Social Worker - Private Law

The Methodist Church in Britain; Birmingham; Hybrid; GBP 32,000 - 44,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

26 days' holiday + bank holidays

Holiday matching up to 31 days

Local Government Pension Scheme

Professional learning and development

High-quality training and supervision

Hybrid and flexible working

Job summary

Worcestershire County Council is seeking a permanent social worker to join the Permanency Planning and Support Team within Children's Safeguarding, supporting the Pathfinder pilot for private law family court cases. You will prepare Child Impact Reports and work with children, parents and Cafcass.

The role is 37 hours per week with hybrid working. Experience with private law orders such as Child Arrangements Orders is valued; court experience is desirable.

Qualifications

• Experience of court work, in public or private law

Responsibilities

• Prepare Child Impact Reports before the first court hearing
• Prepare s37 reports in line with national Pathfinder guidance
• Work directly with children, parents and carers to understand their experiences, wishes and feelings
• Liaise with Cafcass, the Family Court and partner agencies to support safe and timely outcomes
• Provide clear, evidence-based analysis and recommendations to assist courts and families in decision-making
• Maintain accurate and timely case records under statutory requirements and local policy
• Contribute to service learning and development within a reflective team

Job description

Permanent social worker post in the Permanency Planning and Support Team within Children's Safeguarding at Worcestershire County Council, supporting the rollout of the Pathfinder pilot for private law family court cases. The work centres on Child Impact Reports prepared before first hearings, working with children, parents, carers, Cafcass and the Family Court. It is 37 hours with hybrid working and needs a firm grasp of private law orders such as Child Arrangements Orders. Court experience is desirable rather than essential.

What the job involves

• Prepare Child Impact Reports before the first court hearing
• Prepare s37 reports in line with national Pathfinder guidance
• Work directly with children, parents and carers to understand their experiences, wishes and feelings
• Liaise with Cafcass, the Family Court and partner agencies to support safe and timely outcomes
• Provide clear, evidence-based analysis and recommendations to assist courts and families in decision-making
• Maintain accurate and timely case records under statutory requirements and local policy
• Contribute to service learning and development within a reflective team

Nice to have

• Experience of court work, in public or private law

What’s offered

• 26 days' paid holiday plus bank holidays, rising to 31 days after 5 years' service
• Holiday matching up to 31 days for those with more than 26 days elsewhere who join without a break
• Local Government Pension Scheme (career average)
• Professional learning and development opportunities
• Access to high-quality training, supervision and development
• Hybrid and flexible working