Social Worker - Private Law

Worcestershire County Council; Worcester; On-site; GBP 35,000 - 43,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Great holiday entitlement

LGPS pension

Professional learning & development

Hybrid / flexible working

Job summary

Worcestershire County Council is seeking a Social Worker for the Private Law pathway in Worcester. Join the Pathfinder rollout to place the child’s voice at the center of private law proceedings, producing Child Impact Reports before hearings and working with families to resolve disputes constructively.

You will collaborate with Cafcass, the Family Court and partner agencies, delivering clear, evidence-based analyses to aid decision-making while safeguarding children and contributing to service

Qualifications

• Produce high-quality Child Impact Reports and s37s per Pathfinder guidance.
• Engage with children, parents and carers to understand experiences, wishes and feelings.
• Liaise with Cafcass, Family Court and partner agencies to support safe outcomes.
• Provide evidence-based analysis and recommendations for court decisions.
• Maintain accurate case records in line with statutory requirements and policy.
• Contribute to service learning and development in a reflective team.
• Strong understanding of private law and the orders it may create.

Responsibilities

• Complete Child Impact Reports before first hearings.
• Contribute to understanding child needs to reduce delays.
• Work with domestic abuse services and other agencies.
• Support shaping the future of family justice in Worcestershire.

Skills

Child protection

Assessment & reporting

Empathy & communication

Collaborative work

Job description

Job Title: Social Worker - Private Law
Salary:£34,811 to £43,149 per annum, plus£4,000 annual marketforces
37 Hours per Week
Location: Wildwood
Team: Permanency Planning and Support Team
Permanent

The Role

Worcestershire County Council are looking for skilled,child-focused Social Workers to join the rollout of the Pathfinder model in Worcestershire.

Pathfinder is a pioneering approach to private law family court cases that puts thechild’s voice and experience at the centre of every decision. This is a new and transformative pilot scheme, now being introduced in the Worcestershire. It aims to break the cycle of lengthy, adversarial proceedings by helping families resolve disputes earlier and more constructively.

As a Social Worker in this team, you will be completing Child Impact Reports, a report prepared before the first hearing. The early intervention helps courts and families understand the child’s needs from the outset, reducing delays and conflict.

You’ll be part of a forward-thinking and supportive team helping to shape the future of family justice — with real potential to make a lasting difference in children’s lives.

We are looking for Social Workers who are:

• Passionate about improving outcomes for children, especially those affected by parental separation and conflict
• Confident in engaging with families during emotionally charged situations, with empathy and professionalism.
• Skilled in assessment and report writing, able to produce clear, focused Child Impact Reports that inform Court decisions.
• Collaborative and proactive, working closely with domestic abuse services and other agencies
• Committed to safeguarding, with a strong understanding of trauma-informed practice and the impact of separation and conflict on children

About You

We’re seeking a passionate, skilled andconfident practitioner who:

• Will produce good quality Child Impact Reports and s37s in line with national Pathfinder guidance.
• Work directly with children, parents and carers to understand their experiences, wishes and feelings.
• Liaise effectively with Cafcass, the Family Court, and partner agencies to support safe and timely outcomes.
• Provide clear, evidence-based analysis and recommendations to assist the court and families in decision-making.
• Maintain accurate and timely case records in accordance with statutory requirements and local policy.
• Contribute to service learning and development as part of a reflective and supportive team environment.
• Have a strong understanding of private law work, including the types of orders the court may make (e.g. Child Arrangements Orders, Prohibited Steps Orders, Specific Issue Orders), and how these impact children and families.

Experience of court work (public or private law) is highly desirable, but full training and professionalsupport will be provided.

Why Join Us

• Work within a supportive, reflective and forward thinking environment.
• Access high-quality training, supervision and development opportunities.
• Enjoy flexible and hybrid working arrangements.
• Join a service that values innovation, professional integrity, and putting children first.

For further information please contact: (Maria White Please on 01905 846009 or email [e-mail])

Benefits

You’ll find an overview of the benefits Worcestershire County Council have to offer on our webpage

• Worcestershire County Council - Why work for us?

Some of these offers include:

• Great Holiday Entitlement:As well as bank holidays, you'll get 26 days paid holiday (pro rata for part-time staff). This goes up to 31 days when you have been with us for 5 years. If you get more than 26 days where you work now, don't worry because if you join us without a break, we'll match your holiday up to 31 days. If you’re successful and want to take advantage of this do let us know!
• Brilliant Pension Scheme:The Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS) is a nationwide, career average pension scheme and is a valuable part of the pay and reward package for employees working in local government.
• Professional Learning & Development:We actively encourage learning and development for all our staff should they want to progress further or explore other areas within the organisation.
• Flexible Working:We are proud to offer hybrid working to provide a better work/life balance where possible.

Disclosure Barring Service (DBS)

This post is exempt under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and as such appointment will be conditional upon the receipt of a satisfactoryresponse to a check of criminal records via the Disclosure and Barring Service before the appointment is confirmed. This will include details of cautions, reprimands, or final warnings, as well as convictions. The County Council has acommitment to safeguarding service users in our care.

Equality & Diversity

The County Council iscommitted to equality of opportunity for all citizens and celebrates the diversity of all its residents.

Application Closing Date: 30.10.2026

Anticipated Interview Date: TBC

Attached documents

Children's Social Worker JD PS.pdf