Job summary
In Cafcass Cymru we support thousands of children and families in family court proceedings each year.� Our purpose is to safeguard the child and ensure their voice is heard within the family justice system.� The child�s future is at the heart of every recommendation made and every action taken by Cafcass Cymru.
Our goals:
As a learning organisation, Cafcass Cymru is strongly committed to continuing to invest in our staff to maintain consistent levels of quality, develop our services and innovate and continuously improve in response to future challenges.� Our goals are to:
1. Provide the best quality service to support improved outcomes for every child, young person and family we work with.
2. Create an environment and learning culture where staff feel valued, and their well-being is supported.
3. Share our knowledge, learn from partners and use our collective influence to improve the family justice system and children�s social care in Wales.
The role:
The role of Cafcass Cymru�s Family Court Advisers is to represent the wishes, feelings and best interests of children and young people involved in family court proceedings in Wales, providing high quality, independent social work advice that protects and promotes their welfare, leading to safe outcomes.�
To be a Family Court Adviser you must hold a recognised social work qualification social and already registered with, or eligible to be registered with Social Care Wales. You must have knowledge and experience of safeguarding children and young people within a statutory sector.
Our work is demanding; therefore, you will need to be resilient and organised, can work proportionately, with strong IT skills and excellent verbal and written communication skills.
This 1 year fixed term appointment, provides you with a unique opportunity of tasting all aspects of working with Cafcass Cymru - the work, the culture and the opportunity to shape and influence the lives of the children and their families in Wales. Cafcass Cymru would welcome your interest.
We are actively committed to becoming an increasingly diverse organisation with a workforce that reflects the diversity of the children and families we work with. We particularly welcome applications from individuals from diverse backgrounds with a range of lived and professional social work experiences. This is supported by our dynamic approach to learning and development and there are several Diversity networks which staff can participate in, which include The Minority Ethnic Staff Network, PRISM LGBTI+ Network, and the Women Together Network.
Job description
The role of Cafcass Cymru�s Family Court Advisers is to represent the wishes, feelings and best interests of children and young people involved in family court proceedings in Wales, providing high quality, independent social work advice that protects and promotes their welfare, leading to safe outcomes.�
To be a Family Court Adviser you must hold a recognised social work qualification social and already registered with, or eligible to be registered with Social Care Wales. You must have knowledge and experience of safeguarding children and young people within a statutory sector.
Our work is demanding; therefore, you will need to be resilient and organised, can work proportionately, with strong IT skills and excellent verbal and written communication skills.
This 1 year fixed term appointment, provides you with a unique opportunity of tasting all aspects of working with Cafcass Cymru - the work, the culture and the opportunity to shape and influence the lives of the children and their families in Wales. Cafcass Cymru would welcome your interest.
We are actively committed to becoming an increasingly diverse organisation with a workforce that reflects the diversity of the children and families we work with. We particularly welcome applications from individuals from diverse backgrounds with a range of lived and professional social work experiences. This is supported by our dynamic approach to learning and development and there are several Diversity networks which staff can participate in, which include The Minority Ethnic Staff Network, PRISM LGBTI+ Network, and the Women Together Network.
Person specification
As a Family Court Adviser, you will be working directly with vulnerable children and families, to advise the family courts on the best course of action for the child or young person. You will work with parents, relatives, local authorities, and the courts, and demonstrate your understanding of what the child needs, wants, and feels.
Your key tasks will include:
4. Carry a case load of private and/or public law cases.
5. Provide professional social work advice and assistance to Courts to achieve a timely conclusion to proceedings and secure the best possible outcome for the child based on their individual needs and best interests.
6. Provide high quality evidence (orally and in writing) to the Court.
7. Ensure that the child�s welfare is paramount throughout proceedings, including ensuring the child is safeguarded in line with organisational requirements and the All-Wales Safeguarding Procedures.
8. Ensure the appointment and instruction of legal representation for the child as required and in line with statutory and organisational requirements.
9. Ensure the child�s wishes and feelings are appropriately considered and reported upon in a timely and high-quality fashion as part of family proceedings.
10. Advise and assist parents and other relevant parties, in dispute, aiming to reduce conflict and minimise the need for court intervention.
11. Work effectively with partner organisations, stakeholders and people who use our service, whilst maintaining the required independence as part of proceedings.
12. Keep up to date with changes in legislation, guidance, court rules, policies, procedures, and best practice developments.
13. Comply with organisational policies, procedures, statutory requirements, and court rules in the delivery of services to children and families involved in family proceedings.
14. Be responsible for personal learning and development in accordance with the registration requirements of Social Care Wales and the Welsh Government�s performance management process.
15. Work as a team member, attend relevant meetings and contribute to the effectiveness and wider planning of Cafcass Cymru as required.
16. Provide management information on workloads, practice and performance as required.
17. Use ICT effectively for case planning and recording and to support service delivery.
18. Represent Cafcass Cymru and the Welsh Government in a professional manner conducive to always promoting a positive image.
Licences
A valid driving licence and motor insurance is required.
Qualifications
To be a Family Court Adviser you must hold a recognised social work qualification social and already registered with, or eligible to be registered with Social Care Wales.
Behaviours
We'll assess you against these behaviours during the selection process:
19. Making Effective Decisions
20. Leadership
21. Delivering at Pace
22. Managing a Quality Service
Benefits
23. Learning and development tailored to your role
24. An environment with flexible working options
25. A culture encouraging inclusion and diversity
26. A with an employer contribution of