Cafcass
Newly Qualified Social Worker The Vacancy We have potential opportunities across the country, and we will also be hosting an online event on Monday 30th March to give you more information about the programme and locations. Details of this event are available at Working for Cafcass events Cafcass and you can also Register here. Few jobs are as important as protecting a child's needs and wishes. That's why our training programme gives Newly Qualified Social Workers (NQSWs) an exceptional grounding in children's social care. Over two years, we'll equip you to do something vital and amazing: to be the voice of the child in family court proceedings. You'll have the support from the Social Work Academy through your two programme with additional support for the first 12 months as the Social Work Academy will be your mentor and line manager. In 2026 we intend to recruit up to 18 NQSWs to join us and because we operate across England from 30+ offices, we have opportunities across the country. From Plymouth on the south coast, all the way up to Carlisle and Newcastle, we are recruiting for the very best talented, passionate individuals who can relate to our purpose. We'll be recruiting across the country at the below locations whilst these will be your office base and you'll work flexibly there will still be some travel around the surrounding area to support children and families, a map of the area can be located in the documents at the bottom of this page). You'll have the opportunity to select a first and second choice location in your application from. Birmingham Exeter Norwich Blackburn Hull Nottingham Bournemouth Leeds Oxford Brighton Leicester Peterborough Bristol Lincoln Plymouth Carlisle Liverpool Portsmouth Chelmsford London Reading Croydon Maidstone Sheffield Coventry Manchester Stevenage Derby Middlesborough Swindon Durham Newcastle York Working with us is very different to working with a local authority - as you'll hopefully discover. You could be supporting children who are involved in divorces, adoptions or care proceedings. They'll be depending on you and your determination and resilience are essential, along with a gift for communication. We want to develop social workers into highly skilled professionals who'll ensure that children come first in a complex legal system. To this end, we've developed an Academy to help every NQSW reach their full potential. Our Social Work Academy enables you to develop practice skills in a safe environment. Led by expert social workers, it will support your journey, enhance your expertise and ensure you work with confidence. As well as an empowering peer network, you'll have access to a mentor plus high levels of reflective supervision. Over the course of a structured three-year programme, you'll develop professional maturity, gain hands-on experience and achieve a respected qualification. In your first year, you will follow the ASYE (Assessed & Supported Year in Employment) programme with us, developing essential skills in private law proceedings under the guidance of our 78 experienced practice educators. During your second year, to further enhance your expertise in private law, you will continue to receive regular supervision and training. Additionally, you will be provided with opportunities for shadowing, specialised training, and comprehensive support to develop your skills in public law. Alongside the advertised salary we are pleased to offer payments linked to meeting key milestones up to £2,000. To find out more, we encourage you to read the Job Description (including Person Specification), NQSW Handbook by going to 'Documents' section and the key milestones document to understand how these payments will be paid. Still interested? If so, let us tell you a little about the basic criteria you need to be aware of. We're looking for soon-to-be qualified Social Workers (or those who've gained a recognised qualification since 2025) to join us. You will already have (or shortly will have) an undergraduate qualification a 2:1 or above, or if a postgraduate qualification this needs to be merit or higher. You will also need to have to be able to register with Social Work England by September so that you can commence your employment with us during October. Finally, to be eligible for the ASYE you will need to have not held a social work role previously or have commenced another ASYE programme If you are happy to go ahead and commence your application in the meantime, then of course feel free to do so, we look forward to receiving it and we will also then share the webinar details to provide you with further insight. If you have any questions to do with the role please email Debbie Blackshaw, if your question is to do with the recruitment process or HR-related please email Priya Kadara. Be Their Voice We are Cafcass - the Children and Family Court Advisory and Support Service - and we represent children in family court cases in England. Independently advising the family courts about what is safe for children and in their best interests, we speak up for over 130,0000 children every year when the family court makes critical decisions about their futures, ensuring their needs, wishes and feelings are heard. If our purpose resonates with you, and you share our ambitions for children - exceptional experiences, for every child, everywhere and every time - then if you join us, you will work alongside like-minded people in a diverse, inclusive and supportive organisation. You will be trusted to work flexibly and independently using outstanding technology (e.g. touchscreen laptops, iPhone, all with first class support, including IT Trainers) with access to substantial resources (e.g. Cafcass Library has over 27,000 resources on social work, child protection and related topics). You will also have opportunities to develop, whatever team you join, wherever you are in the country and at whatever stage you are at in your career.
Newly Qualified Social Worker The Vacancy We have potential opportunities across the country, and we will also be hosting an online event on Monday 30th March to give you more information about the programme and locations. Details of this event are available at Working for Cafcass events Cafcass and you can also Register here. Few jobs are as important as protecting a child's needs and wishes. That's why our training programme gives Newly Qualified Social Workers (NQSWs) an exceptional grounding in children's social care. Over two years, we'll equip you to do something vital and amazing: to be the voice of the child in family court proceedings. You'll have the support from the Social Work Academy through your two programme with additional support for the first 12 months as the Social Work Academy will be your mentor and line manager. In 2026 we intend to recruit up to 18 NQSWs to join us and because we operate across England from 30+ offices, we have opportunities across the country. From Plymouth on the south coast, all the way up to Carlisle and Newcastle, we are recruiting for the very best talented, passionate individuals who can relate to our purpose. We'll be recruiting across the country at the below locations whilst these will be your office base and you'll work flexibly there will still be some travel around the surrounding area to support children and families, a map of the area can be located in the documents at the bottom of this page). You'll have the opportunity to select a first and second choice location in your application from. Birmingham Exeter Norwich Blackburn Hull Nottingham Bournemouth Leeds Oxford Brighton Leicester Peterborough Bristol Lincoln Plymouth Carlisle Liverpool Portsmouth Chelmsford London Reading Croydon Maidstone Sheffield Coventry Manchester Stevenage Derby Middlesborough Swindon Durham Newcastle York Working with us is very different to working with a local authority - as you'll hopefully discover. You could be supporting children who are involved in divorces, adoptions or care proceedings. They'll be depending on you and your determination and resilience are essential, along with a gift for communication. We want to develop social workers into highly skilled professionals who'll ensure that children come first in a complex legal system. To this end, we've developed an Academy to help every NQSW reach their full potential. Our Social Work Academy enables you to develop practice skills in a safe environment. Led by expert social workers, it will support your journey, enhance your expertise and ensure you work with confidence. As well as an empowering peer network, you'll have access to a mentor plus high levels of reflective supervision. Over the course of a structured three-year programme, you'll develop professional maturity, gain hands-on experience and achieve a respected qualification. In your first year, you will follow the ASYE (Assessed & Supported Year in Employment) programme with us, developing essential skills in private law proceedings under the guidance of our 78 experienced practice educators. During your second year, to further enhance your expertise in private law, you will continue to receive regular supervision and training. Additionally, you will be provided with opportunities for shadowing, specialised training, and comprehensive support to develop your skills in public law. Alongside the advertised salary we are pleased to offer payments linked to meeting key milestones up to £2,000. To find out more, we encourage you to read the Job Description (including Person Specification), NQSW Handbook by going to 'Documents' section and the key milestones document to understand how these payments will be paid. Still interested? If so, let us tell you a little about the basic criteria you need to be aware of. We're looking for soon-to-be qualified Social Workers (or those who've gained a recognised qualification since 2025) to join us. You will already have (or shortly will have) an undergraduate qualification a 2:1 or above, or if a postgraduate qualification this needs to be merit or higher. You will also need to have to be able to register with Social Work England by September so that you can commence your employment with us during October. Finally, to be eligible for the ASYE you will need to have not held a social work role previously or have commenced another ASYE programme If you are happy to go ahead and commence your application in the meantime, then of course feel free to do so, we look forward to receiving it and we will also then share the webinar details to provide you with further insight. If you have any questions to do with the role please email Debbie Blackshaw, if your question is to do with the recruitment process or HR-related please email Priya Kadara. Be Their Voice We are Cafcass - the Children and Family Court Advisory and Support Service - and we represent children in family court cases in England. Independently advising the family courts about what is safe for children and in their best interests, we speak up for over 130,0000 children every year when the family court makes critical decisions about their futures, ensuring their needs, wishes and feelings are heard. If our purpose resonates with you, and you share our ambitions for children - exceptional experiences, for every child, everywhere and every time - then if you join us, you will work alongside like-minded people in a diverse, inclusive and supportive organisation. You will be trusted to work flexibly and independently using outstanding technology (e.g. touchscreen laptops, iPhone, all with first class support, including IT Trainers) with access to substantial resources (e.g. Cafcass Library has over 27,000 resources on social work, child protection and related topics). You will also have opportunities to develop, whatever team you join, wherever you are in the country and at whatever stage you are at in your career.
Cafcass
Bristol, Gloucestershire
Children's Social Worker The Vacancy We are offering a £4,000 'Professional Joining Incentive' if you successfully join one of our teams in this area. You can find out further information about this incentive and the associated terms and conditions by accessing the relevant vacancy document. At Cafcass, we're recruiting Children's Social Workers who share our passion, commitment and ambition to facilitate positive outcomes for children involved in private and public law family court proceedings. Our Social Workers - professionally known as Family Court Advisers (FCAs) - play a vital role. You might work within Private Law team, where there is disagreement on the best arrangements for the welfare of the child(ren) involved), a Public Law team, where local authorities have raised serious welfare concerns, or a converged team covering both law types. Whatever the team you join, the underlying role is the same - to speak on behalf of children and young people to ensure their thoughts, wishes and feelings are not just understood but heard. As the only organisation that does this kind of work, FCAs can make recommendations leading to lasting change for children and families, which is why this it is responsibility we take seriously. And why we're committed to creating a safe, healthy and supportive environment for our colleagues to practice. What you'll be doing As a FCA at Cafcass, you will: Complete high quality assessments, engaging directly with children to understand their experiences, wishes and feelings - and ensure these are clearly and powerfully represented to the family court. Apply your expertise in risk assessment, analysis and mediation, advocating for solutions that place the child's safety, wellbeing and long term interests at the centre of decision making. Work with adults, local authorities, and a wide range of professionals to help resolve complex issues and influence better outcomes for children. Who we're looking for: We're looking for practitioners who are confident, curious, compassionate and committed to excellent social work practice. To join us, you'll need: A Social Work qualification is essential. Have the Right to Work in the UK (we don't sponsor people to work in the UK). Registered with Social Work England (or likely to be able to register quickly if practising outside England). Recent, relevant experience of working directly with children and families. It's desirable you'll have experience in family court proceedings, or knowledge of Private and/or Public Law. For applicants with limited post qualifying experience, relevant pre qualifying experience supporting children and families may be beneficial. Strong organisational skills, professional resilience and the ability to work independently while effectively managing a varied caseload. You can view the full job description in the vacancy documents. Where you'll work Our Social Workers work flexibly across multiple settings - including the offices in either Bristol, Swindon, Reading, and Oxford, home, courts, schools and other appropriate, safe locations, and we ensure you have the technology to do this. Shared learning is very important to us, and we bring our teams together regularly, both remotely and in-person, for team meetings and group supervision, which creates space to connect with peers and managers, reflect on practice, and feel supported. You'll also have regular 1:1 time with your manager, especially during your induction, and again there will be a balance between doing this remotely and in-person, so you have opportunities to form in-person connections. If shortlisted, the hiring manager will be able to give you more insight into what a typical week or month might look like should you join us. How we support you As the largest employer of Children's Social Workers in England, we're uniquely placed to support your professional growth and wellbeing. At Cafcass, you'll benefit from: High quality equipment and technology to help you work efficiently and engage with families effectively. Access to specialist resources, guidance and training to strengthen your practice. A strong commitment to wellbeing, reflective supervision and healthy work-life balance. An inclusive environment that values diversity, encourages learning and constantly strives to improve outcomes for children, families and colleagues alike. You can find more about how we support our practitioners on our website, and we'll share more during the selection process. Next steps Below we have set out an indicative timetable we are hoping to work towards, although dates are subject to change. Closing date: 13th April 2026. Telephone interviews: TBC. Final Interview: TBC. If you have any questions about the role or recruitment process, please contact - Before applying, we encourage you to read about our offer and pre-employment checks . Any questions or concerns can be confidentially raised through your application. Successful applicants will complete several pre engagement checks, including a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check. If any criminal offences are disclosed, we will conduct an individual assessment in line with the DBS code of practice and the Cafcass DBS policy . We look forward to receiving your application! Be Their Voice We are Cafcass - the Children and Family Court Advisory and Support Service - and we represent children in family court cases in England. Independently advising the family courts about what is safe for children and in their best interests, we speak up for over 140,0000 children every year when the family court makes critical decisions about their futures, ensuring their needs, wishes and feelings are heard. Watch our video to find out we don't just listen to children's voices but we can be their voice. If our purpose resonates with you, and you share our ambitions for children - exceptional experiences, for every child, everywhere and every time - then if you join us, you will work alongside like-minded people in a diverse, inclusive and supportive organisation. You will be trusted to work flexibly and independently using outstanding technology (e.g. touchscreen laptops, iPhone, all with first class support, including IT Trainers) with access to substantial resources (e.g. Cafcass Library has over 27,000 resources on social work, child protection and related topics). You will also have opportunities to develop, whatever team you join, wherever you are in the country and at whatever stage you are at in your career. Whether you join us in one of our social work roles that work directly with children and families or our corporate and business services teams who provide technology, support and expertise, you will have the chance to make a difference for children and families. You can also find out more at . Wellbeing The wellbeing of our colleagues is something we are truly passionate about, as demonstrated by everyone having four dedicated, additional days per year when they are encouraged to spend time focusing on their health and wellbeing. Colleagues can also have a health and wellbeing cash plan, for which Cafcass pays the basic premium (you can upgrade to include family members), which allows them to claim back some costs of routine health expenses, including dental check-ups, eye tests, physiotherapy sessions and more. Overall, we foster a holistic approach to supporting our colleagues, benefitting physical, mental and financial health. This is led by a dedicated in-house team, the benefits of which include meaning support is targeted and specific to what colleagues need. Our team can also offer support and guidance when it comes to specific health conditions, such as neuro-diverse conditions, cancer and the menopause. Our wellbeing offer is further strengthened by an external Employee Assistance Provider (EAP) which provides a free confidential support service 24 hours a day. This means access to clinical and professional expertise which gives you a chance to talk about all kinds of work and personal issues. If this wasn't enough, we are especially proud that over 125 colleagues have completed training and receive ongoing support to act as Health and Wellbeing Champions. Furthermore, we have nearly 100 people that have trained to be Mental Health Allies.
Children's Social Worker The Vacancy We are offering a £4,000 'Professional Joining Incentive' if you successfully join one of our teams in this area. You can find out further information about this incentive and the associated terms and conditions by accessing the relevant vacancy document. At Cafcass, we're recruiting Children's Social Workers who share our passion, commitment and ambition to facilitate positive outcomes for children involved in private and public law family court proceedings. Our Social Workers - professionally known as Family Court Advisers (FCAs) - play a vital role. You might work within Private Law team, where there is disagreement on the best arrangements for the welfare of the child(ren) involved), a Public Law team, where local authorities have raised serious welfare concerns, or a converged team covering both law types. Whatever the team you join, the underlying role is the same - to speak on behalf of children and young people to ensure their thoughts, wishes and feelings are not just understood but heard. As the only organisation that does this kind of work, FCAs can make recommendations leading to lasting change for children and families, which is why this it is responsibility we take seriously. And why we're committed to creating a safe, healthy and supportive environment for our colleagues to practice. What you'll be doing As a FCA at Cafcass, you will: Complete high quality assessments, engaging directly with children to understand their experiences, wishes and feelings - and ensure these are clearly and powerfully represented to the family court. Apply your expertise in risk assessment, analysis and mediation, advocating for solutions that place the child's safety, wellbeing and long term interests at the centre of decision making. Work with adults, local authorities, and a wide range of professionals to help resolve complex issues and influence better outcomes for children. Who we're looking for: We're looking for practitioners who are confident, curious, compassionate and committed to excellent social work practice. To join us, you'll need: A Social Work qualification is essential. Have the Right to Work in the UK (we don't sponsor people to work in the UK). Registered with Social Work England (or likely to be able to register quickly if practising outside England). Recent, relevant experience of working directly with children and families. It's desirable you'll have experience in family court proceedings, or knowledge of Private and/or Public Law. For applicants with limited post qualifying experience, relevant pre qualifying experience supporting children and families may be beneficial. Strong organisational skills, professional resilience and the ability to work independently while effectively managing a varied caseload. You can view the full job description in the vacancy documents. Where you'll work Our Social Workers work flexibly across multiple settings - including the offices in either Bristol, Swindon, Reading, and Oxford, home, courts, schools and other appropriate, safe locations, and we ensure you have the technology to do this. Shared learning is very important to us, and we bring our teams together regularly, both remotely and in-person, for team meetings and group supervision, which creates space to connect with peers and managers, reflect on practice, and feel supported. You'll also have regular 1:1 time with your manager, especially during your induction, and again there will be a balance between doing this remotely and in-person, so you have opportunities to form in-person connections. If shortlisted, the hiring manager will be able to give you more insight into what a typical week or month might look like should you join us. How we support you As the largest employer of Children's Social Workers in England, we're uniquely placed to support your professional growth and wellbeing. At Cafcass, you'll benefit from: High quality equipment and technology to help you work efficiently and engage with families effectively. Access to specialist resources, guidance and training to strengthen your practice. A strong commitment to wellbeing, reflective supervision and healthy work-life balance. An inclusive environment that values diversity, encourages learning and constantly strives to improve outcomes for children, families and colleagues alike. You can find more about how we support our practitioners on our website, and we'll share more during the selection process. Next steps Below we have set out an indicative timetable we are hoping to work towards, although dates are subject to change. Closing date: 13th April 2026. Telephone interviews: TBC. Final Interview: TBC. If you have any questions about the role or recruitment process, please contact - Before applying, we encourage you to read about our offer and pre-employment checks . Any questions or concerns can be confidentially raised through your application. Successful applicants will complete several pre engagement checks, including a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check. If any criminal offences are disclosed, we will conduct an individual assessment in line with the DBS code of practice and the Cafcass DBS policy . We look forward to receiving your application! Be Their Voice We are Cafcass - the Children and Family Court Advisory and Support Service - and we represent children in family court cases in England. Independently advising the family courts about what is safe for children and in their best interests, we speak up for over 140,0000 children every year when the family court makes critical decisions about their futures, ensuring their needs, wishes and feelings are heard. Watch our video to find out we don't just listen to children's voices but we can be their voice. If our purpose resonates with you, and you share our ambitions for children - exceptional experiences, for every child, everywhere and every time - then if you join us, you will work alongside like-minded people in a diverse, inclusive and supportive organisation. You will be trusted to work flexibly and independently using outstanding technology (e.g. touchscreen laptops, iPhone, all with first class support, including IT Trainers) with access to substantial resources (e.g. Cafcass Library has over 27,000 resources on social work, child protection and related topics). You will also have opportunities to develop, whatever team you join, wherever you are in the country and at whatever stage you are at in your career. Whether you join us in one of our social work roles that work directly with children and families or our corporate and business services teams who provide technology, support and expertise, you will have the chance to make a difference for children and families. You can also find out more at . Wellbeing The wellbeing of our colleagues is something we are truly passionate about, as demonstrated by everyone having four dedicated, additional days per year when they are encouraged to spend time focusing on their health and wellbeing. Colleagues can also have a health and wellbeing cash plan, for which Cafcass pays the basic premium (you can upgrade to include family members), which allows them to claim back some costs of routine health expenses, including dental check-ups, eye tests, physiotherapy sessions and more. Overall, we foster a holistic approach to supporting our colleagues, benefitting physical, mental and financial health. This is led by a dedicated in-house team, the benefits of which include meaning support is targeted and specific to what colleagues need. Our team can also offer support and guidance when it comes to specific health conditions, such as neuro-diverse conditions, cancer and the menopause. Our wellbeing offer is further strengthened by an external Employee Assistance Provider (EAP) which provides a free confidential support service 24 hours a day. This means access to clinical and professional expertise which gives you a chance to talk about all kinds of work and personal issues. If this wasn't enough, we are especially proud that over 125 colleagues have completed training and receive ongoing support to act as Health and Wellbeing Champions. Furthermore, we have nearly 100 people that have trained to be Mental Health Allies.
