Job Title

Job DescriptionFind out more about this role by reading the information below, then apply to be considered.We have opportunities for agency FCAs at Cafcass covering the Work After First Hearing service are you interested?Or can you recommend someone for 250 if placed?AREAS AVAILABLE: Bristol, Reading, Oxford or SwindonASSIGNMENT LENGTH: Until end of June 2026 initiallyPaid at 37.75 per hour.Work After First Hearing (public and private law)Direct work with children and families (including visits)Public and/or Private LawCourt attendanceWe are an approved supplier to Cafcass, achieving this status through a competitive process and retaining it by delivering quality, timely and compliant services. Being one of Cafcass preferred partners ensures we will always be given priority access to any Social Work vacancies they ask external agencies to support them with.Work After First Hearing will involve the following:Working in the Private and/or Public Law teams, Childrens Social Workers (or as we will professionally call you - Family Court Advisers) are involved in a combination of cases where either the families require the assistance to agree on the best arrangements for the welfare and safety of the child(ren) involved or the local authority has serious concerns and requests the involvement of Cafcass in the case.Childrens Social Workers key responsibilities include:Conducting assessments and directly engaging with children to understand and represent their views and wishes to the court.Using expertise in robust risk assessment and mediation will be essential as you advocate for arrangements that prioritise the best interest of the children.Private Law - If in a private law case after the first court hearing there is not an agreement about children or there are concerns about the welfare of children the court may ask us to write a Section 7 report to help the judge make a safe decision and the responsibility for doing this will transfer to the WAFH team.Public Law - In public law a local authority has made an application to the court for authority to intervene in a childs life as it is believed they are at risk of significant harm. FCAs are often referred to as Childrens Guardians they are the independent person who is there to promote the childs welfare and ensure the arrangements made for the child are in their best interests.Face-to-face visitsLots of hybrid workingRequirements of the role:Social Work qualifiedSocial Work England registeredSignificant post-qualified experience in children & families social care (not subject to DFE rules)A commitment to seeing and hearing the child or children concerned and undertaking direct work to engage with children and families and ensure they are at the centre of your report writingAbility to write focused and analytical reportsExcellent time management court deadlines are non-negotiableCourt experience, confidence in the court arenaPlease contact me asap to discuss in more detail. We are offering 250 joining bonus for new starters with Reed. xjdpvnf Alternatively, we are offering 250 if you refer a friend or colleague and they are placed successfully into this or any other QSW role.