Cafcass (Children and Family Court Advisory and Support Service)
Qualified Children's Social Worker
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Qualified Children's Social Worker
Children’s Social Worker – Family Court Adviser (FCA) - Cafcass
At Cafcass, we’re recruiting Children’s Social Workers (Family Court Advisers - FCAs) who share our commitment to facilitating positive outcomes for children involved in private and public law family court proceedings.
Our Social Workers (FCAs) play a critical role in local authorities and converged private/public law teams where serious welfare concerns have been raised. As the only organisation specialising in this work, FCAs have the power to recommend lasting change for children and families—a responsibility we treat with the highest seriousness.
We are also deeply invested in fostering a supportive, safe, and healthy environment for our colleagues to practice within.
What You’ll Be Doing
As a Family Court Adviser (FCA) at Cafcass, your key responsibilities will include:
- Conducting high-quality assessments, engaging directly with children to understand their experiences, wishes, and feelings, and ensuring those insights are empowered and clearly represented in family court proceedings.
- Applying expertise in risk assessment, child welfare analysis, and mediation, advocating for child-centred solutions that prioritise safety, wellbeing, and long-term interests.
- Collaborating with adult professionals, local authorities, and a broad range of stakeholders to resolve complex family matters and influence better outcomes for children.
Who We’re Looking For
We are seeking dedicated social work professionals who bring a mix of:
- Confidence in advocating for children’s needs
- Curiosity to deeply understand complex family dynamics
- Compassion in every interaction
- Commitment to delivering exemplary social work practice
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Requirements
Essential
✅ Hold a valid Social Work qualification ✅ Have the Right to Work in the UK (no visa sponsorship available) ✅ Be registered with Social Work England (or demonstrate near-future eligibility for registration) ✅ Have recent, relevant experience working directly with children and families
Desirable
✅ Experience in family court proceedings or knowledge of Private or Public Law ✅ Post-qualifying experience in child health/social matters (or similar) ✅ Demonstrated professional resilience, strong organisational skills, and the ability to work independently while managing a varied caseload
For candidates with limited post-qualifying experience, relevant pre-qualifying experience supporting children and families may be considered.
Where You’ll Work
Flexible and dynamic work life — Cafcass FCAs work across:
- Office locations in London or Croydon
- Client homes
- Family courts, schools, and other safe, appropriate venues
- Remote locations where necessary, equipped with essential technology
Our ethos prioritises shared learning and support through:
- Regular team meetings & supervision (combining remote and in-person formats)
- Proactive reflection on practice with colleagues and managers
- Ongoing 1:1 coaching/casing discussions during induction and thereafter
Shortlisted applicants will be provided details on typical weekly/monthly workload by their hiring manager.
How We Support You
As the largest employer of Children’s Social Workers in England, Cafcass offers exceptional career and wellbeing support:
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✅ Cutting-edge technology and equipment to support efficient, family-friendly work ✅ Specialist resources, training, and guidance to refine practice and skills ✅ Strong focus on professional wellbeing:
- Reflective supervision opportunities
- Promoting a healthy work-life balance ✅ Inclusive culture, valuing diversity, learning, and continuous improvement
Detailed information on our support structures can be found on our website.
Next Steps & Key Deadlines
The timeline for this recruitment is indicative and may be subject to adjustments.
Application Closing Date:
📅 18 July 2026
Recruitment Process:
✉ Telephone interviews: Week commencing 20 July 2026 ✉ Final interviews: Week commencing 27 July 2026
Questions? Contact michelle.berridge@cafcass.gov.uk
Before applying, we encourage you to review:
- Our offer to applicants
- Necessary pre-employment checks (including details on confidentiality and concerns)
Successful candidates will complete pre-engagement checks—including a DBS (Disclosure & Barring Service) check. If any relevant criminal offences are disclosed, we review disclosures in line with DBS Code of Practice and our own Cafcass DBS Policy.
Note: Despite offering flexibility in remote working opportunities, this role requires regular office attendance to support teambased activities, client meetings, and supervision.
Are you ready to join us in making a life-changing impact for children? Apply now!
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