Family Court Adviser – Work After First Hearing

About the role

The Family Court Adviser (FCA) will join Cafcass in Stevenage to support the Work After First Hearing service for private and public law cases. You will split time between the office and visits to courts and families across Hertfordshire and Bedfordshire, helping to ensure children’s welfare is central to every decision.

Key responsibilities

• Conduct assessments and engage directly with children to capture their views for the court.
• Prepare Section 7 reports for private law cases where the court needs guidance on child safety.
• Represent the child’s interests in public law applications where local authorities seek court intervention.
• Provide oral evidence in court without a solicitor or barrister present.
• Collaborate with social workers, legal teams and families to reach safe, sustainable arrangements.

Required profile

• Qualified Social Worker, registered with Social Work England.
• Minimum 2‑3 years post‑qualification experience in children and families social care.
• Recent experience of private and/or public law work.
• Confidence and competence in a court environment.
• Strong assessment, case analysis and risk‑assessment abilities.

Required skills

• Risk assessment
• Mediation
• Oral advocacy in court
• Written report production (Section 7)

What we offer

• Hybrid working – one day in the Stevenage office plus flexible field visits.
• Competitive hourly rate (£36.50‑£37.75) – negotiable based on experience.
• Opportunity to make a tangible difference to children’s lives.