Are you an experienced Children's Social Worker?
Cafcass plays a crucial role in safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children involved in family court proceedings. After the first hearing, practitioners in private and public law teams are responsible for various tasks depending on the type of case.
Does this sound like something you are interested in?
Apply now!
Cafcass are looking for permanent Social Workers to join their team in Chelmsford in their Work After First Hearing - Public Law Team.
Salaries range between £41,550 - £46,322, DOE.
...
Benefits of working for Cafcass:
- Work-Life Balance - first week induction - office based, then hybrid working (2 days in office)
- 28 days holidays, 33 with 5+ continuous service
- 4 extra health and well being days off a year
- Dedicated wellbeing team available
- Professional Development
- Financial Rewards - competitive salary / local government pension scheme / cycle to work scheme
- Employee Support - employee assistance programme / health and wellbeing initiatives / member discounts
- Impactful work
Responsibilities:
- Advocacy for the Child's Welfare: Act as the Children's Guardian, representing the child's best interests in court proceedings.
- Case Analysis: Review local authority care plans and assessments for appropriateness and sufficiency.
- Evaluate the suitability of proposed care or placement arrangements.
- Direct Work with Children: Meet with the child (age-appropriate) to ascertain their wishes, feelings, and understanding of the situation.
- Explain court processes to the child and ensure their voice is represented in proceedings.
- Collaborative Working: Liaise with social workers, foster carers, and other professionals involved in the child's care plan.
- Attend professionals' meetings and case conferences to ensure coordinated support for the child.
- Court Reports: Submit detailed position statements or welfare reports that analyze the case, outline findings, and provide recommendations for the child's care.
- Expert Assessments and Evidence:
- Request additional assessments (e.g., psychological, parenting capacity) if necessary to inform recommendations.
- Scrutinize evidence provided by local authorities and challenge where required to ensure decisions are in the child's best interest.
- Court Attendance: Attend subsequent hearings, including Case Management Hearings, Issues Resolution Hearings, and Final Hearings, to represent the child's welfare needs.
- Support Through Final Orders: Ensure the implementation of final orders (e.g., adoption, long-term foster care, or rehabilitation plans).
- Provide input to ensure transitions are managed in the child's best interest.
Requirements:
- Enhanced DBS
- Social Work England registration
- Social Work Degree or equivalent
- Full UK drivers license with access to own car
Experience:
- Children
- 3+ years experience
If you have any further questions, or wish to apply for this role then please contact Hannah on 0330 024 8775 otherwise Apply Below and I will be in touch soon.
Are you thinking about a change in your career but not sure about this role? Whether you are an existing candidate, new to the locum market and are exploring some options or looking for a new permanent role, we have several exciting opportunities with competitive pay & flexibility. If you wish to discuss this further please call 0330 024 8775 and we would be happy to have a confidential discussion.
Randstad Care acts as an employment business when supplying temporary staff and as an employment agency when introducing candidates for permanent employment with a client. Randstad Care is an equal opportunities employer and decisions are made on merits alone.
Did you know that Randstad Care have been awarded a place on the National Clinical Staffing Framework for the NHS? This means we will be able to bring you more opportunities within nursing & midwifery and clinical staffing.
