Cafcass Cymru - Family Court Advisor - North Wales

Welsh Government; Llandudno; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

A government agency in Wales is seeking a Family Court Adviser to represent the wishes of children involved in family court proceedings. The role requires a qualified social worker who can provide independent advice while ensuring child welfare. The successful candidate will handle sensitive cases, collaborate with stakeholders, and contribute to ongoing training and development within a values-driven workplace.

Benefits

Flexible working options

Learning and development tailored to your role

Civil Service pension with employer contribution

ECUA allowance for official car travel

Qualifications

• Registered Social Worker with Social Care Wales or equivalent.
• Knowledge and experience in safeguarding children.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Represent the best interests of children in court.
• Provide high-quality social work advice.
• Carry a caseload of family law cases.

Skills

Safeguarding children

Communication skills

Organizational skills

Resilience

IT skills

Education

Diploma in Social Work

Job description

Overview

Cafcass Cymru is operational – advising the court on cases where a child’s welfare is at stake – and is part of Welsh Government. We combine service delivery with the ability to shape and influence. We are a values-led organisation focused on improving outcomes for the children we work with and putting Wales on the map in social work and the family justice system. We want you to be part of this journey of putting the child first and making a difference.

We support thousands of children and families in family court proceedings each year. Our purpose is to safeguard the child and ensure their voice is heard within the family justice system. The child’s future is at the heart of every recommendation and action taken by Cafcass Cymru.

Role

The role of Cafcass Cymru’s Family Court Advisers is to represent the wishes, feelings and best interests of children and young people involved in family court proceedings in Wales. You will provide high quality, independent social work advice to protect and promote welfare, leading to safe outcomes. As a Family Court Adviser, you will work directly with vulnerable children and families to advise the family courts on the best course of action for the child or young person. You will collaborate with parents, relatives, local authorities and the courts, and demonstrate understanding of what the child needs, wants and feels.

Key Responsibilities

• Carry a caseload of private and/or public law cases.
• Provide professional social work advice and assistance to Courts to achieve a timely conclusion to proceedings and secure the best possible outcome for the child based on their individual needs and best interests.
• Provide high quality evidence (orally and in writing) to the Court.
• Ensure the child’s welfare is paramount throughout proceedings and safeguarding is in line with organisational requirements and the All-Wales Child Protection Procedures.
• Ensure the appointment and instruction of legal representation for the child as required and in line with statutory and organisational requirements.
• Ensure the child’s wishes and feelings are appropriately considered and reported upon in a timely and high-quality fashion during the assessment of the child’s needs in family proceedings.
• Advise and assist parents and other relevant parties in dispute to reduce conflict and minimise court intervention.
• Work effectively with partner organisations, stakeholders and service users while maintaining independence as part of proceedings.
• Keep up to date with changes in legislation, guidance, court rules, policies, procedures and best practice developments.
• Comply with organisational policies, procedures, statutory requirements and court rules in the delivery of services to children and families involved in family proceedings.
• Be responsible for personal learning and development in accordance with the requirements of Social Care Wales and the Welsh Government’s performance management process.
• Work as a team member, attend relevant meetings and contribute to the effectiveness and wider planning of Cafcass Cymru as required.
• Provide management information on workloads, practice and performance as required.
• Use ICT effectively for case planning and recording and to support service delivery.
• Represent Cafcass Cymru and the Welsh Government in a professional manner conducive to promoting a positive image.

Requirements and Qualifications

• Diploma in Social Work (or Social Care Wales registered equivalent) and be a registered Social Worker with Social Care Wales or other Care Regulator.
• Recognised social work qualification and current registration or eligibility with Social Care Wales.
• Knowledge and experience of safeguarding children and young people within a statutory sector.
• Resilient and organised, able to work proportionately with strong IT, verbal and written communication skills.
• Willingness to learn and thrive in a diverse, values-driven culture focused on making a difference for children and families.
• We actively welcome applicants from diverse backgrounds with a range of lived and professional social work experiences.

Benefits and Culture

• Learning and development tailored to your role
• Flexible working options
• A culture encouraging inclusion and diversity
• Civil Service pension with employer contribution of 28.97%
• ECUA – an allowance of £1,000 per year for official car travel beyond 2,000 statutory miles per year (valid driving licence and motor insurance required)

Selection Process

• Number of stages: 2-stage process
• Stage 1: Application Form
• Stage 2: Interview
• Feedback provided if you attend an interview or assessment

Security and Nationality

• Successful candidates must undergo a criminal record check.
• Baseline security checks for those working with government assets.
• Nationality requirements: UK nationals, Irish nationals, Commonwealth nationals with right to work in the UK, EU/EEA/Swiss/Norway/Iceland/Liechtenstein nationals and family members with settled or pre-settled status, applicants who have made a valid settled or pre-settled status application under the EUSS, those with limited leave to remain or ILR eligible to apply for EUSS, Turkish nationals and certain family members with right to work in the Civil Service.

Important

To be a Family Court Adviser you must hold a recognised social work qualification and be registered with Social Care Wales or eligible to be registered. You must have knowledge and experience of safeguarding children and young people within a statutory sector. The work is demanding; you will need to be resilient and organised, can work proportionately, with strong IT skills and excellent verbal and written communication skills.