in a hybrid or remote environment.

• Strong commitment to child welfare and ethical practice.

• Professional integrity, emotional intelligence, and sound judgment under pressure.

• Capacity to balance empathy with objective professional analysis.

Work Environment:

• Contractual base in Chelmsford, covering the Essex region, with remote and flexible working arrangements available.

• Cafcass provides full resources, technology, and support for remote work.

• Focus on employee wellbeing, resilience, and continuous professional development.

Compensation & Benefits:

• Salary based on Cafcass 2024/25 pay award, with 2025/26 adjustments pending.

• Annual reimbursement of Social Work England registration fee.

• Comprehensive wellbeing support and employee assistance programs.

• Professional development and training opportunities.

Equal Opportunity Statement:

Cafcass is committed to promoting diversity, equality, and inclusion in the workplace.
All applicants will receive fair consideration regardless of background, ethnicity, religion, gender identity, sexual orientation, or disability.

Successful applicants will undergo pre-employment checks, including an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check. Any declared offences are assessed individually in line with the Cafcass DBS Policy and the DBS Code of Practice.