The posting
Contract to start ASAP
Duration: 12 weeks with a possible extension.
Full job description
Family Court Adviser (SWE Registered) – Cafcass
Hours: Full-time (37 hours per week)
Contract: 12-week temporary contract from 9 November 2026 to 31 January 2027
Support Children and Families Through the Family Court Process
We're recruiting an experienced Family Court Adviser to join Cafcass, based at 4 Temple Row, Birmingham, B2 5HG.
This is a specialist social work role supporting children and families involved in private and public law family court proceedings. You'll provide independent advice to the Family Court, ensuring that the wishes, feelings, safety and welfare of children remain central to decision-making.
You'll work directly with children, parents, carers, legal professionals, local authorities and other agencies, carrying out assessments, preparing court reports and presenting professional recommendations to the judiciary.
About the Role
As a Family Court Adviser, you'll manage a caseload of complex family court matters, undertaking evidence-based assessments and providing clear, balanced and child-focused advice.
You'll be responsible for analysing risk, safeguarding concerns, family dynamics and the impact of proposed arrangements on children, while ensuring all work meets statutory, professional and Cafcass standards.
What you'll be doing:
- Working directly with children and families involved in family court proceedings
- Undertaking child-focused assessments to understand children's wishes, feelings, needs and circumstances
- Assessing safeguarding risks including domestic abuse, neglect, substance misuse, parental conflict and other welfare concerns
- Preparing high-quality court reports with clear analysis and professional recommendations
- Providing independent advice to the Family Court on arrangements that best promote the child's welfare
- Attending court hearings and presenting evidence where required
- Working closely with judges, solicitors, barristers, local authorities and partner agencies
- Engaging with parents, carers and wider family members to gather relevant information
- Reviewing case records, assessments and professional evidence
- Applying relevant legislation, statutory guidance and professional standards
- Completing robust risk assessments and escalating safeguarding concerns appropriately
- Managing a complex caseload and prioritising work in line with court deadlines
- Maintaining accurate and timely case records
- Participating in professional supervision and case discussions
- Contributing to multi-agency working to ensure children are safeguarded effectively
- Supporting children to have their voice heard throughout the court process
- Maintaining professional boundaries, confidentiality and impartiality
Requirements
We're looking for a qualified and experienced Social Worker with strong safeguarding, assessment and court-related experience.
You'll need:
- Current Social Work England registration
- A recognised Social Work qualification
- Post-qualifying experience working with children and families
- Strong safeguarding and child protection experience
- Experience carrying out complex assessments
- Experience working with children and families in high-risk or high-conflict situations
- Strong report-writing and analytical skills
- Ability to make clear, evidence-based professional recommendations
- Confidence working with legal professionals and within court processes
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
- Ability to engage effectively with children, parents and professionals
- Strong understanding of relevant children's legislation and safeguarding frameworks
- Ability to manage a demanding caseload and meet strict court deadlines
- Ability to work independently and exercise sound professional judgement
- Strong record-keeping and case management skills
- Eligibility to work in the UK
- Ability to complete an enhanced DBS and other required pre-employment checks
Why Apply
- Opportunity to work with Cafcass in a specialist Family Court Adviser role
- Competitive Umbrella rate of £33.50 per hour
- Meaningful role supporting children and families through complex court proceedings
- Opportunity to work closely with the judiciary and legal professionals
- Chance to build specialist family court and safeguarding experience
- Full-time 37-hour working week
- 12-week temporary assignment
Benefits
- Weekly Pay
- Company Pension
- Ongoing Agency Support
Additional Information
Client: Cafcass
Job Title: Family Court Adviser (SWE Registered)
Location: 4 Temple Row, Birmingham, B2 5HG
Positions Available: 1
Hours: 37 hours per week
Start Date: 9 November 2026
End Date: 31 January 2027
Contract Duration: 12 weeks
Contract Type: Temporary
Pay Rate: Umbrella: £33.50 per hour
Job Types: Full-time, Temporary contract
Pay: £33.50 per hour
Benefits:
- Company pension
Application question(s):
- Are you currently registered with Social Work England?
- Do you have post-qualifying experience working with children and families?
- Do you have experience completing safeguarding assessments and producing court reports?
- Are you confident working with legal professionals and presenting evidence in a court environment?
- Are you able to reliably travel to 4 Temple Row, Birmingham, B2 5HG?
- Are you available to start from 9 November 2026?
Experience:
- Children & Families Social Work: 2 years (required)
- Safeguarding / Child Protection: 2 years (required)
- Court Work / Family Proceedings: 1 year (preferred)
Licence/Certification:
- Social Work England Registration (required)
- Recognised Social Work Qualification (required)
Work authorisation:
- United Kingdom (required)
Disclaimer: On applying for this vacancy, you agree that your personal details will be passed onto our client for their consideration of your suitability for the role. I acknowledge that it is my responsibility to notify iWork Recruitment Limited of any hirer who I do not want my details to be passed onto.
OR119955-10-26
