We have an opportunity for an agency worker within the Work After First Hearing service covering Surrey/Sussex/Brighton.
*The role will involve supporting ongoing work while colleagues focus on the Pathfinder project, with a strong emphasis on Section 7 report writing.
*We are an approved supplier to Cafcass, a status achieved through a competitive process and maintained by consistently delivering quality, timely, and compliant services.
*As one of Cafcass’ preferred partners, we benefit from priority access to any Social Work vacancies they request external agency support for.
The role will involve the following:
*Working within the Private and/or Public Law teams, Children’s Social Workers (professionally known as Family Court Advisers) handle a mix of cases where families need support to agree on safe and appropriate arrangements for the child(ren), or where the local authority has raised serious concerns and requested Cafcass involvement.
*Key responsibilities for Children’s Social Workers include:
*Carrying out assessments and engaging directly with children to understand and present their views and wishes to the court.
*Applying expertise in risk assessment and mediation to advocate for arrangements that place the child’s best interests at the centre.
*Private Law – In cases where, after the first hearing, no agreement is reached or concerns remain about a child’s welfare, the court may request a Section 7 report. Responsibility for this work then transfers to the Work After First Hearing (WAFH) team.
*Public Law – In situations where a local authority applies to the court to intervene in a child’s life due to risk of significant harm, FCAs act as ’Children’s Guardians’. They serve as independent representatives, ensuring the child’s welfare is promoted and that decisions made are in their best interests.
*Face-to-face visits are part of the role.
*The position also offers extensive hybrid working.
Requirements of the role:
*Social Work qualified
*Social Work England registered
*Significant post-qualified experience in children and families social care (not subject to DfE rules).
*A strong commitment to seeing and hearing the child or children involved, undertaking direct work with children and families, and ensuring they remain at the centre of all report writing
*The ability to produce clear, focused, and analytical reports
*Excellent time management skills, with recognition that court deadlines are fixed and non-negotiable.
*Court experience and confidence in working within the court arena.
Please contact asap to discuss in more detail. We are offering £250 joining bonus for new starters with Reed.