Family Court Adviser (A2) - Cafcass - York

Job Description

Family Court Adviser (A2) – Cafcass – York\n
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Location: York, YO1 7PX\n
Contract: Temporary – 20 Weeks\n
Hours: 37 Hours per Week\n
PAYE Rate: £24.64 per hour\n
Umbrella/Limited Rate: £33.50 per hour\n
Working Arrangement: Attendance required for in-person team meetings and group supervision\n
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\nAbout the RoleService Care Solutions are currently recruiting for an experienced Family Court Adviser (A2) to join Cafcass in York on an initial 20-week contract.\n
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\nThis is an excellent opportunity for a qualified and experienced Children's Social Worker to play a vital role in safeguarding children, supporting families and providing expert advice to the Family Courts.\n
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\nAs a Family Court Adviser, you will ensure that children's welfare, wishes and best interests remain central to court proceedings, undertaking complex assessments, analysing safeguarding concerns and making evidence-based recommendations to support positive outcomes.\n
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\nThe successful candidate will have a minimum of three years' post-qualifying experience working with children and families, alongside strong assessment, safeguarding and court-related skills.\n
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Key Responsibilities\n

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• Undertake comprehensive assessments of children and families involved in family court proceedings.
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• Identify, assess and manage safeguarding risks, including concerns relating to abuse, neglect and significant harm.
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• Prepare high-quality court reports, assessments and evidence-based recommendations.
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• Represent children's wishes, feelings and best interests throughout proceedings.
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• Undertake direct work with children and families to understand their circumstances and experiences.
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• Work collaboratively with Local Authorities, legal professionals, the judiciary and other relevant agencies.
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• Provide professional advice to the Family Courts regarding child protection, welfare and appropriate arrangements.
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• Manage complex and sensitive cases, including situations involving parental conflict and high-risk safeguarding concerns.
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• Maintain accurate case records and ensure compliance with relevant legislation, policies and professional standards.
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• Attend team meetings, group supervision and relevant court hearings as required.
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Areas of Practice\n
\nDepending on service requirements, the successful candidate may undertake work across the following areas:\n

\n Work to First Hearing (WTFH)\n
\nUndertaking initial safeguarding checks, identifying potential risks and providing early recommendations to assist the court in making safe decisions for children before the first hearing.\n

\n Work After First Hearing (WAFH)\n
\nCompleting detailed assessments, undertaking direct work with children and families, preparing court reports and providing recommendations following the initial hearing.\n

\n Public Law Proceedings\n
\nWorking on cases involving Local Authority intervention due to safeguarding concerns or risk of significant harm, including acting as a Children's Guardian to represent children's interests throughout care proceedings.\n

\n Private Law Proceedings\n
\nSupporting proceedings involving disputes between parents or carers concerning child arrangements, contact and residence, ensuring that children's welfare remains the primary consideration.\n

\n Child Focused Court Model (CFC)\n
\nWorking within a child-centred approach that prioritises children's voices, lived experiences and welfare, collaborating with families and professionals to reduce delays and achieve positive outcomes.\n
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Essential Requirements\n
\nTo be considered for this position, applicants must have:\n
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• A recognised Social Work qualification (Degree, Diploma in Social Work or equivalent).
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• Current registration with Social Work England.
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• A minimum of three years' post-qualifying experience working with children and families.
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• Strong experience in Children's Safeguarding, Child Protection and complex risk assessments.
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• Sound knowledge of the Children Act 1989 and relevant safeguarding legislation.
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• Excellent written communication skills, including the ability to produce detailed professional assessments and reports.
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• Strong analytical, negotiation and decision-making abilities.
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• The ability to manage complex caseloads and work effectively under pressure.
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• Confidence working with families experiencing conflict, safeguarding concerns and challenging circumstances.
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• Good IT skills and the ability to maintain accurate electronic case records.
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• Willingness to attend in-person team meetings and group supervision.
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Previous Cafcass experience, experience preparing reports for Family Courts or working within court proceedings would be particularly advantageous.\n
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Why Work with Service Care Solutions?\n
\nAt Service Care Solutions, we specialise in connecting experienced Social Workers with rewarding opportunities across the UK.\n
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\nWhen you work with us, you can benefit from:\n
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• Competitive hourly rates.
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• A dedicated recruitment consultant providing ongoing support.
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• Access to temporary, locum and permanent Social Work opportunities nationwide.
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• Assistance throughout the recruitment and compliance process.
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• Regular communication and support throughout your placement.
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• Access to our candidate referral and incentive schemes.
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Referral Bonus Scheme\n
Know someone who might be interested?\n
\nAt Service Care Solutions, we believe great candidates know great candidates!\n
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\nWe offer the following incentives:\n
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• £200 Referral Bonus – Recommend a qualified Social Worker who successfully meets the referral scheme requirements.
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• £50 Referral Bonus – Refer a non-qualified candidate who meets the relevant scheme criteria.
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• £150 Sign-Up Bonus – Available to eligible candidates registering with Service Care Solutions.
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• £75 Find Your Own Job Bonus – Available to eligible candidates who identify their own placement opportunity.
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Terms and conditions apply to all referral and incentive schemes. Please contact us for full eligibility details.\n
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Apply Today\n
\nIf you are an experienced Children's Social Worker looking to take the next step in your career, or an established Family Court Adviser seeking your next locum opportunity, we would love to hear from you.\n
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\nFor further information or a confidential discussion about this opportunity, please contact:\n
Nik Froud\n
\nAssociate Recruitment Consultant\n
Service Care Solutions\n
Email: \n
Telephone: 01772 208964\n
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\nAlternatively, apply today with your most up-to-date CV.\n

\n Help make a difference to the lives of children and families through the Family Courts.