Family Court Adviser - Cafcass

Are you an experienced Children's Social Worker looking for greater flexibility while continuing to make a meaningful impact?
We are currently recruiting Family Court Advisers to join CAFCASS within the Work After First Hearing (WAFH) team. This is an excellent opportunity to work in a highly respected national organisation, supporting children and families involved in private law proceedings while benefiting from a predominantly home-based role.

As a Family Court Adviser, you will play a pivotal role in ensuring that the voice, welfare, and best interests of the child remain at the heart of every court decision. Working closely with children, families, legal professionals, and partner agencies, you will complete comprehensive assessments and produce high-quality recommendations to assist the Family Court.

You will be responsible for managing a caseload of private law proceedings following the First Hearing, completing detailed assessments and Section 7 reports that support judicial decision-making.

Key responsibilities include:

• Undertaking comprehensive assessments of children and families involved in private law proceedings.
• Completing high-quality Section 7 reports and evidence-based recommendations for the Family Court.
• Carrying out direct work with children to capture and present their wishes and feelings.
• Assessing parenting capacity, child welfare, family relationships, and safeguarding concerns.
• Managing complex and often high-conflict family cases involving child arrangements and contact disputes.
• Conducting robust risk assessments relating to domestic abuse, neglect, emotional harm, parental conflict, and other safeguarding issues.
• Working collaboratively with solicitors, Cafcass colleagues, local authorities, schools, health professionals, and other partner agencies.
• Attending Family Court hearings and confidently presenting professional evidence where required.
• Maintaining accurate case records and ensuring all work is completed within court-directed timescales.
• Promoting child-focused practice and ensuring every recommendation is centred on achieving the best outcomes for children.

About YouTo be successful in this role, you will have:

• A recognised Social Work qualification.
• Current Social Work England registration.
• A minimum of 3 years' post-qualifying experience working with children and families.
• Experience of safeguarding, child protection, and complex family assessments.
• Strong analytical and report-writing skills with the ability to produce high-quality court reports.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and relationship-building skills.
• The ability to manage complex caseloads, prioritise competing demands, and work effectively under pressure.
• A sound understanding of the Children Act 1989, safeguarding legislation, and family court processes.
• Confidence using electronic case management systems and Microsoft Office applications.
• A full UK driving licence and willingness to travel across Cheshire and Merseyside for court hearings and family visits.

Why Apply?

• Predominantly home-based role with only 2 office days per month.
• Flexible hybrid working.
• Competitive agency pay rates.
• Opportunity to work with one of the UK's leading organisations supporting children in Family Court proceedings.
• Meaningful, rewarding work where your expertise directly influences outcomes for children and families.
• Supportive team environment with access to professional development and regular supervision.

If you're an experienced Children's Social Worker looking for your next agency opportunity with CAFCASS, we'd love to hear from you.

To apply or for a confidential discussion about this role, please contact:
Catherine Rogerson
Phone: [phone removed]
Email: [email removed]