Family Court Advisor (QSW) - Cafcass Public Law

Eden Brown Synergy; Hove; On-site; GBP 35,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

A government agency for child welfare seeks a Qualified Social Worker in Hove. Candidates must have a Degree in Social Work and 2-3 years of experience in Children Teams, particularly in court settings. This role involves preparing critical reports and safeguarding children's welfare throughout the legal process. Benefits include DBS checks, referral bonuses, and dedicated recruitment support.

Benefits

DBS check processed and paid for

Referral bonuses

Dedicated recruitment consultant

Twice weekly payroll

Qualifications

• At least 2-3 years post qualification experience in a Children Team.
• Experience working with courts and legal processes.
• Ability to safeguard and promote the welfare of children.

Responsibilities

• Prepare Section 7 reports for child proceedings.
• Conduct thorough investigations into child circumstances.
• Assist the court in making decisions regarding child welfare.

Skills

experience in court work

knowledge of child welfare laws

ability to prepare Section 7 and Section 37 reports

excellent communication skills

Education

Degree in Social Work

Job description

Cafcass Brighton requires a Qualified Social Worker to join their team - Public Law.

Suitable candidates must have a degree in social work and at least 2-3 years post qualification experience working in a Children Team that ideally involved court work.

Cafcass is Children and Family Court Advisory and Support Service. Cafcass usually get involved in child proceedings once you or your former partner have submitted an application to the court. The role of Cafcass is to safeguard and promote the welfare of children by considering their needs, wishes and feelings in child cases.

What is a Section 7

A section 7 report is usually required when the court has requested for this to be commissioned either by Cafcass or the social services to assist them in reaching a decision on a child proceedings case concerning the welfare of a child. A report will assist the court in considering a family dispute between the parents and determining an outcome of the dispute.

A Cafcass section 7 report may be needed in one of the following matters:

• Child Arrangements Order - when deciding who the child is to live with and with who the child is to have contact.
• Prohibited Steps Order - preventing either parent from doing certain things or making decisions without the permission of the other parent.
• Specific Issue Order - an order to determine a specific question arising in relation to a child.

A report will contain background information, key facts and most importantly will set out the child's needs and wishes in accordance with the Welfare Checklist.

Section 37

A section 37 report is prepared when the courts become concerned surrounding the welfare of a child. The courts will order a section 27 report to address their concerns and essentially are asking the local authority to consider whether it should be taking further steps to protect a child.

The court directs the local authority to undertake a thorough investigation into the child's circumstances and report its findings to the court. The reporting of these findings is known as a section 37 report.

The report is usually ordered when the court seems that it may be appropriate for a care order or a supervision order to be made. Who prepares a section 37 report? The court will direct a social worker to compile a section 37 report. This can either be from the local authority in which the child is arising or a social worker from Cafcass.

If you are interested in this position, please apply or send your CV to Rebecca Knight.

Benefits of working with Eden Brown Synergy include:

• DBS check processed and paid for by Eden Brown Synergy.
• Referral bonus if you refer a colleague or friend to us.
• Bonus for finding your own job.
• Twice weekly payroll.
• Dedicated recruitment consultant who will support you throughout your job search, employment and beyond.

Eden Brown Synergy is committed to equality in the workplace and is an equal opportunity employer.